Grand Rapids, MI  – The Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturers Association (BIFMA) today announced a strategic alignment with the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) to advance a more unified approach to sustainable and healthy commercial interiors.

At the core of this alignment are the ANSI/BIFMA e3 Furniture Sustainability Standard and LEVEL®, BIFMA’s third-party certification program for commercial furniture. Together, these frameworks now play a recognized role across both LEED v5 and WELL programs. The alignment, acknowledges furniture’s influence in the built environment and offers project teams clearer pathways to meet sustainability and wellbeing goals.

For teams pursuing green building certification, this alignment delivers immediate, practical value. Within LEED v5 , USGBC’s Building Product Selection & Procurement credit uses a multi-attribute framework to evaluate products across five key criteria areas: human health, climate health, ecosystem health, social health and equity and circular economy outcomes. LEED v5 guidance specifically recognizes LEVEL, including Tier 4, as a pathway contributing across all five categories. It also references ANSI/BIFMA Standard Method M7.1 and ANSI/BIFMA e3 for low-emitting furniture requirements.

The alignment extends to IWBI's WELL Building Standard (including WELL v2 and the next version of WELL), where the VOC Reduction feature for furniture and furnishings references both ANSI/BIFMA e3 and M7.1 for low-emitting products. WELL’s material transparency pathways for furnishings further elevate priorities central to e3 and LEVEL, including ingredient disclosure, safer chemistry and healthier indoor environments. All of these alignments also provide clear guidelines for products pursuing IWBI’s Works with WELL designation.

“Advancing healthier buildings requires progress not just at the building level, but across the entire ecosystem of products that shape indoor environments,” said Jessica Cooper, IWBI Chief Product Officer.  “Achieving greater alignment across all industry standards is critical to this process, as it gives building professionals and manufacturers the clarity and confidence to implement best practices at scale.”

“LEED v5 is built to accelerate measurable outcomes for climate and human health, and we can only do that when the market has clear, credible pathways for selecting better products,” said Sarah Zaleski, Chief Products Officer, USGBC. “Alignment with ANSI/BIFMA e3 and LEVEL strengthens the credibility of product claims and supports more consistent evaluation across key impact areas such as human health to circular economy outcomes. Collaborations like these are how we turn shared priorities into accountable progress in buildings.”

Leveraging this alignment, BIFMA, USGBC and IWBI will continue collaborating on education, resources and communications to support leadership in sustainable, healthy buildings and interiors.

For more information about LEVEL certification and its role in LEED and WELL projects, visit bifma.org. or contact BIFMA directly.

About BIFMA

BIFMA is the leading non-profit furniture trade association in North America with members from around the world. Founded from the call to define uniform product standards for the industry, BIFMA has served as the voice of the commercial furniture industry since 1973 and is now the recognized source for managing and developing furniture standards that embody safety, ergonomics, health, sustainability, and performance that support buyer and specifier communities in making informed furniture selection decisions.

BIFMA further supports the industry providing market data, thought leadership, and industry outreach celebrating design and innovation in recognition of the significance furnishings play in the places we learn, work, heal, and live through product registries, sustainability certification, statistics reporting, government relations, industry promotion, education, networking, and trade development programs.

About the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) 

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) accelerates and scales the transformation of the built environment to minimize climate impacts and enhance the well-being of people, the environment, and communities worldwide. USGBC leads market transformation through LEED and other green building certification and enablement programs, robust educational offerings, an international network of industry leaders, the annual Greenbuild International Conference & Expo, the Center for Green Schools, and advocacy in support of public policy that encourages and enables green buildings and communities. For more information, visit usgbc.org and connect on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

Natalie Hartkopf, Co-Founder and CEO of Hightower

Natalie Hartkopf is the co-founder of Hightower, the forward-thinking US commercial furniture manufacturer. Hightower, created in 2003, is a family-founded business, as well as a certified Women’s Business Enterprise and Woman Owned Small Business. Under Natalie’s leadership and efforts, Hightower’s in-house brand, Hightower Studio, became a certified B Corp in 2023, one of only a handful of commercial manufacturers to achieve this important designation.

Natalie is integral at Hightower, leading the charge of creating an inclusive, equitable, and regenerative economy. She has pioneered the company's sustainability efforts to consistently deliver high-quality furniture using toxin-free materials throughout the Hightower supply chain and is dedicated to investing in its employees.

