Don’t confuse urea formaldehyde (UF) with phenol formaldehyde (PF) or melamine formaldehyde (MF), which are not prohibited in LEED. Phenol formaldehyde is often used as a replacement for urea formaldehyde because the formaldehyde is bound more tightly, reducing emissions. 

Some woods have low levels of naturally occurring formaldehyde. As long as urea formaldehyde is not an ingredient in binders and glues, products with naturally occurring formaldehyde are compliant. 

LEED-NC IEQc4.4: Low-Emitting Materials—Composite Wood and Agrifiber Products offers detailed guidance on how to calculate and plan for using no-added-urea-formaldehyde materials.

Purchase composite wood and agrifiber products that have no added urea formaldehyde.  

No-Added-Ure-Formaldehyde Composite Wood 

There may be a cost premium for using FloorScore-certified flooring. CRI-certified carpets, and CRI-certified carpet cushion costs are typically comparable to conventional higher-end carpet products

All major carpet manufacturers provide CRI-certified products, which are easy to locate and source. View the CRI website for a list of products, or contact the manufacturer directly to learn which of their products comply. (See Resources.)

You can find FloorScore-certified products on the program’s website, although there aren’t a large number of certified products. (See Resources.)

LEED-NC EQc4.3: Low-Emitting Materials—Flooring Systems offers detailed guidance on how to calculate and plan for using low-emitting flooring materials. 

Purchase flooring that is FloorScore-certified, carpet that is CRI Green Label Plus certified and carpet padding that is CRI Green Label certified.