Environmental Performance Declaration Process
Declarations are completed in two phases: Phase 1 | Phase 2
PHASE 1 : Project Scoping and Baseline Determination
The first phase of the Declaration process consists of a project scoping and a base-line determination for the product category. This is the first step toward certification as environmentally preferable.
Scoping: The scoping consists of an initial data gathering and evaluation of the project to determine the extent of work required to complete the final Environmental Performance Declaration (EPD). In this phase, SCS determines what data is required to complete the Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA): the materials, energy and other resources used to produce the product or service being evaluated.
In the scoping stage, SCS will also provide a cost estimate and timeline for completion of the Environmental Performance Declaration.
Baseline: An EPD requires that a baseline be determined for comparison purposes and to ensure continuous improvement over time. A baseline may be an average impact assessment for the product sector or category, or may be the product market leader. In Phase 1, SCS determines the baseline to be used in your declaration.
The cost for Phase 1 – Project Scoping and Baseline Evaluation, is $5000. Click here to pay now via Paypal's secure server. An initial data request form can be downloaded here.
Workshop: One day of training on life cycle principles and data inventory requirements may also be provided to your staff at your facility. This training prepares key staff to support SCS during Phase 2 with minimum diversion from their regular duties. Staff will also be prepared if your company elects to conduct workforce declaration assessments with of staff processes and building use. This workshop can be provided by SCS, in conjunction with the scoping and base-line evaluation, for an additional cost.
PHASE 2 : Full Life Cycle Assessment
Environmental Performance Declaration: Based on the scoping and baseline evaluation from Phase 1, SCS will complete a detailed Environmental Performance Declaration. The Declaration includes a full life cycle assessment and baseline comparison with complete technical review. SCS team will assemble an assessment team including environmental life cycle, forestry and agricultural experts, and chemists and manufacturing engineers. The comparative analysis uses the life cycle requirements and guidelines of ISO 14044:2006. This standard provides guidance on the impact assessment phase of LCIA and on the interpretation of LCIA results, as well as the nature and quality of the data collected.
The total cost for life cycle assessment and baseline determination depends on the complexity of the study and ready availability of comparative baseline.
To begin your scoping process, you may submit your application fee via PayPal's secure server. Use the top button for scoping assessment only, and the lower button to include and on-site workshop for your staff. You will be returned to the SCS website when your payment is complete.