What is BS EN ISO 14020:2012?

BS EN ISO 14020:2012 is a standard that provides guidelines for environmental labels and declarations. It aims to establish a uniform and credible system for evaluating the environmental performance of products and services. This technical article will delve into the details of BS EN ISO 14020:2012, its purpose, key elements, and benefits.

Purpose of BS EN ISO 14020:2012

The main purpose of BS EN ISO 14020:2012 is to facilitate the communication of reliable and scientifically based information regarding the environmental aspects of products and services. It provides a framework for developing environmental labels and declarations that can be used by consumers, businesses, and regulatory bodies to make informed choices and decisions regarding sustainability.

Key Elements of BS EN ISO 14020:2012

BS EN ISO 14020:2012 includes various key elements that are crucial for developing credible and trustworthy environmental labels and declarations:

Environmental Criteria: This element involves establishing clear and measurable criteria that define the environmental performance of a product or service. These criteria should consider all stages of the product's life cycle, including raw material extraction, production, use, and disposal.

Type I Environmental Labels: Type I environmental labels provide third-party certified information about the overall environmental performance of a product or service. These labels allow consumers to compare products within the same category and make environmentally conscious choices.

Type II Environmental Declarations: Type II environmental declarations are self-declared statements made by the manufacturer or supplier of a product. These declarations provide information about specific environmental characteristics or attributes of the product but do not undergo third-party verification.

Type III Environmental Declarations: Type III environmental declarations are similar to type II declarations but involve third-party verification. These declarations provide detailed and transparent information about a product's environmental impacts based on life cycle assessment data.

Benefits of BS EN ISO 14020:2012

BS EN ISO 14020:2012 offers several benefits for different stakeholders:

Consumers: Environmental labels and declarations developed following the guidelines of BS EN ISO 14020:2012 enable consumers to make informed choices by considering the environmental impact of products or services. This empowers them to support sustainable practices and contribute to a greener future.

Businesses: Implementing BS EN ISO 14020:2012 allows businesses to showcase their commitment to sustainability, gain a competitive edge, and enhance their reputation. It encourages companies to adopt eco-friendly practices and improve their overall environmental performance.

Regulatory Bodies: BS EN ISO 14020:2012 provides regulatory bodies with a standardized framework to evaluate and regulate environmental claims made by businesses. It ensures that environmental labels and declarations are reliable, consistent, and based on credible scientific information.

In conclusion, BS EN ISO 14020:2012 plays a crucial role in establishing uniformity and credibility in environmental labels and declarations. By providing guidelines for evaluating and communicating the environmental performance of products and services, it empowers consumers, supports businesses in their sustainability efforts, and aids regulatory bodies in regulating environmental claims effectively.