Recognized as Interior Design Magazine’s 2024 HiP Leader of the Year and listed on the MO 100, a Top Impact CEO Ranking from Big Path Capital for the last 3 years

About BIFMA

BIFMA is the leading non-profit furniture trade association in North America with members from around the world. Founded from the call to define uniform product standards for the industry, BIFMA has served as the voice of the commercial furniture industry since 1973 and is now the recognized source for managing and developing furniture standards that embody safety, ergonomics, health, sustainability, and performance that support buyer and specifier communities in making informed furniture selection decisions.

BIFMA further supports the industry providing market data, thought leadership, and industry outreach celebrating design and innovation in recognition of the significance furnishings play in the places we learn, work, heal, and live through product registries, sustainability certification, statistics reporting, government relations, industry promotion, education, networking, and trade development programs.

The updated guideline builds on BIFMA HCF 8.1-2019, Health Care Furniture Design Guidelines for Cleanability, and expands guidance to reflect how furniture surfaces are cleaned, sanitized, and disinfected across today's environments.

BIFMA G8.1-2026 is a voluntary guideline. The document is intended to help manufacturers, specifiers, and end users understand and evaluate how furniture surfaces perform when exposed to commonly used cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting (CSD) products.

The guideline defines protocols and acceptance criteria for resistance to CSD products on furniture surfaces used in both healthcare and commercial (non-healthcare) settings. It is not intended to establish health or safety-based claims; users should select requirements and test agents appropriate to their environment and risk management practices.

Key updates in the 2026 edition include: 

• Expanded scope beyond healthcare to explicitly address commercial (non-healthcare) settings in addition to healthcare environments.
• A tiered approach with separate conformance statements for healthcare and commercial applications.
• Expanded annex and appendix resources, including ACT test method content, additional design recommendations, and added information related to ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) and other supplemental topics.
• Acknowledgement of emerging 'touchless' disinfection approaches (e.g., UVC, fogging, electrostatic spray) alongside the primary focus on chemical cleaning and disinfection.

This update reflects a substantial, multi-year collaborative effort. Over the past four years, a committee of BIFMA members and nonmembers worked to refine the guidance, incorporate stakeholder input, and expand the document to better serve a wider set of market needs. BIFMA is grateful to all participants and contributors for their time, expertise, and commitment to improving the furniture surface guidance.

BIFMA members ae eligible for a complimentary madcad.com subscription to access all BIFMA standards. To learn more about membership, visit the website bifma.org.

About BIFMA

BIFMA is the leading non-profit furniture trade association in North America with members from around the world. Founded from the call to define uniform product standards for the industry, BIFMA has served as the voice of the commercial furniture industry since 1973 and is now the recognized source for managing and developing furniture standards that embody safety, ergonomics, health, sustainability, and performance that support buyer and specifier communities in making informed furniture selection decisions.

BIFMA further supports the industry providing market data, thought leadership, and industry outreach celebrating design and innovation in recognition of the significance furnishings play in the places we learn, work, heal, and live through product registries, sustainability certification, statistics reporting, government relations, industry promotion, education, networking, and trade development programs.

Susan Pilato; Owner/CEO, Mantra Inspired Furniture; Owner/Principal, PC&A Business Environments

As an Interior Designer with years’ experience in commercial interiors, Susan established Mantra Inspired Furniture in 2018 with a focus on the use of wood as the primary material. Sustainability and circularity are mantra’s she leads by.  Starting as a regional manufacturer, after winning awards at 2021 NeoCon, Mantra ‘s client base expanded quickly and nationally.  Susan is active in both the industry and the community currently serving as a Member of the NeoCon Advisory Council, Advisory Board Member for Radford University’s Design Program, Commissioner and Vice Chair for the Norfolk Airport Authority, Board Member of the Greater Norfolk Corporation, Board member of Envision Lead Grow, Chairperson for the Give Back 2 Da Block board, and TowneBank Norfolk Regional Board member.

John Michael, President, North America Contract, MillerKnoll

John began his career with Herman Miller in 2017 as Vice president of Distribution Channels. He now leads marketing, sales and distribution, shared services and the ancillary portfolio for MillerKnoll’s collective brands. Prior to Herman Miller John serviced as Vice president and General manager of business Interiors by Staples and President and COO of Ivan Allen Workspace. He holds a MBA from Queens University in Charlotte NC.

