Is cork plank flooring a hard surface flooring requiring FloorScore certification? I do not see it specifically listed as a "hard surface" nor do I see it excluded.
The reference manual reflects a separate requirement for "concrete, wood, bamboo and cork flooring" sealers to meet the SCAQMD requirements, much as grout and mortar are listed separate. However, mineral-based flooring is explicitly excluded while cork is not unless it is considered a solid wood?
Lauren Sparandara
Sustainability ManagerGoogle
LEEDuser Expert
997 thumbs up
April 9, 2012 - 7:26 pm
Hi Michelle,
It does look like there is one FloorScore cork product available from these guys: http://www.capricork.com/
If you go here: http://www.scscertified.com/products/index.php you can search for cork FloorScore products and then get this product.
Mediterra
Capri Cork LLC
Product Category: Flooring; Cork
Certification: FloorScore®
Certification Period: May 1, 2011 - April 30, 2012
Registration Number: SCS-FS-02476
Contact:
Margaret Buchholz
Office: 630.832.5792
buchholz@capricork.com
WebSite
Lauren Sparandara
Sustainability ManagerGoogle
LEEDuser Expert
997 thumbs up
April 9, 2012 - 7:28 pm
Also, to answer your question more direclty, I do believe that if you have cork in your project and you're hoping to achieve this credit then your cork needs to be Floor Score certified. Additionally, its coatings needed to comply with SCAQMD requirements.
Michelle Rosenberger
PartnerArchEcology
522 thumbs up
April 10, 2012 - 11:17 am
Morning Lauren,
Thanks, that was my impression. I appreciate the confirmation and the pointer toward a compliant product.
Josh Jacobs
Technical Information & Public Affairs ManagerUL Environment
515 thumbs up
April 10, 2012 - 11:25 am
Also remember that FloorScore is not the only compliance pathway - showing that a product is low emitting by passing the CDPH VOC Emission Standard (CA 01350) is an option as well. A number of programs show compliance to this - including GREENGUARD Children & Schools which has 48 cork products that would qualify for this credit (http://greenguard.org/en/SearchResults.aspx?CategoryID=1&SubCategoryID=1...) - and a number of test labs are qualified to do the emission testing for flooring.
Michelle Rosenberger
PartnerArchEcology
522 thumbs up
April 10, 2012 - 11:26 am
Hi Josh,
Thanks for the reminder. I just wanted to be sure before I began the dance that the cork flooring actually needed to meet the testing protocol requirements. Appreciate it.
Michelle Rosenberger
PartnerArchEcology
522 thumbs up
May 15, 2012 - 4:37 pm
Josh,
A question for you on the alternate CA 01350 compliance path. I have seen this reference before (it seems like just a testing protocol) and also on the EQ4.3 credit form it refers to the California Department of Health standard. I have also had suppliers tell me their product is "on the list" for this type of compliance. Other than a Greenguard Children & Schools cert, what is the documentation requirement? Product data with some specific reference? Or is there actually a list somewhere like FloorScore or Greenguard that I could check for the product?
Josh Jacobs
Technical Information & Public Affairs ManagerUL Environment
515 thumbs up
May 16, 2012 - 9:28 am
Michelle,
Unfortunately there is no central list of products compliant with CA 01350 (CDPH standard method). As you referenced, the easy most utilized way is through 3rd party certifications (GREENGUARD, Green Label Plus, Indoor Advantage, FloorScore, etc.). There is another way though - a product manufacturer could provide you with a test lab report (from a lab that has the CA 01350 test method in their scope of ISO 17025 accreditation - there are a number of them in the US and around the world) that shows a product is compliant. This should be accepted by USGBC as proof of compliance to the CA 01350 criteria.
Michelle Rosenberger
PartnerArchEcology
522 thumbs up
May 16, 2012 - 11:18 am
Thanks, Josh.