Information used for assessing products

The product manufacturer will own a wide range of literature associated with the product as well as certificates and other qualifications. The assessment team will draw on the information contained in these documents in evaluating the product. Typical information will include some or all of the following:
 

Information routinely provided to buyers and specifiers

• Product brochure
• Technical data sheet(s)
• Materials Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
• Website
• Company brochure
• Environmental policy
• CPD seminar material
• Product specification
• Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) to ISO 14025
• Statement of Corporate Social Responsibility
• Assembly / installation guidelines
• Assembly performance
• Statement of use of recycled material to ISO 14021 / WRAP
• COSHH documentation
• Environmental labelling to 'Type I' to ISO 14024
• Environmental labelling to 'Type II' to ISO 14022
 

Product / manufacturer certifications

 
• ISO 9000 series
• ISO 14000 series
• EMAS registration
• BSI / TRADA etc certification
• Chain of custody certification if relevant
 

Other information

 
• Raw material sourcing detail
• Embodied energy per product unit
• Product waste classification
• REACH compliance
• Packaging specification / certification
• Take back schemes
• Energy sourcing
• Involvement in stewardship scheme(s)
• Product production description
• Waste generation