Product label BIFMA level® (ANSI)
Find out more about the BIFMA level® sustainability certification for furniture here.
BIFMA level® (ANSI) sustainability certification
The reliability and safety of furniture in work, learning and healthcare facilities are based on voluntary standards set by the furniture industry. BIFMA supports the development and maintenance of these standards, which ensure user confidence in the functionality and safety of the furniture.
ANSI (American National Standards Institute) is an organization that develops and coordinates national standards for various industries.
While ANSI itself does not award the LEVEL® designation, many BIFMA LEVEL® criteria are based on existing ANSI standards and other recognized standards for product testing and evaluation.
BIFMA LEVEL® may include requirements that are related to ANSI standards, as these standards often provide foundations for industry standards.
For example, LEVEL® certification may cover aspects that are also influenced by ANSI standards, but it is not directly awarded or administered by ANSI itself.
The BIFMA level® sustainability certification is suitable for the following product groups:
The BIFMA LEVEL® label is suitable for a large number of product groups in the area of business and institutional furniture. Here are the most important categories:
- Office chairs
- Tables and desks
- Filing cabinets
- Cupboards and storage units
- Seating for public areas
- Conference tables and chairs
- Workstations
- Reception furniture
Award criteria for the BIFMA level® sustainability certification
The award criteria for the BIFMA LEVEL® certificate are based on the ANSI/BIFMA e3 standard and cover the following main areas:
- Materials: Assessment of sustainability and environmental compatibility.
- Energy and atmosphere: Efficient use of energy and reduction of environmental impact during production.
- Human and environmental health: Minimizing harmful emissions* and promoting healthy working conditions.
- Social responsibility: Consideration of ethical working practices and social responsibility within the company.
*The emission and VOC content requirements of the BIFMA LEVEL® label relate to the reduction and control of pollutants in furniture products to improve indoor air quality. These requirements typically include strict limit values for VOC emissions, which are tested by independent laboratories. The emissions tests are based on recognized standards such as ANSI/BIFMA M7.1 and X7.1.
Further details can be found on the official BIFMA website.
BIFMA level® : Certification body
The certification bodies for the BIFMA LEVEL® label are independent third parties authorized to verify and certify compliance with the ANSI/BIFMA e3 standards. Some of the known certification bodies include:
- UL Environment (Underwriters Laboratories)
- Intertek
- SCS Global Services
Costs for the BIFMA level® sustainability certification
Costs may vary depending on the complexity of the product, the number of tests required and the administrative fees. It is therefore advisable to enquire directly with an accredited certification body or with BIFMA itself.
Is the BIFMA level® label mandatory?
BIFMA certification is voluntary. It is sought by companies to mark their office furniture products as compliant with the standards of the Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturers Association. There is no legal obligation to obtain this certification, but it is a voluntary measure to demonstrate the quality and performance of the products.
Recognition of the BIFMA level® sustainability certification for certification systems
The BIFMA label can be conducive to other certification systems such as DGNB, LEED, BREEAM and WiredScore. BIFMA standards ensure that office furniture meets certain environmental and performance criteria. These standards can help to gain points or credits in other certification schemes that assess sustainability aspects, as they provide independent confirmation of product quality and performance.
Source: https://www.bifma.org