For some companies it might be appropriate to control and demonstrate the environmental aspect of a product. This can be appropriate for organisations that produce a limited line of products, manufacturers of a single product, and for companies who want to use a products environmental credentials as a key selling point. By undertaking a life cycle assessment it is possible to improve a products performance as well as demonstrate its environmental sustainability, and validate claims about its credentials.
Comprehensive life cycle assessment standards include the PAS 2050 and ISO 14040 specifications. These specifications provide a guide on performing a life cycle assessment, and can help to identify where the major environmental impacts (and opportunities for improvements) are. The PAS 2050 standard is primarily concerned with CO2 equivalent emissions, meaning it provides a measurable outcome to present to the public and stakeholders. The Carbon Trust ‘Carbon Reduction Label’ conforms to the PAS 2050 standard, and can increasingly be seen on products (such as Walkers Crisps) demonstrating their environmental credentials.
Depending on the products in question there are a number of standards that might be appropriate for your business. Common standards include the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) mark, Fairtrade, and the Soil Association’s organic standard. All of these offer businesses a great way to demonstrate good sustainability performance of their products, and can help gain a competitive market place advantage.
If you want to find out more about how you can prove your products green performance contact adamw@peopleprofitplanet.co.uk.
In the next and final blog in this series on sustainability standards we will have a look at how social responsibility can play a vital role in your businesses performance.
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