BIFMA President & CEO, Deirdre Jimenez, AIA, NCIDQ, welcomed the election of the new board members. “BIFMA is fortunate to have a board of 15 Industry leaders. I continue to be impressed by the degree of commitment, depth of integrity, and level of passion these leaders have for the industry and their customer markets. BIFMA exists to serve the industry and we look forward to welcoming both Susan Pilato and John Michael to the Board.”

About BIFMA

BIFMA is the leading non-profit furniture trade association in North America with members from around the world. Founded from the call to define uniform product standards for the industry, BIFMA has served as the voice of the commercial furniture industry since 1973 and is now the recognized source for managing and developing furniture standards that embody safety, ergonomics, health, sustainability, and performance that support buyer and specifier communities in making informed furniture selection decisions.

BIFMA further supports the industry providing market data, thought leadership, and industry outreach celebrating design and innovation in recognition of the significance furnishings play in the places we learn, work, heal, and live through product registries, sustainability certification, statistics reporting, government relations, industry promotion, education, networking, and trade development programs.

The X10.1-2024 standard specifies work chair and worksurface dimensions based on anthropometric data spanning from the 5th percentile female to the 95th percentile male (and, in some cases, female). Products designed to meet these requirements will accommodate a wide range of users.

However, in any workplace, some individuals may fall outside these reference dimensions. While many will still be able to use products designed to X10.1-2024 comfortably, others may require solutions with different dimensions to achieve an optimal fit. The Ultimate Test for Fit provides clear, actionable criteria to help organizations determine whether each individual user has been properly accommodated—supporting more inclusive and ergonomically sound work environments.

ANSI/BIFMA X5.4-2020(R2025) Public and Lounge Seating standard covers seating typically found in indoor public spaces such as waiting, reception, visitor seating in patient rooms, restaurant / dining / cafeteria settings and other gathering areas. Public and Lounge seating may also include units with multiple seating positions. Usually, these products have limited adjustment features.

The ANSI/BIFMA X5.4-2020(R2025) reaffirmed standard and all other ANSI/BIFMA standards are available on the MADCAD digital subscription platform in single and bundled packages. The digital subscription format provides for cross-referencing ANSI/BIFMA standards across other standards and codes. 

Grand Rapids, MI – BIFMA, the unified voice of the commercial furniture industry since 1973, represents 175 business and institutional furniture manufacturers, and material/component part suppliers across North America with the majority of members based in the US, with an additional 78 international member companies around the world.

The association continues to endorse the concept of free trade recognizing its crucial role in fostering robust supply chains and efficient production across all member nations as the industry is very much integrated to remain competitive globally.

Specific to North America, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which replaced NAFTA in 2020, further solidified North American trade relationships. We caution against any drastic tariff implementations that could undermine the progress made under USMCA.

Economic Contributions of the U.S. Furniture Industry

Commercial furniture manufacturing in the United States is conducted in 48 states, contributing nearly $15 billion annually to the US economy and generating significant annual exports of $1.75 billion dollars each year.

Over 65,000 U.S. workers are employed in this sector across more than 1,400 commercial furniture establishments (with nearly $3 billion in payroll annually). Thousands of jobs in the US are tied to furniture exports are at risk due to potential tariff increases.

The furniture industry faces significant economic and supply chain challenges with potential tariffs targeting imports from Mexico, Canada, China, and other nations. The proposed tariffs threaten to disrupt well-established trade relationships and supply chains developed within North America creating further disadvantage to US companies against competitors located outside of North America.

Economic Impact

Furniture prices and material costs across both mass-produced and high-end market segments will increase, potentially raising prices for consumers by amounts proportional to the tariff rates. Such increases will have a negative impact on market demand likely leading to a net job loss particularly challenging for the furniture industry, which is already navigating post-pandemic market conditions. Ripple effects could impact customer industries and adjacent construction industries as new capital investment projects may be reconsidered.

Supply Chain Considerations

Recent investments in North American reshoring efforts would be undermined. Many furniture manufacturers have strategically developed hybrid production models and supply chains within Mexico and Canada and other countries. New tariffs could force costly and disruptive restructuring of these networks, potentially reversing the benefits gained from recent reshoring efforts.

