ANSI / BIFMA e3
What is ANSI / BIFMA e3
LEVEL® is the third-party certification program for the furniture industry’s multi-attribute, sustainability standard. The ANSI/BIFMA e3 Furniture Sustainability Standard was created to deliver an open and holistic means of evaluating and communicating the environmental and social impacts of furniture products in the built environment.
Taking into account a product’s environmental impacts (materials selected, energy usage, etc.), health and wellness impacts, and a company’s social actions among numerous other impacts, LEVEL addresses how a product is sustainable from multiple perspectives.
Why Work with Orion on this standard?
Orion is a recognized level certification audit firm and can assist your company with obtaining certification to this standard.
The level certification involves greater transparency over proprietary furniture eco-certifications, and is conducted by an independent third-party certifier, providing increased confidence for environmentally conscious consumers with products bearing a level mark. A further advantage to level certification is that the standard is in use in international markets, including Europe and Asia.
Orion can combine the e3 audit with other important standards certifications such as ISO 9001, 14001, and OHSAS 18001. This provides a more strategic approach that considers your business’s requirements and goals, while also offering significant cost savings and reducing internal time required for audits.
Breakdown of the Standard
The level standard works on a points-based system, allowing applicants to achieve a standing of level 1, 2, or 3. Each level represents a higher degree of sustainability compliance. It also uses more approachable terminology to make its benefits more easily understood by all parties, from manufacturers to consumers.
The level standard for furniture is unique in that it goes beyond the manufacturing process and product requirements and ensures companies also look at the facility that manufactures the product. In the accreditation process, the sustainability of the company and its processes are measured against 4 elements of review:
Energy & Atmosphere
Human & Ecosystem Health
Social Responsibility
Materials
Overview of the Audit Process
Sign the Agreement
Sign the Agreement
Perform GAP Audit (optional)
Perform GAP Audit (optional)
Certification Audit
Certification Audit
This onsite audit is conducted to ensure that the processes and documents examined during the Stage 1 Audit (Readiness Review) are in use and that the system is implemented according to the requirements of the standard.
The key deliverables from this stage include:
- An audit report detailing positive aspects, issues for resolution (non-conformances), and areas for improvement.
- A recommendation regarding your registration.
Finalize Audit Report and Receive Certificate
Finalize Audit Report and Receive Certificate
The results from the Stage 1 and Stage 2 audits are reviewed to ensure that all Orion accreditation requirements have been met and a proper recommendation made. At this point, approval is given to either certify, seek clarification, or not certify.
Perform Surveillanceor Recertification Audit
Perform Surveillance or Recertification Audit
Registration is based on a 3-year cycle. To maintain your certification, your organization must participate in an onsite review each year. The first two are surveillance audits and only look at a portion of your system, whereas the third-year review (re-certification) is a more comprehensive audit and looks at your overall system for continued effectiveness.
Sign the Agreement
Sign the Agreement
Perform GAP Audit (optional)
Perform GAP Audit (optional)
Perform Stage 2 Audit:Certification Audit
Certification Audit
This onsite audit is conducted to ensure that the processes and documents examined during the Stage 1 Audit (Readiness Review) are in use and that the system is implemented according to the requirements of the standard.
The key deliverables from this stage include:
- An audit report detailing positive aspects, issues for resolution (non-conformances), and areas for improvement.
- A recommendation regarding your registration.
Finalize Audit Report and Receive Certificate
Finalize Audit Report and Receive Certificate
The results from the Stage 1 and Stage 2 audits are reviewed to ensure that all Orion accreditation requirements have been met and a proper recommendation made. At this point, approval is given to either certify, seek clarification, or not certify.
Perform Surveillanceor Recertification Audit
Perform Surveillance or Recertification Audit
Registration is based on a 3-year cycle. To maintain your certification, your organization must participate in an onsite review each year. The first two are surveillance audits and only look at a portion of your system, whereas the third-year review (re-certification) is a more comprehensive audit and looks at your overall system for continued effectiveness.
Sign the Agreement
Perform GAP Audit (optional)
Certification Audit
This onsite audit is conducted to ensure that the processes and documents examined during the Stage 1 Audit (Readiness Review) are in use and that the system is implemented according to the requirements of the standard.
The key deliverables from this stage include:
- An audit report detailing positive aspects, issues for resolution (non-conformances), and areas for improvement.
- A recommendation regarding your registration.
Finalize Audit Report and Receive Certificate
The results from the Stage 1 and Stage 2 audits are reviewed to ensure that all Orion accreditation requirements have been met and a proper recommendation made. At this point, approval is given to either certify, seek clarification, or not certify.
Perform Surveillanceor Recertification Audit
Registration is based on a 3-year cycle. To maintain your certification, your organization must participate in an onsite review each year. The first two are surveillance audits and only look at a portion of your system, whereas the third-year review (re-certification) is a more comprehensive audit and looks at your overall system for continued effectiveness.