NSF 140 carpet for ID credit

Erin Colwell
Architect
January 16, 2014

Carpet

Our project ownder has asked us to entetain an ID credit based off a new interpretation that involves using NSF 140 carpet. We have looked into this, and our project has specified platinum level carpet tile throughout. Has anyone achieved this credit before and do you have any other pertinent info or things to be weary of in regards to moving forward on achieving this credit for Innovation in Design? Here is what we've found:

The USGBC has issued a Design Innovation credit interpretation that awards one LEED innovation point for projects that use NSF 140 certified carpet.

The threshold for attaining one (1) Innovation Point is:

- Use NSF/ANSI 140-2007 certified carpet for all carpet products installed in the project, AND

- When Silver level carpet is used and carpet represents at least 5% of the value of the project, OR

- When Gold level carpet is used and carpet represents at least 2.5% of the value of the project, OR

- When Platinum level carpet is used and carpet represents at least 1.25% of the value of the project.

Answer:

Author

Divya Nambiar

March 1

1 users voted0 users voted

Answer:

This Innovation in Design credit recognizes a Life Cycle Assessment based approach with third party verification of the certified carpets and builds on the merit of recycled content, regional content, Low Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) emissions related to carpets, their pads and adhesives.
When the Ruling was first given there was a sunset provision of a year till recognized third party verification system processes would be defined. However, this has been extended and is valid as of today. This credit applies to all projects other than Core and Shell.
For the certified suppliers of NSF 140 certified carpets, I would suggest you to visit their website or check on the link given - http://info.nsf.org/Certified/Sustain/listings.asp They are having details including the Product Category, Series,Certification Period and Certification Number. There are 9 suppliers out of whom 7 have platinum rated carpets. You might also find a list on the certified manufactures and products on the Carpet and Rug Institute website which is also an updated one. For documenting the credit you would need to calculate the building material value of the carpet using a LEED calculator and check its % in terms of total building material value. Since, Platinum certified carpets require only 1.25% of total value, projects usually find it easier to achieve this using platinum certified products over gold or silver certified. (unless there is a high budget for finishes cost). Some manufacturers might have certification only on the backing of the product. So do look out for the same.
When choosing for commercial carpet for a project, you would also need to check the suitability of the material to the project type in terms of durability, longevity, ease of maintenance and costs associated with maintenance - especially if choosing wool carpets (might not be a great choice if in a high traffic zone).
Energy Ace mentions that their project Cobb County Superior Courthouse (LEED Gold certified), has earned an ID credit for EQc4.3: Low Emitting Materials, Carpet Systems exemplary performance by using NSF / ANSI 140 carpet of 2.8% project value. You can refer to the details of this project on the Energy Ace website. NSF 140 -2007 assess carpets on the criteria of materials, manufacturing, energy, end of life, public health and environmental safety based 114 point system. A platinum product must achieve at least 60 points, 52 for gold and 37 for silver certification. This certification makes it easier for architects, interior designers, etc. to specify and procure carpets which will perform on the environmental, economic and social aspects of sustainability throughout the life cycle of the building, reducing the need for analysis of available products.