Benchmark Study on Green Buildings - Royal Architectural Institute ...

6.0 Environmental Labeling Systems:
6.1 Global Ecolabeling Network: Global Coverage
(http://www.gen.gr.jp/index.html)
The Global Ecolabelling Network (GEN) is a non-profit association of third-party,
environmental performance labeling organizations founded in 1994 to improve, promote,
and develop the “Ecolabeling” of products and services.
“Ecolabeling” is a voluntary method of environmental performance certification and
labelling that is practiced around the world. An “ecolabel” is a label which identifies the
overall environmental performance of a product or service within a specific product or
service category based on life cycle considerations. In contrast to “green” symbols or
claim statements developed by manufacturers and service providers, an ecolabel is
awarded by an impartial third-party in relation to certain products or services that are
independently determined to meet environmental leadership criteria.
The Global Ecolabeling Network coordinates the activities of its members to achieve
more harmonized standards and certifications world-wide. It promotes the development
of more national ecolabels, and encourages all manufacturers to apply for official
certification under their national ecolabelling bodies, so that one day all products and
services can be sustainable.
6.2 Green Seal: United States
(http://www.greenseal.org/index.cfm)
Green Seal is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to safeguarding the
environment and transforming the marketplace by promoting the manufacture, purchase,
and use of environmentally responsible products and services.
Green Seal works with manufacturers, industry sectors, purchasing groups and
governments at all levels to ‘green’ the production and purchasing chain. They utilize a
life-cycle approach, which means they evaluate a product or service beginning with
material extraction, continuing with manufacturing and use, and ending with recycling
and disposal. Products only become Green Seal certified after rigorous testing and
evaluation, including on-site plant visits. Once certified, products and services can be
marked or stamped with the Green Seal to prove their sustainability.
6.3 EcoLogo: Canada & United States
(http://www.terrachoice.com/Home/Validation%20Products/Environmental%20C
hoice%20Program)
The EcoLogo is Canada’s (and, along with Green Seal, North America’s) most widely
recognized and respected multi-attribute environmental certification mark. By certifying
the environmental leaders in over 300 categories of products, EcoLogo helps
environmental marketers win customers, and helps buyers - both consumer and corporate
- find and trust the world’s most sustainable products.
By helping environmental leaders promote themselves and their products, EcoLogo helps
move the entire marketplace toward sustainability. The EcoLogo belongs to the
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