EMERYVILLE, Calif., April 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Scientific Certification Systems (SCS) has announced its first three certifications under the tile industry's brand new Green Squared(SM) certification standard. Certifications were awarded to tile manufactured by Crossville Inc., Interceramic Inc., and Metropolitan Ceramics by Ironrock.

Green Squared is the flooring industry's first sustainability standard for tile and tile installation materials.  Developed by the Tile Council of North America (TCNA) (tilethenaturalchoice.com) under the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) process, this sustainability standard recognizes manufacturers for their environmental leadership and corporate social responsibility across a broad range of indicators.  Scientific Certification Systems is among the first third-party certifiers accredited by TCNA to conduct evaluations under this standard.

"SCS is committed to supporting comprehensive industry certifications such as Green Squared that address a wide range of environmental impacts and social issues," said Michael Wolfe, Managing Director, Environmental Certification Services at SCS.

Products eligible to achieve Green Squared(SM) certification include ceramic and glass tiles, grouts, mortars, backer boards, underlayments, and waterproof membranes. The standard addresses environmental product characteristics, product manufacturing, end-of-life management, corporate governance, and innovation.

"The Green Squared certification encompasses a wide range of sustainable initiatives into a concise package.  It solidifies Crossville's ground-breaking efforts, from process to product." Lindsey Waldrep, Vice President, Marketing,Crossville Inc. "We're excited to be one of the first companies to obtain this certification."

"The certification process for Green Squared was both challenging and enlightening. We learned that we have done many things well and that there is always room to improve." Guy Renkert, President and CEO of Ironrock. "Working with SCS was a pleasure. They were friendly, knowledgeable, well prepared, meticulous in their assessment and provided excellent customer service."

"The Green Squared standard is one more way in which the green building industry is demonstrating its leadership in sustainability," said Humberto Maese, Executive Vice President of US Operations Interceramic. "As an early adopter, our goal is to encourage other companies will follow suit."

Scientific Certification Systems (SCS) has been a global leader in third-party environmental and sustainability certification, auditing, testing and standards development for more than 25 years. SCS programs span a wide cross-section of sectors, recognizing exemplary performance in natural resource management, green building, product manufacturing, food and agriculture, retailing and more. SCS is a Certified B Corporation, reflecting its commitment to socially and environmentally responsible business practices.