SCS Indoor Advantage and Indoor Advantage Fold
SCS Global Services
Certify low-emission products to improve indoor air quality.
Key Strengths
- Recognized by LEED, WELL, and other major green building rating systems
- Third-party verified by SCS Global Services, a leading independent certification body
- Tiered structure (Indoor Advantage and Indoor Advantage Gold) allows scalable compliance
- Covers a wide range of product categories including furniture, flooring, and building materials
- Supports manufacturers in differentiating products in competitive green building markets
- Helps products qualify for specification in health-focused commercial and institutional projects
Ideal For
This certification is best suited for manufacturers of furniture, flooring, wall coverings, adhesives, sealants, and other building materials who want to demonstrate low-VOC emissions and indoor air quality compliance. It is especially valuable for companies targeting green building projects, LEED-certified buildings, or health-conscious commercial clients seeking verified product safety credentials.
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Overview
The SCS Indoor Advantage and Indoor Advantage Gold are certification programs focusing on indoor air quality. Started by SCS Global Services, these programs target products used in buildings, such as furniture and construction materials, ensuring they emit low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Indoor Advantage Gold is stricter, meeting additional criteria set by organizations like LEED and WELL.
Historically, these certifications emerged as awareness of indoor air quality rose. Statistics show that certified products are preferred in green building projects, as they contribute to healthier environments. Notable clients include major office furniture makers and building product manufacturers committed to sustainability.
These certifications help manufacturers show their commitment to creating healthier indoor spaces, appealing to environmentally-conscious consumers and businesses.
Requirements & Verification
Evidence Requirements
Manufacturers must submit product samples for VOC emissions testing conducted by SCS Global Services or an accredited laboratory. Testing follows established protocols such as CDPH/EHLB Standard Method v1.2 (California Section 01350) or equivalent standards. Documentation of product formulations, manufacturing processes, and test results must be provided. Indoor Advantage Gold requires meeting more stringent emission thresholds aligned with LEED and WELL requirements. Ongoing surveillance testing is required to maintain certification.
Prerequisites
Assessment Process
Assessment involves laboratory VOC emissions testing of product samples using CDPH/EHLB Standard Method v1.2 (California Section 01350) or equivalent protocols. SCS-accredited laboratories conduct chamber testing to measure emissions of volatile organic compounds. Indoor Advantage requires meeting baseline emission thresholds; Indoor Advantage Gold requires stricter limits aligned with LEED EQ credits and WELL Building Standard requirements. SCS reviews test results, product documentation, and manufacturing consistency before issuing certification. On-site audits may be conducted for manufacturing facility verification.
Renewal & Compliance
Certification must be renewed annually. Renewal requires continued compliance with VOC emission standards, submission of updated product samples for re-testing, payment of annual renewal fees, and review of any product formulation changes. Manufacturers must notify SCS of any changes to product composition that could affect emissions performance.
Accountability Model
Impact & Outcomes
Salary & Market Value
As a product-level certification rather than an individual credential, salary impact data is not directly applicable. However, manufacturers with SCS Indoor Advantage certification can command premium pricing in green building markets and gain access to specification lists for LEED and WELL projects, potentially increasing revenue and market share.
Employer Recognition
Consider Alternatives If...
Manufacturers whose products are not used indoors or do not have VOC emission concerns may find this certification unnecessary. Companies primarily targeting residential DIY markets or regions without green building incentive programs may see limited return on investment.
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Content on this page is AI-enriched from primary sources.
SCS Global ServicesLast verified Mar 10, 2026