Key Facts about Carpet and Indoor Air Quality for Architects, Designers, and Builders

When it comes to indoor air quality, carpets are a better option than many people think. Contrary to popular misconceptions, carpets emit fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and filter more airborne particles than most other flooring materials. According to the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI), scientific research and independent studies confirm that carpet enhances indoor air quality, making it an ideal choice for both residential and commercial spaces.

What You Need to Know About Carpets and Air Quality

Here are some essential facts every architect, designer, and builder should know when considering carpet for their projects:

  • Low VOC Emissions: New carpets are one of the lowest VOC-emitting floor coverings available, far surpassing other construction materials like paint. Within 24 hours of installation, the already low VOC levels of new carpet drop even further, especially when combined with proper ventilation.
  • Pioneering Air Quality Studies: Carpet manufacturers were among the first in the flooring industry to study the effects of their products on indoor air quality in commercial environments. In collaboration with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), and academic researchers, the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) conducted extensive evaluations of carpet’s impact on the indoor environment.
  • Setting the Standard for VOC Emissions: In 1992, CRI became the first organization to establish strict limits on VOC emissions from carpets, adhesives, and padding. Since then, the CRI’s Green Label Plus program has raised the bar by tightening emission standards multiple times, making carpet a low-emitting option for indoor spaces.
  • Certified for Sustainability: CRI worked closely with California’s Sustainable Building Task Force and the Department of Health to certify carpets and adhesives under the Green Label Plus program. These certifications meet and often exceed the testing standards of the Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS), ensuring that carpets contribute to healthier indoor environments.
  • Contributing to Green Building Certifications: Carpets certified under the Green Label Plus program not only improve air quality but also contribute to earning Green Globes and LEED® credits for low-emitting materials. In addition, some carpets can qualify for recycled content, rapidly renewable, and regional material credits in sustainable building projects.
  • NSF/ANSI 140 Compliance: Green Label Plus certification is a requirement for the public health and environment sections of the NSF/ANSI 140 standard, the leading benchmark for carpet sustainability. By specifying carpets that comply with NSF/ANSI 140, your project may be eligible for the Innovation in Design Credit in LEED projects.

Why Carpets Are a Smart Choice for Indoor Air Quality

Carpeted spaces can actually help improve indoor air quality by acting as filters that trap dust, pollen, and other allergens, keeping them out of the air. When combined with regular vacuuming and professional cleaning, carpets can maintain a healthier environment for occupants.

By specifying Green Label Plus-certified carpets, architects, designers, and builders can ensure their projects meet stringent air quality and sustainability standards, while also contributing to energy-efficient and eco-friendly building certifications like LEED and Green Globes.

For more detailed information on how carpets impact indoor air quality and contribute to sustainable building practices, visit carpet-rug.org and criblog.org.