Public Comment Period Announced for a New Standard for Type III Life-Cycle Impact Profile Declarations for Products and Services (LEO-SCS-002)
(3BL Media) Madison, WI - April 11, 2012 - Leonardo Academy announced that the new draft standard for Type III Life-Cycle Impact Profile Declarations for Products and Services (LEO-SCS-002) was officially released for public comment by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). The standard, entitled “Life Cycle Assessment Methodology and Guidance for Establishing Public Declarations, Ratings and Claims,” is aimed at helping companies, institutions, agencies and stakeholders more effectively evaluate, report and compare the environmental footprint of products, services and systems over their life cycles. The public comment period opened on April 6, 2012 and will close on June 12, 2012. The draft standard and comment forms are available on the web at: http://www.leonardoacademy.org/services/standards/life-cycle.html
After the 60-day comment period is completed, the LEO-SCS-002 Standard Committee will address all of the comments, after which a revised draft standard will be submitted to ANSI for promulgation as an American National Standard.
What is Life Cycle Impact Assessment and Why is It Important?
Life cycle assessment is a methodology for examining the environmental impacts of products, services and systems over their entire life cycle, from resource extraction through manufacturing, delivery, useful life, and end-of-life disposition. LCA is increasingly used to evaluate current environmental performance, to inform investment and planning decisions, to support policy development, and to make product comparisons and procurement decisions.
What is the Purpose of This Standard?
This standard complements international standards for LCA and Environmental Declarations, ISO 14044 and ISO 14025:
- Providing more detailed guidance for conducting the life cycle assessment, especially the life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) phase;
- Describing the technical requirements for environmentally relevant indicators and impact profiles; and
- Describing additional guidance for Type III environmental declarations beyond what is specified in ISO 14025, as well as for derivative environmental claims, in order to ensure a high level of rigor and consistency in the information reported.
Who Will Use This Standard?
This standard is intended for use by: product manufacturers; service professionals; environmental professionals; policymakers; material and energy resource planners; environmental advocacy groups; industrial, commercial and residential customers; climate registries and programs; procurement agencies and professionals; and third‐party LCA practitioners and certifiers of Type III environmental declarations and derivative claims.
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Opportunities to Participate in Developing the Standard
Currently there are openings for both the voting Standard Committee and subcommittees. Leonardo Academy is seeking participants to provide the perspectives of producers, users, environmentalists, academics and government and general interest. To receive an application for membership on the Standard Committee, a subcommittee, or for observer status, contact Michael Arny at Leonardo Academy: michaelarny@leonardoacademy.org, (608) 280-0255, or visit http://www.leonardoacademy.org/services/standards/life-cycle.html
The Standard Committee
There are 30 seats on the LEO-SCS-002 Standard Committee consisting of a skilled, diverse membership representing a broad range of perspectives. The Standard Committee works on a voluntary basis and meets regularly through conference calls to develop and finalize a national standard for life cycle impact assessment under the rules of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
Donations
The development of the LEO-SCS-002 Standard is funded through donations. Please consider making a donation to support Leonardo Academy’s work on developing this standard. Your support will help advance sustainability. To make a tax deductible donation to support the development process, go to: http://www.leonardoacademy.org/donate.html
About Leonardo Academy
Mission Statement
Leonardo Academy is a charitable 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing sustainability by leveraging innovative tools and information to motivate the competitive market. By utilizing an interdisciplinary approach to sustainability strategies, education and implementation, we strive to make sustainability practical for everyone. We develop integrative sustainability solutions designed to enhance the environmental stewardship, social responsibility and economic prosperity of organizations, corporations and individuals. We see a world filled with sustainable opportunities that can transform the way we live today and ensure the prosperity of future generations.
Programs and Services
Leonardo Academy works on a broad range of sustainability issues and provides comprehensive sustainability programs and services to help companies, organizations, families and individuals implement sustainability. Our programs and services include: organizational sustainability assessments and implementation; emissions footprints, reduction strategies and offsets; event emissions footprints, sustainability assessments and implementation; sustainable event certification through our Cleaner and Greener® Program; LEED® assessments, implementation and certification application preparation; sustainable land management; sustainability training; and sustainability standards development.
To Join Our Work and For More Information
Individuals, organizations and companies are invited to join Leonardo Academy’s work on advancing sustainability. One important way to join in our work is by making a charitable donation to support these efforts. Online donations can be made at: www.leonardoacademy.org.
