Environmental Certification Scheme.

About ECS

The Environmental Certification Scheme (ECS) is an Australian program administered by the Carpet Institute of Australia that sets standards for environmentally sustainable flooring manufacturing. The program evaluates flooring products based on their environmental impact across the product’s entire lifecycle, from raw material extraction to disposal. ECS certified products meet strict criteria for reduced greenhouse gas emissions, sustainable material sourcing, energy efficiency, and reduced waste. The program also encourages manufacturers to minimize their environmental impact through continuous improvement and innovation. By choosing products certified by the ECS program, consumers can be confident that they are making an environmentally responsible choice. The ECS program is an important step towards a more sustainable flooring industry in Australia.

ECS Carpet
Technical Specifications

ECS Carpet
Guidance Manual

ECS Resilient
Technical Specifications

ECS Resilient
Guidance Manual

ECS Environmental
Management

ECS Underlay
Technical Specifications

ECs Underlay
Guidance Manual

ECS Adhesives
Guidance Manual

ECS Adhesives
Technical Specifications

ECS Carpet Technical Specifications

ECS Carpet Guidance Manual

ECS Resilient Technical Specifications

ECS Resilient Guidance Manual

ECS Environmental Management

ECS Health Product Declaration

The ECS Health Product Declaration (HPD) is a standardised format for disclosing the ingredients and potential health hazards of building products. It includes information about a product’s chemical composition, toxicity, and environmental impact. The goal of the ECS HPD is to increase transparency and enable consumers to make informed decisions about the products they use.

ECS Industry Environmental Product Declarations

An ECS Industry Environmental Product Declaration (IEPD) is a standardised report that provides information about the environmental impact of a product over its entire life cycle. This includes data on the product’s carbon footprint, energy consumption, and waste generation. The goal of an ECS IEPD is to enable consumers to make informed decisions based on the environmental performance of products and to encourage manufacturers to improve their sustainability practices.

Modern Slavery

In the context of environmental certification, it is important to identify and address modern slavery in your supply chain to ensure that certified products are not associated with human rights abuses. ECS will require evidence of efforts to prevent and address modern slavery to obtain or maintain certification.

Request help to prepare a
Modern Slavery plan

Modern Slavery Supplier
Questionaire

Protocol for Modern
Slavery Responses

ECS Product Stewardship

Product Stewardship in the flooring sector is paramount for sustainable practices. Our environmental certification scheme recognises the significance of responsible product management. We work closely with flooring manufacturers to ensure sustainable sourcing, reduced emissions, and proper end-of-life disposal. By implementing product stewardship principles, the flooring industry can minimise its environmental footprint, promote circular economy principles, and offer consumers eco-friendly choices. Join us in advancing product stewardship in the flooring sector for a greener and more sustainable future.

Request help to prepare a
Product Stewardship plan

Sample Company Policy for
Product Stewardship

Sample Supplier Agreement for
Product Stewardship

ECS Code of Practice for Environmental Management

Introducing a Code of Practice for Environmental Management can help organizations establish a clear framework for reducing their environmental impact. The code can provide guidance on issues such as waste reduction, energy efficiency, and sustainable sourcing, and can help organizations meet their legal obligations while demonstrating their commitment to environmental stewardship. By adopting a Code of Practice, organizations can make a positive contribution to the environment and build a more sustainable future.

Request support from an environmental expert to develop your environmental plan

ECS Flooring Product Categories

The Environmental Certification Scheme (ECS) provides a guide to the environmental performance of different flooring types.

As a precondition of obtaining environmental certification, flooring manufacturers must comply with the Code of Practice for Environmental Management which provides performance standards for raw materials, carpet manufacturing, in-service use, and final disposal.

The ECS program for different flooring types has multiple levels of certification with incrementally more demanding performance criteria.

Green Building Council of Australia Recognition

The ECS program has been assessed by the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA). The GBCA is a non-profit organization that promotes sustainability in the building industry. It developed the Green Star program, which is a voluntary rating system for building projects that measures their environmental performance.

What is Green Star? Founded by Green Building Council of Australia in 2003, Green Star is an internationally recognised rating system setting the standard for healthy, resilient, positive buildings and places. Developed for the Australian environment, Green Star has certified thousands of sustainable fitouts, buildings, homes and communities right across the country.

Reducing the impact of climate change
Enhancing our health and quality of life
Restoring and protecting our planet’s biodiversity and ecosystems
Driving resiliency in buildings, fitouts, and communities
Contributing to market transformation and a sustainable economy

ECS Certificates

Having an environmental certificate for a flooring product adds significant value. It showcases the product’s compliance with stringent sustainability standards, instills consumer confidence, and demonstrates a commitment to environmental responsibility, setting it apart in a competitive market.

ECS Carpet

ECS 1 – 2 RPV

ECS 2 – 5 RPV

ECS 3 – 7 RPV

ECS 4 – 7 RPV

ECS 4+ - 22 RPV

ECS Resilient

ECS 1 – 9 RPV

ECS 2 – 16 RPV

ECS 2+ - 24 RPV

Find an ECS Product

ECS Underlay

ECS 1 – 8 RPV

ECS 2 – 14 RPV

ECS 2+ - 25 RPV

Apply to become an ECS Licensee

Unlock new opportunities and gain a competitive edge by becoming an ECS Licensee. Showcase your commitment to sustainability, access valuable resources, and tap into a growing network of like-minded businesses. Join us in making a positive environmental impact while enhancing your brand reputation.

Environmental Certification Scheme.