Introduction – Above Green

Eligibility

Environmentally Preferable Products (EPP) certification is available to producers of manufactured goods, input material manufacturers, and electricity providers.

Certification Criteria

To be certified, your product must perform equal to or better in every category of potential environmental impact than other products serving the same function, with no environmental trade-offs. This performance addresses every stage of the product life cycle from raw material extraction and processing through manufacturing, use, and final disposition.

SCS uses the most advanced life cycle assessment (LCA) protocols, now described in a new draft standard undergoing finalization in the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) process, to make its EPP determinations.

Benefits

Product Manufacturers

Achieve third-party certification of your significant environmental achievements
Satisfy buyer specifications
Demonstrate leadership position
Obtain objective, scientific review with valuable feedback
Identify viable opportunities for further improvement
Stand up to stakeholder review

Customers (Retailer, Institutional Buyer, Consumer, Government Procurement)

Gain independent assurance that green claims have been thoroughly scrutinized
Support your green purchasing objectives

Certified products are entitled to use the SCS Kingfisher certification mark for on-product and off-product applications.

Process

Apply for Service
Complete and submit the SCS Application Form. SCS reviews the information provided on your application form, and schedules a scoping call.
Scoping Call
The scoping call is intended to answer any outstanding questions SCS may have about your product. Together, we define the benchmark or baseline case to be used for comparison, and the scope of the assessment. Data resources are also discussed.
Authorize a Proposal and Work Order
SCS prepares a proposal and work order for your approval spelling out the scope of work, timeline and quote.
Data Request Form
SCS customizes a data request form (DRF) for you, based on the product and scope of work. Once you receive the DRF, fill it out and send it back to SCS. SCS answers any questions you have to help you fill it out correctly.
Comparative Life Cycle Assessment
Once SCS receives the completed DRF, the EPP assessment is conducted.
Certification Decision
SCS makes the final certification decision. If certification is granted, SCS issues the certificate and final report. The product is posted to the SCS Certified Product Directory.