Competition

International competitors who source component parts from tariffed countries would not be impacted by price increases from tariffs like U.S. manufacturers would. Thus, when they export finished goods to the U.S., their cost basis would be more competitive than domestic U.S. manufacturers. This, coupled with the strong U.S. dollar, would put domestic manufacturers in a very disadvantageous position in the U.S. market.

Industry Perspective

While some domestic furniture manufacturers may see an opportunity for increased domestic production, most are concerned that tariffs could have substantial negative effects on the furniture industry and consumers creating more economic instability than benefit. Manufacturers must remain competitive in the US , North American, and International Marketplaces to achieve long term success. Taxing goods and materials coming into the United States will carry unintended consequences in today’s globally interconnected manufacturing process. One example is worsening the existing tight labor market for skilled manufacturing workers.

In conclusion, BIFMA and its members encourage the Administration to reconsider imposing new tariffs. BIFMA advocates for trade policies that maintain the strengths of our North American partnerships while addressing contemporary challenges. We urge policymakers to carefully weigh the potential consequences of aggressive tariff policies. We invite policymakers to engage in constructive dialogue with industry stakeholders to find balanced solutions that support domestic manufacturing without sacrificing the benefits of regional trade integration helping US manufacturers to be the most competitive region globally.

About BIFMA

BIFMA is the Business and Institutional furniture trade association in North America with members from around the world. BIFMA has served as the voice of the commercial furniture industry since 1973 and is now the recognized source for managing and developing furniture standards that embody safety, ergonomics, health, sustainability, and performance that support buyer and specifier communities in making informed furniture decisions.

BIFMA further supports the industry providing market data, thought leadership, and industry outreach celebrating design and innovation in recognition of the significance furnishings play in the places we learn, work, heal, and live through product registries, sustainability certification, statistics reporting, government relations, industry promotion, education, networking, and trade development programs.

Grand Rapids, MI – BIFMA announces a new material database for the furniture industry. SOURCE by BIFMA is a tailored database interface programmed specifically for the furniture industry. The database sits on Source Intelligence’s platform CMAP which draws upon cross-industry technical material data supplemented with industry specific supplier input. The program aims to provide suppliers with a centralized and secure repository for data provided to manufacturers. SOURCE reduces manufacturer response time to customers requesting material information.

BIFMA invites all industry suppliers to participate in the program.  There is no fee for participation. To participate in the program, suppliers may contact bifma@sourceintel.com.

Access to the material data and reports is included in association membership. For more information regarding BIFMA membership, please contact Andrew Kotman, BIFMA Membership Services Director.

Paul Cleary; President, CEO; Momentum Textiles and Wallcovering

Paul Cleary is President and CEO for Momentum Textiles located in Irvine, California. Paul has been involved with the commercial interiors industry for over 35 years. Prior to joining Momentum, Paul led design strategy, product development, operations, manufacturing, and business development in global and domestic roles. He served as CEO President for Lexmark, Tarkett Hospitability, and Twitchell Fabrics. Paul has also served on both commercial and nonprofit boards including the Center For Health Design advisory board.

Meghan Sherwin; President; Keilhauer

Meghan Sherwin is President of Keilhauer located in Scarborough, Ontario, Canada.  Meghan joined Keilhauer in 2017 as Vice President of Marketing Sustainability and Customer Service and was named President in 2023.  Prior to Keilhauer, she spent over 20 years delivering award-winning advertising across global Fortune 100 brands. She led Kraft’s first Influencer eCRM platform, launched Samsung’s first experience retail environment, and led one of the most successful digital launches in P&G history with Gillette North America. She is an active advisor and delegate of the United Nations Office for Partnerships Round Table on Circularity and Sustainability in Interiors.

Mike Wagner; Chairman, CEO, President; Jasper Group Brands: JSI + Klem

Mike Wagner is President and Chairman of the Jasper Group located in Jasper Indiana. In March of 2020, he joined Jasper Group, the parent company of JSI and Klem and currently serves as the Chairman and CEO.  Mike has more than 25 years in the commercial furniture industry. Prior to the Jasper Group, Mike served as SVP of Sales and Marketing with OFS, as President of Kimball and served as Principal of a Chicago based Independent Rep Group.

BIFMA President & CEO, Deirdre Jimenez, AIA, NCIDQ, welcomed the election of the new board members. “The furniture industry is becoming more complex. BIFMA is fortunate to have a broad member base with distinguished leaders willing to contribute their time and expertise for the benefit of the entire industry. We look forward to working with our three new board members and our twelve current board members as we continue to support industry innovations, advancements, and contributions.”

