Green Squared Certification

IPA Laboratories provides Green Squared Certification in accordance with ANSI A138.1 Green Squared – American National Standard Specification for Sustainable Ceramic Tiles, Glass Tiles, and Tile Installation Materials.

A138.1 takes a multi-attribute approach to sustainability. The standard addresses product characteristics, manufacturing, end of product life management, corporate governance, and innovation, and it establishes the spectrum of environmental and social criteria most important to today’s green building world. Some criteria are mandatory, and others are elective. To meet ANSI A138.1, a product must meet all mandatory requirements and obtain a minimum threshold of elective credits.

Green Squared Certification covers the following products:

  • Ceramic tile (mosaic, quarry, pressed floor, glazed wall, porcelain, etc.)

  • Glass tile

  • Dry Powdered Installation Products (Cementitious Grout and Mortar, etc.)

  • Liquid/Paste Installation Products (Mastic and Reactive Resin Adhesives, Reactive Resin Grout, Pourable or Trowel able Membranes, Liquid Latex Additives, etc.)

  • Rolled Sheet Products (Sheet-Applied Membranes and Underlayments, etc.)

  • Panel Products (Backer board, Panel Underlayments, etc.)

Steps to Certification

  1. Application Process
    Manufacturers seeking to have their product(s) certified can contact IPA Laboratories.  IPA Labs will work with you to define the scope of certification and provide cost estimates and expected timeline.
  2. Collection of data
    IPA Labs works with the manufacturer to collect the necessary data required for certification. All proprietary information remains confidential between the IPA Labs and the manufacturer.
  3. Onsite Audit
    An IPA Labs auditor will visit the manufacturing facility to verify data and processes associated with product(s) to be certified
  4. Reporting of audit findings
    A report is provided to the manufacturer to allow an opportunity to correct any items that are out of compliance with ANSI A138.1
  5. Issuance of certification
    After final review of audit documentation and assessment report, an official certificate and scope are provided to the manufacturer. The manufacturer is then allowed to use the Green Squared Certified® mark provided by IPA Labs on any certified products, packaging, promotional literature, etc.
  6. Certification maintenance
    An annual surveillance audit through the submission of documentation using the data collection form is required. A full renewal, resubmission, and onsite audit is required every five years.

Request an Assessment

IPA Laboratories can work with you to determine the best approach to obtaining Green Squared Certification.