Why Green Certifications Matter?
The onset of green certifications in the interior building material industry came with the rising urgency for a sustainable tomorrow. With environmental regulations becoming a priority and the corporate sector striving for minimized carbon footprints, green certifications like LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and WELL Building Standard are the critical benchmarks for commercial interior design. Incorporating these credible certifications is a matter of promising environmental performance while simultaneously boosting human health and productivity.
In this blog, we will be delving into how BSC Interiors, a leading solutions provider for commercial spaces, partners with globally recognized brands that directly contribute to meeting these green building standards. Let us look at the many certifications shaping the future of sustainable interior design materials and how BSC plays a vital part in promoting this shift.
Understanding Green Certifications: LEED & WELL
Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), LEED Certification is one of the most widespread and renowned green building rating systems in the world. Below are the categories under which LEED evaluates buildings:
- Indoor environmental quality
- Energy and water efficiency
- Sustainable products
- Waste management
Buildings earn points across these categories to achieve levels from Certified to Platinum.
WELL Certification, on the other hand, emphasizes the health and well-being of the building’s occupants. Developed by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), it focuses on:
- Air quality
- Light optimization
- Thermal comfort
- Sound and acoustics
- Ergonomics
- Nourishment and mental well-being
WELL is particularly relevant in post-pandemic workspaces where employee health and safety are top priorities.
According to the USGBC, as of 2024, there are over 100,000 LEED-certified commercial projects globally. Meanwhile, WELL Certification has seen a 200% increase in adoption since 2020, highlighting a growing demand for wellness-centered design.
How BSC Interiors Comes Into Play
Building in partnerships with globally renowned brands leading the sustainable innovation, BSC Interiors strives to offer sustainable interior building material solutions ranging from ceilings, floorings, furniture, walls, and sanitary ware. Here is how our channel partners help in contributing green points through their eco-friendly approaches:
1.   Steelcase—Sustainable Furniture for Productive Workspaces
Known for incorporating sustainable manufacturing and material sourcing into their products, over 80% of Steelcase products are BIFMA Level certified, many of which contribute to LEED credits in low-emitting materials, recycled content, and regional manufacturing. Offering ergonomic and inventive furniture solutions, Steelcase adapts and elevates WELL criteria like comfort, mental well-being, and productivity.
Key Stat: With their commitment to a net-zero future, cutting carbon emissions over 90% by 2050, they have reduced greenhouse gas emissions from their operation by 31% since 2020 and aim to be carbon neutral by 2030.
2. Tarkett and Interface—Circular Flooring Systems
Cradle-to-Cradle certified, Tarkett and Interface manufacture using phthalate-free materials that encourage better indoor air quality—a major WELL requirement. With their take-back recycling programs, flooring solutions by these two brands ensure materials re-enter the production cycle, reduce landfill waste, and support LEED’s Material and Resources credit.
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Key Stat: 98% of Tarkett’s raw materials are assessed for environmental and health impacts, while Interface has succeeded in reducing its carbon footprint by 74%. Â
3.   Greenply—Eco-friendly Plywood
Greenply’s wide and impressive range of plywood comes with E-0 and E-1 certifications, meaning they emit extremely low formaldehyde. Their products also align with LEED’s criteria for indoor environmental quality and material transparency. They also advocate for afforestation and utilize FSC-certified timber to minimize ecological disruption.
Key Stat: With planting over 1.2 million trees through its social forestry initiative, Greenply continues to encourage a green and sustainable future.
4.   3M – Innovative Architectural Finishes
3M’s DI-NOC™ architectural films are another product line that adheres to LEED credits in innovation, material reuse , and construction waste management. Their films are directly applied on the surface, minimizing renovation waste and extending the lifespan of interiors.
5.   Hindware & Geberit—Water Efficiency Champions
Sanitary solutions by Hindware and Geberit come with low-flow and dual-flush technologies that help commercial structures reduce water usage by 60%. This falls under LEED’s Water Efficiency category and also adheres to WELL’s hydration and sanitation standards.
6.   Knauf & Gyproc—Acoustic and Thermal Solutions
In the case of ceiling solutions, Knauf and Gyoroc provide acoustic comfort and thermal insulation and are developed using recycled material. These facets contribute to WELL’s acoustic performance and LEED’s energy optimization and recycled materials credit.
Why Opt for Sustainable Interior Design Materials?
Sustainable interiors in recent years have not just developed into a popularized trend within the commercial space; they evoke rising concerns surrounding our planet and how risk mitigation can be applied further. Green certifications are those credible stamps that not just boost marketability but also reduce operational costs. Looking at a few studies, here is how these certifications meet the green standards:Â Â Â Â
- In terms of LEED, every LEED-certified structure consumes 25% less energy and 11% less water than non-certified buildings.
- WELL certification, on the other hand, reports a 10% increase in employee satisfaction and a 27% drop in staff turnover.
Final Thoughts
As demand for commercial interiors continues to rise in the Indian market, so does the urgency to achieve green credits. This growing need to match international green standards is not just a matter of reputation but also a necessity that creates an intersection between design, sustainability, and wellness.
At BSC Interiors, we offer our sustainability-focused brand portfolio that sticks to the many requirements of LEED and WELL certifications. Our commitment is not just to assist various projects with ideal materials—it is also to help our clients understand the many aspects made compulsory for modern designing that balances both the planet and its people.