About BIFMA

BIFMA is the leading non-profit furniture trade association in North America with members from around the world. Founded from the call to define uniform product standards for the industry, BIFMA has served as the voice of the commercial furniture industry since 1973 and is now the recognized source for managing and developing furniture standards that embody safety, ergonomics, health, sustainability, and performance that support buyer and specifier communities in making informed furniture selection decisions.

BIFMA further supports the industry providing market data, thought leadership, and industry outreach celebrating design and innovation in recognition of the significance furnishings play in the places we learn, work, heal, and live through product registries, sustainability certification, statistics reporting, government relations, industry promotion, education, networking, and trade development programs

New Officers

BIFMA Chair—Franco Bianchi, President & CEO, Haworth, Inc.

Franco Bianchi assumed the role of President and Chief Executive Officer of Haworth, Inc. in July 2005. He oversees and directs the performance of the global organization, which comprises Haworth North America, Haworth Europe, and Haworth Asia Pacific.

BIFMA Vice Chair—Brian Krenke, President & CEO, KI

Since becoming CEO in 2018, Brian has focused on improving the customer experience at every touchpoint.

Drawing from his 30-plus years of experience at KI, including leadership positions in Sales, Product Management, Vertical Markets, and Marketing, Brian has focused the organization on what it takes to secure and keep customers. 

BIFMA Treasurer—Jeff Lorenger, President & CEO, HNI

Jeffrey Lorenger was named President and CEO of HNI Corporation in June 2018, and Chairman of the Board of Directors in February 2020. He previously was President of Office Furniture for the Corporation, where he was responsible for the HON, Allsteel, Gunlocke, HBF and Maxon businesses.

New Directors

Marc Langeland, President, LightCorp

LightCorp is a leading manufacturer of innovative lighting, power solutions, and office accessories based in Grand Haven, Michigan. With over 33 years of experience at LightCorp, Marc has held various leadership roles, including Vice President of Sales and Marketing and Vice President of Operations and Supply Chain.

Rebecca Boenigk, CEO, Neutral Posture

Neutral Posture, Inc., is a certified Women’s Business Enterprise seating and systems furniture manufacturer based in Bryan, Texas. Rebecca serves as the COB and CEO and has over 35 years of experience in research, development, design, and the manufacturing of commercial, healthcare and industrial furniture. Rebecca has grown Neutral Posture to an international company with numerous award-winning patented products.

Wilson Chow, President, OM Seating

OM Seating is a leading seating specialist based out of Southern California and serving all verticals in the contract furniture market with thoughtfully designed and well-made solutions. Appointed to his current role in 2014, Wilson previously served in a range of capacities, from Executive Vice President to Marketing Manager. Wilson joined the company in 2005 and has accumulated deep experience in many different aspects of the business.

FY24 BIFMA Board of Directors

Grand Rapids, MI –BIFMA announces the election of new industry leader to its Board of Director. Brian Krenke, Chief Executive Officer at KI, was elected at the June meeting of the Board.

He may be a Vikings fan in the heart of Packerland, but for Brian Krenke, KI Chief Executive Officer, his professional loyalty rests squarely with KI and its customers. Since becoming CEO in 2018, Brian has focused on improving the customer experience at every touchpoint. Drawing from his 30-plus years of experience at KI, including leadership positions in Sales, Product Management, Vertical Markets and Marketing, Brian has focused the organization on what it takes to secure and keep customers. He has evolved the KI Go-To-Market strategy and championed new distribution methods, resulting in significant revenue growth. He was also instrumental in transitioning KI to a 100 percent employee-owned company, with KI now ranked among the 10 largest ESOP companies in the United States. Brian encourages every employee-owner to think like an entrepreneur since they have a financial stake in the company. Always challenging himself to improve his knowledge and leadership skills, Brian is a member of the Northeast Wisconsin Executive Committee (TEC). He’s also a proud alumnus of the University of Wisconsin-Madison (Industrial Engineering) and an avid Badgers fan.

BIFMA Executive President & CEO, Deirdre Jimenez, welcomed the election of Krenke to the board. “The furniture industry is fortunate to have leaders with diverse backgrounds willing to offer their vision of the future, especially as we all address the profound challenges in the workplace and world today.”