Of all the IEQc4 credits, IEQc4.5 can be among the most straightforward point to earn, especially if you choose to meet the credit by using Greenguard Children and Schools–certified furniture. 

Teams may find it difficult or costly, however, to meet their needs for all classroom furniture through Greenguard, due to somewhat limited choices. Note that this credit requires Greenguard Children and Schools certified products, which are different from Greenguard Indoor Air Quality certified products. 

Pick furniture from an approved list when possible

Option 1 using Greenguard Children and Schools certified furniture, is the most straightforward option. Simply go to the Greenguard website and choose from the list of certified furniture and furniture systems. If you can’t find Greenguard furniture that meets your needs, try one of the other options.

Option 2 sets out a testing protocol for furniture that is different than the one required for credits IEQc4.1–4.4 (although some of the VOCs being tested are the same). The testing procedure for IEQc4.5 must be based on the EPA’s Environmental Technology Verification (ETV) Large-Chamber Test Protocol. There are a number of products that have been tested, but finding these products tends to be more difficult than simply finding Greenguard-certified products. Under this option, if a piece of furniture has not been tested or you have trouble finding compliant furniture, you will need to have the furniture tested. 

Option 3 sets out a testing procedure based on ANSI/BIFMA standards M7.1-2007 and X7.1-2007, and must be performed by a third-party testing laboratory. There are a number of products that have already been tested but it’s not as easy to find these products as it is to find Greenguard-certified products. If a piece of furniture has not been tested or you have trouble finding compliant furniture, you will need to have the furniture tested. 

For Option 2 and 3 there are also lists of certified products available for the other protocols such as Scientific Certification Systems and the Collaborative for High Performance Schools (see Resources).

What does and does not have to comply

Furniture in the cafeteria, auditorium, gym, school offices, and other non-classroom spaces does not have to meet the credit requirements. This credit is intended for classrooms only. 

Used or reused furniture (older than one year) is exempt from the credit requirements as long as it was not refurbished or refinished within the last year. For projects reusing most of their old furniture (or installing used furniture), or only a few, new pieces, this credit is simple to achieve. You’ll have to purchase some new furniture in order achieve the credit this is a no action, no credit point. 

Allow adequate time for product research. Researching compliant products before construction begins—and providing a list of acceptable materials—helps ensure that the right products are used. The person in charge of purchasing furniture needs to understand the standards and credit requirements in order to know how to verify that products are compliant. This information can usually be found on the product data sheet.