SCS Indoor Air Quality Gold
SCS Global Services
Indoor air quality program improves air for healthy living.
Key Strengths
- Rigorous third-party verification by SCS Global Services, a respected independent certifier
- Covers both products and buildings, offering broad applicability across the supply chain
- Aligns with major green building frameworks including LEED and WELL
- Focuses on VOC emissions reduction, directly addressing key indoor air quality health risks
- Recognized by architects, specifiers, and procurement teams seeking healthy building materials
- Supports market differentiation for manufacturers in competitive green building markets
Ideal For
This certification is best suited for product manufacturers of building materials, furniture, flooring, adhesives, and coatings who want to demonstrate low VOC emissions and compliance with indoor air quality standards. It is also well-suited for building owners, developers, and facility managers seeking third-party verification of healthy indoor environments. Organizations pursuing LEED, WELL, or other green building credits will find this certification particularly valuable as supporting documentation.
Target Audiences
Relevant Roles
Industries
Alignment & Recognition
Building Scope
Overview
The SCS Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Gold program is a certification for both buildings and product manufacturers, ensuring superior indoor air quality by meeting strict emissions criteria. Established to enhance health and comfort, this certification focuses on reducing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which can be detrimental to indoor environments.
For buildings, the certification verifies that indoor air quality standards are maintained during and after construction. For product manufacturers, it ensures that products, such as furniture and building materials, emit low levels of harmful chemicals.
Historically, the program has become a benchmark in the industry, reflecting growing concerns over indoor air pollutants. Some notable clients and partners involved in the SCS IAQ Gold program include large corporations and green building projects. This ensures that end-users benefit from healthier spaces, free from significant airborne toxins. The program aligns with global standards to promote safer, sustainable indoor environments worldwide.
Requirements & Verification
Evidence Requirements
Applicants must submit product formulation data, emissions test results from accredited laboratories (typically conducted in accordance with California CDPH Section 01350 or equivalent standards), and documentation of manufacturing processes. For buildings, air quality testing data collected during and after construction is required. Third-party audits and sample testing by SCS Global Services are conducted to verify compliance with the program's emissions criteria.
Prerequisites
Assessment Process
SCS Global Services conducts a third-party assessment involving review of submitted emissions test data from accredited laboratories, product formulation documentation, and manufacturing process records. For buildings, on-site air quality sampling and testing may be performed. SCS auditors evaluate all documentation against the program's VOC emissions thresholds and indoor air quality criteria before issuing certification. The process typically involves an initial application review, laboratory testing coordination, and a final compliance determination by SCS technical staff.
Renewal & Compliance
Accountability Model
Impact & Outcomes
Salary & Market Value
As an organizational/product certification rather than an individual credential, SCS IAQ Gold does not directly impact individual salaries. However, manufacturers holding this certification may command premium pricing for certified products, and facilities professionals who specify or manage IAQ-certified buildings may enhance their professional profile in the healthy building and sustainability sectors.
Consider Alternatives If...
Organizations or manufacturers that only need to meet minimum regulatory compliance thresholds may find the Gold-level requirements more stringent and costly than necessary. Those with limited budgets for ongoing third-party auditing and testing may prefer self-declaration or less rigorous alternatives.
Alternative Programs
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick Facts
Certification
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Sources & Citations
Content on this page is AI-enriched from primary sources.
SCS Global ServicesLast verified Mar 10, 2026