GEV-Emicode

GEV-Emicode is a well-known certification and labeling system for the assessment of indoor air emissions from building products and construction materials. It was developed by the German Association for the Control of Emissions in Products for Flooring Installations (Gemeinschaft Emissionskontrollierte Verlegewerkstoffe, or GEV).

The GEV-Emicode standard evaluates the volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions of products and materials used in indoor environments, such as flooring, adhesives, sealants, and paints. VOCs are chemicals that can be released from these products and may have adverse effects on indoor air quality and human health.

The certification process involves rigorous testing of the product's emissions in controlled laboratory conditions. The emissions are measured using standardized methods, and the results are compared against strict limit values set by GEV-Emicode. The assessment considers both the total VOC emissions and the presence of specific hazardous substances, such as formaldehyde.

Based on the emissions test results, products are classified into different categories:

GEV-Emicode EC1: Products with very low emissions, suitable for environments with strict indoor air quality requirements, such as schools, hospitals, and residential areas.

GEV-Emicode EC2: Products with low emissions, suitable for general indoor applications where good indoor air quality is desired.

GEV-Emicode EC3: Products with medium emissions, suitable for applications where indoor air quality requirements are less stringent, such as non-residential or industrial settings.

The GEV-Emicode certification provides transparency to manufacturers, specifiers, and consumers regarding the emissions performance of building products. It helps in selecting products that have undergone rigorous testing and meet strict standards for indoor air quality. The certification also encourages manufacturers to improve the emissions performance of their products and develop more environmentally friendly alternatives.

By choosing products certified with the GEV-Emicode label, stakeholders can have confidence that the products have been evaluated for their impact on indoor air quality. This promotes healthier indoor environments, reduces potential health risks associated with VOC emissions, and supports sustainable building practices.