GreenStar Homes Certification logo
Pillar
Tier
Project
Materials & Environmental Impact Required from Platinum New construction only Sustainable Materials

Floorscore or Green Label Plus Carpet

Any new carpet is Floorscore or Green Label Plus certified.

Spec

Any new carpet is Floorscore or Green Label Plus certified.

Applies uniformly from Platinum upward.

Scope

Any newly installed carpet in the dwelling. Existing carpet that is being kept in place is exempt.

Requirements

  1. 01.

    All new carpet must be FloorScore-certified OR Green Label Plus-certified for indoor air quality.

  2. 02.

    Carpet pad must also be certified (FloorScore or Green Label).

  3. 03.

    Adhesives (where used) must be low-VOC, meeting SCAQMD Rule 1168 or equivalent.

Documentation

Evidence the inspector / Institute will need.

  1. 01.

    Carpet spec sheets showing FloorScore or Green Label Plus certification.

  2. 02.

    Pad spec sheet with certification.

  3. 03.

    Adhesive spec sheet showing VOC content < 50 g/L.

Guidance

Why carpet is the IAQ requirement at Platinum

Carpet is the largest single VOC-emitting surface in many homes — formaldehyde from backing, styrene-butadiene from latex, and 4-PCH (the "new carpet smell"). Certified carpet emits these at low enough levels to meet CDPH 01350 standards for sensitive populations. Pad and adhesive are equally important — uncertified pad under certified carpet defeats the purpose.

Note

For lowest IAQ impact, consider hard-surface flooring with area rugs (which can be replaced and washed) instead of wall-to-wall carpet. The Platinum requirement applies only when new carpet IS installed.

Resources