VOC Certifications Explained Glue-Down LVT · FloorScore · GREENGUARD Gold · CA Section 01350
VOC certifications verify that a glue-down LVT product emits regulated volatile organic compounds below specified concentration limits under controlled laboratory test conditions. For commercial projects with indoor air quality (IAQ) requirements — particularly healthcare, K–12 education, and LEED-certified buildings — VOC certifications are commonly required as part of product submittals. The most widely recognized programs for resilient flooring in North America are FloorScore and GREENGUARD Gold. Reference-only: no product recommendations.
FloorScore (SCS Global) certifies resilient flooring against CA Section 01350 / CDPH v1.2 emission limits. GREENGUARD Gold (UL) applies stricter thresholds for sensitive-occupant environments and is required for LEED v4 IAQ credits. Certificates expire annually — verify current status. The flooring VOC certification does not cover the installation adhesive, which must be evaluated separately.
VOC Certification Programs
FloorScore (SCS Global)
FloorScore is the primary third-party VOC certification program for resilient flooring in North America, administered by SCS Global Services. Certification is based on testing against California Section 01350 / CDPH Standard Method v1.2 — a small-chamber emission test that measures specific VOC concentrations (including formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, total VOCs, and individual compounds of concern) at defined conditions and time intervals after product conditioning. FloorScore is recognized for LEED v4 and v4.1 IAQ credits when the stricter GREENGUARD Gold tier is not required, and is accepted by many state and federal procurement standards for low-emitting materials. Certificates are product-specific and valid for one year, subject to ongoing surveillance testing.
GREENGUARD and GREENGUARD Gold (UL)
GREENGUARD is UL's indoor air quality certification program. Standard GREENGUARD certifies products against UL 2818 emission limits. GREENGUARD Gold (formerly GREENGUARD Children & Schools) applies stricter emission thresholds based on California's standards for sensitive-occupant environments — specifically schools, healthcare facilities, and spaces frequented by children or elderly occupants. GREENGUARD Gold is required for LEED v4 Low-Emitting Materials credits for flooring. Products certified to standard GREENGUARD (not Gold) may not satisfy the LEED v4 credit requirement. Both tiers require annual re-certification and surveillance testing.
VOC Certifications and the Adhesive System
For glue-down LVT, the adhesive used during installation is a significant independent source of VOC emissions — and a flooring VOC certification does not cover it. Pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSA) typically have lower VOC emissions than solvent-based adhesives. Two-component polyurethane adhesives and some epoxy formulations may have different VOC profiles during the curing phase. For projects requiring low-VOC installations, the adhesive VOC certification should be reviewed alongside the flooring certification. Many manufacturers maintain approved adhesive lists that include VOC-certified options; selecting an adhesive from the approved list also protects the flooring system warranty.
Spec Sheet Checklist
- Identify the certification program — FloorScore or GREENGUARD Gold are the most commonly accepted; confirm which tier is required by the project specification.
- Verify the certificate is current — FloorScore and GREENGUARD Gold certificates expire annually and must be valid at time of installation.
- Confirm the certificate scope — certificates are product-specific and may not apply to all colors, thicknesses, or SKUs in a line.
- Check the adhesive VOC certification separately — the flooring certificate does not cover the adhesive system used during installation.
- Retain copies of current certificates for project closeout documentation and any future warranty claims that reference installation conditions.
FAQ
Does VOC certification mean the product has no odor? ⌄
No. VOC certifications verify that regulated compounds are below specified concentration limits in controlled tests — they do not certify that the product is odor-free. Some compounds contributing to perceptible odor are not among the regulated VOCs, and newly installed LVT or adhesive can produce detectable odors during the off-gassing period even when certified. Adequate ventilation during and after installation is recommended regardless of certification status.
What is the difference between GREENGUARD and GREENGUARD Gold? ⌄
GREENGUARD is UL's standard certification with defined emission limits. GREENGUARD Gold applies stricter thresholds designed for environments with sensitive occupants — schools, healthcare, childcare. GREENGUARD Gold is the tier required for LEED v4 Low-Emitting Materials credits for flooring. A product certified to standard GREENGUARD (not Gold) may not qualify for LEED v4 credits. Check the specific LEED credit requirement before specifying products based on certification tier.
Does a VOC certification for the flooring cover the adhesive as well? ⌄
No. A flooring VOC certification applies only to the flooring product — not to the adhesive used during installation. For glue-down LVT, the adhesive is an independent source of VOC emissions and must be evaluated separately. Many manufacturers maintain approved adhesive lists that include low-VOC certified options. For projects with IAQ requirements, both the flooring and the adhesive VOC certifications should be documented and submitted together.
How long do VOC certificates remain valid? ⌄
FloorScore and GREENGUARD/GREENGUARD Gold certificates are typically valid for one year and must be renewed through ongoing surveillance testing. Certificates carry expiration dates, and current certification status can be verified on the SCS Global or UL certification databases. For project submittals, a certificate valid at the time of installation must be provided — an expired certificate from a previous testing cycle is not sufficient, as product formulations can change between renewal cycles.
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Reference-Only Information
This page provides general informational reference about VOC certifications for glue-down LVT. It does not provide installation guidance, professional advice, or product recommendations.