ECS Carbon Neutral

Certification

About Carbon Neutral Certification

The Carpet Institute of Australia (CIAL), proudly introduces the Environmental Certification Scheme (ECS) Carbon Neutral Certification. This certification ensures that building fit-out products, including carpets, resilient flooring, and more, achieve recognition of net-zero embodied carbon, reflecting our commitment to a sustainable future. Assessed and approved by the Green Building Council of Australia, this initiative sets a benchmark for environmental performance.

The ECS Carbon Neutral Certification confirms the embodied carbon neutrality of products from raw material production to factory gate (ISO 14040, Categories A1-3). Achieving carbon neutrality requires net-zero or carbon-negative emissions, supported by certified carbon offsets. The CIAL, acting as the secretary to this standard, ensures independent verification through the Australian Carpet Classification Scheme (ACCS) panel.

ECS CARBON NEUTRAL
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Performance Criteria

The certification is built on six critical performance criteria, each rigorously assessed to guarantee excellence. Below is a summary of the RPV points awarded:

Criterion Responsible Product Value
Fit for Purpose
Ingredient disclosure 1
Carbon emissions disclosure 2
Energy use reduction 1
Carbon emissions improvement 1
Carbon Neutral Declaration 3
Total RPV points 8
Criterion Responsible Product Value
Fit for Purpose
Ingredient disclosure 1
Carbon emissions disclosure 2
Energy use reduction 1
Carbon emissions improvement 1
Carbon Neutral Declaration 3
Total RPV points 8

Product Coverage

Building fit-out items

This certification applies to a wide range of building fit-out products, ensuring comprehensive environmental impact reduction across the industry. Including:

Technical Rigour

Each product must meet stringent industry standards (e.g., ISO, AS/NZS) and undergo independent verification. For example, textile floor coverings require ACCS grading, while resilient flooring adheres to EN-ISO 10581/2 and ASTM standards. Acoustic panels must achieve a minimum Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) of 0.2, with 12mm wall panels offering a 45% noise reduction. All products must have all ingredients disclosed.

Commitment to Improvement

Manufacturers must demonstrate year-on-year reductions in energy use (5% over 5 years or 1% annually) and carbon emissions, supported by detailed manufacturing improvement plans. This ensures continuous progress toward sustainability.

Verification Process

All declarations, including ingredient and carbon emissions data, are verified by third-party assessors and made publicly available, reinforcing transparency and trust.