NSF Int'l, BIFMA Seek Comment on Furniture Sustainability Standard
July 2, 2008 // Published as a news service by IHS
A business and institutional furniture sustainability standard is ready for NSF International's consensus ballot process and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) public comment period.
The BIFMA Sustainability Standard considers all aspects of sustainability including materials and natural resource use, energy, renewable energy and greenhouse gas impacts, human and ecosystem health and social responsibility.
Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturers Association (BIFMA) International and NSF International developed the standard.
Modeled after the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) building rating system, furniture products are evaluated against a variety of credit criteria (after first meeting certain prerequisites), accumulating points toward increasing levels of recognition associated with reduced environmental impact.
Following two years of development, the standard is entering the official NSF consensus body vote and an open, ANSI public comment period to last 45 days.
Source: NSF International.