The Australian Government Department of the Environment and Energy (the Department) and the Australasian EPD Programme are pleased to announce that Australasian Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) can now utilise a streamlined carbon neutral certification process. This will make it much easier and more cost-effective for businesses that are developing or have developed an EPD to also achieve carbon neutral certification.
The recognition follows an independent assessment that Australasian EPDs satisfy key criteria of the National Carbon Offset Standard (NCOS) for Products and Services.
“Our objective is to make the carbon neutral certification as accessible as possible, while maintaining its robustness and status in the market”, says the Department’s Melanie Kaebernick. “The Australasian EPD Program is a fitting partner for us, since it applies best-practice LCA methods through its partnership with the International EPD System and independent verification processes.”
EPDs are a credible and rigorous way for companies to measure and communicate the environmental performance of their products. This includes providing a verified carbon footprint. Stephen Mitchell – Chair of the Australasian EPD Programme adds: “Connecting our members’ EPDs to Australia’s leading carbon neutral standard is a logical step for us in providing Australasian EPD owners with more opportunities to showcase their sustainability leadership.”
If you are a business in the process of developing an EPD - or if your EPD is already published - with the Australasian EPD Programme and are interested in having your products certified as carbon neutral, then now is a good time to talk to your LCA consultant, the Australasian EPD Programme or the Department for more information.
All construction products registered with the Australasian EPD Programme comply with the EN15804 standard. Products other than construction products will have to undertake some additional steps to demonstrate they meet the methodological requirements and rigour of the carbon neutral certification process.
A guideline document has been developed and is now available on the Department’s website. A webinar in early April will outline the streamlined process and provide a chance to ask questions. Keep an eye on your inbox or the EPD Programme’s website for the webinar announcement.
Contact:
Stephen Mitchell – Chair, Australasian EPD Programme
0432 860 100
chair@epd-australasia.com.au
http://www.epd-australasia.com/
Resources:
The guideline is available at
http://www.environment.gov.au/climate-change/government/carbon-neutral/ncos