If your product, building material, or furniture needs VOC or indoor air emissions testing, the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) operates one of the country’s leading facilities. Many Canadian businesses use this service to show compliance with indoor air quality standards. NRC’s Material Emissions Testing Facilities offer controlled, science-backed testing for everything from small samples to full room assemblies.
The NRC’s Material Emissions Testing Facilities are a fee-for-service program run by the Government of Canada. This is not a grant or subsidy. It is a paid testing service for Canadian industry.
What can be tested:
Testing happens in controlled environmental chambers. The NRC measures emissions (off-gassing) over time. This approach is important for supporting indoor air quality claims and certifications.
Supported standards: NRC testing can be tailored to support several key Canadian and international standards, including:
The California 01350 standard is a US-based method, but it is sometimes required in Canada—especially for products exported to the US or for green building certifications that reference this method.
These standards are often needed for green building programs, public procurement, and third-party certifications.
Accessing NRC material emissions testing is a direct process between your business and the NRC lab.
Step 1: Define your testing need
Be ready to explain:
Step 2: Contact the NRC business lead
The NRC asks businesses to reach out to the program contact to discuss the work:
Step 3: Receive a scoped quote
Costs and timelines depend on your needs:
There is no fixed price list. The NRC provides a quote after reviewing your scope.
If you are looking for funding to support the broader R&D or product development work related to your testing, GrantHub lists Canadian grant programs that may be relevant.
No. NRC Material Emissions Testing Facilities are a fee-for-service offering, not a funding program.
However, many businesses combine NRC testing with federal or provincial innovation grants for related R&D, prototype development, or commercialization work.
Relevant program context:
Assuming NRC testing is free
This is a paid service. Plan your budget carefully. Testing multiple samples or using long-term protocols can increase costs.
Not specifying the target standard early
Testing methods depend on the standard. If you need a specific method (like California 01350), mention it at the start.
Underestimating timelines
Some emissions tests last several weeks. Late planning can delay your project or product launch.
Sending samples that don’t match your final product
Samples should reflect your finished materials. If you change materials after testing, your results might not be valid.
NRC emissions testing is often used to support green building certifications, such as LEED, WELL, and other programs that require proof of low emissions. Public sector buyers and large construction projects may also require testing to these standards for procurement. Having third-party test results from the NRC can help meet these requirements and improve your product’s credibility.
Q: Who can use NRC material emissions testing facilities?
Canadian businesses and industry partners can access the service. It is designed to support commercial product development and compliance needs.
Q: How long does VOC emissions testing take?
Timelines depend on the standard and scope. Small sample tests may take a few weeks. Room-scale or workstation testing can take longer because of extended monitoring.
Q: Can NRC testing support green building certifications?
Yes. NRC testing is widely used to meet indoor air quality requirements for green building programs and public procurement.
Q: Does NRC provide pass/fail certification?
NRC supplies measured emissions data and technical reports. Certification decisions are usually made by third-party programs or regulators using your NRC results.
Q: Can I get a grant to cover NRC testing fees?
NRC testing itself is fee-based. However, many companies use innovation or commercialization grants to support the broader work. GrantHub tracks programs that may apply.
If you need NRC material emissions testing for VOC or indoor air quality compliance, start by outlining your test needs and contacting the NRC lead above. Consider whether grants or R&D incentives can support your larger project. GrantHub maintains a list of active Canadian grant programs that may be relevant to your business.
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