Indoor Advantage Gold Certification, Explained

As we spend a significant portion of our lives indoors, the quality of our indoor environments becomes paramount in safeguarding our health and well-being.

Indoor Advantage Gold Certification emerges as a critical standard in this context.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll unravel what this certification entails, its relevance in healthy interior design, and delve into some brands like Hay and Kalon Studio that prioritize this certification for their products.

What is Indoor Advantage Gold Certification?

Indoor Advantage Gold Certification is a rigorous standard for indoor air quality (IAQ) established by SCS Global Services, an international leader in third-party environmental and sustainability certification.

This certification confirms that a product meets stringent criteria for emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which have been identified as contributors to indoor air pollution.

Products bearing the Indoor Advantage Gold label indicate that they have been independently tested and verified to meet or exceed the acceptable indoor air quality pollutant guidelines and standards set by various global organizations including:

• ANSI/BIFMA M7.1 standard
• ANSI/BIFMA X7.1
• CA 01350

Relevance in Healthy Interior Design

In the realm of interior design, the health impact of furniture, flooring, and other interior products is often overshadowed by aesthetics and functionality.

VOCs released from these products can lead to an array of health issues ranging from short-term effects like headaches and dizziness to long-term effects like respiratory diseases and cancer.

Indoor Advantage Gold certification steers consumers towards products that support a healthier living environment, ensuring that indoor spaces do not compromise air quality.

Emphasizing Strong IAQ Standards

Healthy home design hinges on high IAQ standards. Products that have received the Indoor Advantage Gold certification are recognized for their low-emitting properties, actively contributing to a home environment conducive to good health.

This certification has become a benchmark for architects, designers, and consumers who are committed to creating healthy interiors.

Spotlight on Brands with Certification

When selecting furnishings, consumers are increasingly seeking out brands that not only deliver in terms of style and sustainability but also prioritize health.

Brands like Hay and Kalon Studio, known for their modern and eco-conscious designs, are among those leading the charge by securing Indoor Advantage Gold Certification for their products.

Clients who opt for these brands can trust that they are bringing safer, healthier furniture options into their homes.

Exploring Certified Brands

Hay

Hay is a contemporary furniture brand that seamlessly merges form and function with health and environmental consciousness.

Having achieved the Indoor Advantage Gold Certification for many of its products, Hay is synonymous with the movement toward healthier indoor living spaces.

The brand’s commitment to minimizing VOC emissions in its materials offers peace of mind to the health-conscious consumer.

Kalon Studio

Grounded in sustainability and simplicity, Kalon Studio produces timeless furniture pieces that are both beautiful and responsible.

Their compliance with the standards for Indoor Advantage Gold Certification underlines their dedication to health and wellness in design.

Customers of Kalon Studio can enjoy the tranquility of a home enhanced by pieces that are as safe as they are aesthetically pleasing.

The Certification Process

Rigorous Testing

Products are put through a series of stringent tests in controlled environmental chambers to analyze emissions for a variety of VOCs.

This ensures that they meet the high standards required by the Indoor Advantage Gold certification.

Continuous Compliance

To maintain certification, companies must undergo periodic re-evaluation to ensure their products continue to meet emission standards.

This continuous compliance offers assurance that certified products consistently promote healthy indoor air quality over time.

The Certification's Global Impact

Indoor Advantage Gold Certification is recognized globally, not just in the United States.

It aligns with requirements for green building standards like LEED, WELL, and BREEAM, making it an integral part of the global movement towards healthy and sustainable living environments.

Common Misconceptions

Not Just About VOCs

While minimizing VOC emissions is a crucial aspect, the certification also takes into account the need for a holistic approach to health in the design process.

Certified products contribute to a comprehensive strategy that addresses multiple facets of home health.

Proactive, Not Reactive

Indoor Advantage Gold Certification is not a remedy for poor IAQ but a proactive measure.

It guides the manufacture and selection of products that prevent air quality degradation in the first place.

FAQs

Q: Is Indoor Advantage Gold Certification mandatory for home products?
A: No, it is not mandatory, but certification speaks volumes about a product's commitment to healthy indoor environments.

Q: Can this certification be applied to any home product?
A: Primarily, the certification applies to building materials, furniture, and furnishings, but other products may be eligible.

Q: How often must a product be re-certified?
A: Typically, re-certification is required on an annual basis to ensure ongoing compliance with IAQ standards.

Q: Is there a significant cost difference between certified and non-certified products?
A: While certified products might have a higher initial cost, they are an investment in long-term health, potentially reducing medical expenses related to poor IAQ.

Q: How can consumers verify the Indoor Advantage Gold Certification of a product?
A: Certification details, including the scope, are often provided on a product's label or the manufacturer's website. Additionally, SCS Global Services maintains a searchable online database of certified products.

Conclusion

Indoor Advantage Gold Certification is more than just a badge; it's a pivotal force in the evolution of healthy home interior design.

By shedding light on the high standards that Hay and Kalon Studio have adopted, we illuminate the path for consumers towards making informed and health-conscious choices.

This certification is not just a reflection of a product's quality; it is an investment in our health and the overall well-being of our indoor environments.

As the trend towards holistic health continues to gain momentum, certifications like Indoor Advantage Gold will play an increasingly important role in shaping the standards for healthy living spaces—making it an invaluable resource for anyone committed to creating a home that nurtures both body and mind.