What does European LEVEL mean?
There are many different eco labels for the office and contract furniture market. However most certifications only cover a small proportion of the relevant sustainability criteria. The result: Even experts find it difficult to judge which combination of individual labels makes the most sense. For this reason the FEMB (Fédération Européenne de Mobilier du Bureau, Europäischer Büromöbelverband) created a universal sustainability standard and the European LEVEL certificate, which is based on this standard. This sustainability standard provides product developers, manufacturers or furniture buyers with a detailed view of all relevant sustainability aspects.
The benefits at a glance:
- LEVEL is the only accredited standard for the Green Economy.
- LEVEL is the most comprehensive sustainability standard for furniture.
- Content covered by other labels is incorporated in LEVEL.
- Systems with a legal basis or accreditation are recognised.
- Benchmarks and limits from other labels have been integrated.
- LEVEL fulfils market requirements for the Circular Economy.
- LEVEL is highly credible and internationally recognised.
Rating requirements
Rating requirements European LEVEL encompasses four impact areas: material, energy and atmosphere, human and environmental health, social responsibility:
Material: This impact area encompasses the materials and resources in the product development process: Selection of materials, efficient utilisation of resources, use of recycled materials, water and waste management, and packaging/product lifecycle:
- wood and wood derivatives
- Plastic parts
- surface coatings / finishes
- glues and adhesive materials
- textiles, leather and upholstery materials
- flame retardants and phthalates
- packaging materials
- eco balances
- efficient use of resources
- recycling materials
- extended product responsibility
- water and waste management.
Energy and atmosphere: This impact area encompasses points including the development of a company-specific energy policy, audits of energy and greenhouse gases, generation and use of renewable energies, grey energy contained within the product, and reports on greenhouse gas emissions:
- company energy policy
- recording energy consumption
- evaluation of total energy efficiency
- recognition for building certification
- energy management system
- grey energy
- energy consumption of the finished product
- Transport
- renewable energies at the site and externally
- greenhouse gases.
Human and environmental health: This impact area takes into account for instance the effect of chemical substances on humans and the natural environment. Products, production processes and measures to maintain and repair the production facilities are taken into consideration:
- evidence of compliance with specifications
- corporate guidelines for handling chemicals, risks and environmental management
- EMAS, ISO 14001 or equivalent
- chemical management in the production facility
- effects of chemicals used in product, process and repair
- avoidance of harmful chemicals.
Social responsibility: This impact area covers management techniques to recognise and avoid hazards to employees and the environment. The criteria include for example inclusion, community and social involvement by the company, and anchoring social responsibility across the supply chain:
- health and safety of employees
- employment rights and human rights
- policy of social responsibility
- external standards for health and safety management
- inclusion programmes
- community involvement
- social responsibility reporting
- promotion of social responsibility in the supply chain.
Certification levels
LEVEL has three certification levels. Products can be labelled LEVEL 1, LEVEL 2 or LEVEL 3. The rating depends on the points achieved. The highest possible rank is LEVEL 3.
Almost all König + Neurath products in the desking, cupboard, partition and seating categories are certified. All certified products have achieved the highest possible certification level, LEVEL 3.
Kontaktieren Sie uns gerne direkt:
König + Neurath AG
+49(0)6039-483-0
Schreiben Sie uns
Industriestraße 1-3
61184 Karben