BIFMA

What is BIFMA?

BIFMA level certification is a voluntary standard for business and institutional furniture manufacturers. The standard establishes measurable criteria for multiple levels of achievement and performance for manufacturers at different stages of their sustainability journey. Manufacturers that achieve level certification demonstrate to the marketplace that their products, manufacturing facilities and company policies have met stringent third-party sustainability requirements.

BIFMA level certification applicants can pursue credits in four categories: Materials, Energy and Atmosphere, Human and Ecosystem Health, and Social Responsibility. Each category features prerequisites as well as credits related to products, manufacturing facilities and the organization as a whole.

Based on the points accumulated, manufacturers can earn one of three possible levels of certification:

level 1 – 32-44 points
level 2 – 45-62 points
level 3 – 63-100 points for BIFMA, and 63-94 for FEMB
BIFMA level certification can only be granted by an approved certification body such as NQCAB.

BIFMA

Benefits

Once a manufacturer has achieved certification, they receive the level certification mark, which can be used to promote their certification to the marketplace. This mark is an invaluable marketing tool that reassures buyers of a company’s credibility, while serving as a key differentiator. BIFMA level certified products can also contribute to LEED credits through LEED Pilot Credit 80.

LEVEL is an evaluation and certification system for environmentally-preferable and socially-responsible office furniture. The LEVEL program has three performance tiers; LEVEL 1, 2, and 3. The higher the number, the more criteria considered and met.

An Even Playing Field

LEVEL is the independent, third-party certification for office furniture and furnishings including movable/full-height walls, systems furniture, desking systems, benching systems, case goods, storage cabinets, bookcases, file cabinets, desks, tables, screens, seating of all types, and related accessories.
The ANSI/BIFMA e3 Furniture Sustainability Standard takes into account a company’s social actions, energy usage, material selection, and human and ecosystem health impacts. The LEVEL brand identifies that a product has been vetted by an independent third-party certifier and its numeric marking 1, 2, or 3 indicates what threshold of the standard it has achieved. BIFMA’s LEVEL Certification Program is included in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Recommended Specifications, Standards and Ecolabels for federal furniture purchasing.