The marketplace is flooded with “green” certifications leading to confusion for manufacturers, customers and consumers. Many of these certifications are based on single product attributes, such as indoor air quality, recycled content or biodegradability. Single-attribute certifications are beneficial, but can we really determine the true environmental impact of a product by strictly looking at one aspect?

The Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) is a type of label that originates from ISO 14025 standards. Often referred to as “the next generation of environmental labeling,” EPDs are based on scientific data generated from a product lifecycle assessment. The rigorous process involves much more than looking at one aspect of the product, and is based on global, transparent standards. The process of developing environmental declarations should include an open participatory consultation with interested parties, according to ISO 14025.

When undergoing a lifecycle assessment a product is assessed from raw material extraction through disposal. Also known as “cradle to grave” assessment, lifecycle assessment considers materials extraction, production, transport, use of the product and end-of-life disposal.

The result is a finite analysis of a product’s environmental impact categories, such as global-warming potential and carbon footprint, smog formation, and impacts on the waste stream and water quality. These and other impact categories are highlighted, along with additional information regarding the product’s environmental attributes and a company’s corporate sustainability information, in a published EPD.

In addition to serving as a marketing tool, the LCA to EPD process facilitates in depth product supply chain assessment and highlights areas for optimization and overall environmental footprint reduction.

Heather Gadonniex, LEED AP and principal of MindClick, provides business driven sustainability performance and product assessment solutions. She can be reached at hgadonniex@mindclickgreenitgroup.com.
More info:
The Green Standard:
www.thegreenstandard.org/epd_systems.html
MindClick: www.mindclickgreenitgroup.com.

Eco-label low-down
The following eco-labels and certifications are ones used most-often by the sustainable business leaders covered in Sustainable Industries.
Cradle to Cradle: www.c2ccertified.com
EcoLogo: www.ecologo.org
Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT): www.epeat.net
EPA Energy Star: www.energystar.gov
EPA Design for the Environment: www.epa.gov/dfe
EPA WaterSense: www.epa.gov/watersense
Forest Stewardship Council: www.fsc.org
Green Seal: www.greenseal.org
Greenguard: www.greenguard.org
OEKO-tex: www.oeko-tex.com
Scientific Certification Systems: www.scscertified.com
Transfair USA Fair Trade: www.transfairusa.org
USDA Organic: www.ams.usda.gov/nop