Global Sustainability through Products and Practices

 

 

Current Programs:

Manufacturer Education on LCA as a Decision-Making Tool

Employees at all levels of a manufacturing company engaged in sustainable product design and production need to have a practical knowledge of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA).  The Green Standard is offering a series of seminars focused on Integrating LCA into Your Everyday Business presented by Paul Firth, Vice President, Technology who was formerly Manager of Sustainable Strategies at Interface Inc.  Firms can book a full day of seminars at their offices or send staff to training sessions offered in connection with key conferences.

“The Green Standard’s LCA Education Seminars have helped Knoll staff move to the next level in understanding and implementing product life cycle assessment.  Both our staff and our purchasers will benefit.”
-Lou Newett, Environmental Compliance, Health & Safety, Knoll

“Manufacturers can’t have a sustainability/environmental management system without first gaining the knowledge provided in these seminars.  Diverse staff members will gain practical information on how to use LCA as a corporate decision-making resource and to support sustainable product development.”
- Jeff Carrier, Sustainability Manager, Carpet & Rug Institute

Training on Green Purchasing Certification for Building Designers and Other Professionals

Architects, engineers, contractors, interior designers and facility managers are being expected to distinguish between green-washed and truly green products.  And they are expected to document clearly how the products they are recommending, specifying or purchasing are environmentally benign and contribute to the health and productivity of building users.  By becoming knowledgeable about best practices in product evaluation, certification and selection, professionals bring added value to their clients and employers as well as the general public.

Conference Speaking & On-Site Seminars

The Green Standard’s educational programs on sustainability can be tailored to meet the needs of manufacturers or design professionals.

The following seminars can be given at a trade show or conference, or held on-site at your corporate headquarters or manufacturing facility.  Call 919-824-1195 for more information.
 

Using LCA as a Decision Making Tool
This seminar series can include up to three sessions on

LCA 411: Selecting Resources & Setting up Your Program

Life Cycle Assessment is a tremendous tool that can be a vital part of your decision making process.  However, integrating LCA into your business practices and setting up a life cycle program of your own can be challenging.  This session will guide you through the process by reviewing the concepts of life cycle thinking, LCA principles and uses, internal and external resources needed, and organizational structures needed to establish a successful program.
 
LCA as a Decision-Making Tool  
Once you have begun the integration process, questions often arise on how to apply information from an LCA to various decision-making contexts.  This session will focus on how to use LCA results as part of corporate policy, including: developing a decision-making toolbox of resources, determining appropriate use of impacts, communicating LCA results to decision makers, working with your supply chain, establishing priorities based on LCA results, and using LCA in strategic planning.
 
Communicating the Value of Product Certification to the Marketplace
This session will help sales and marketing staff accurately and effectively communicate your sustainable product achievements. Building on their work in developing The Green Guide Matrix of Product Certification Programs and The EcoList, the presenters will provide a conceptual framework, appropriate language and a description of LCA communication and the measurement systems of each type of certification.


Distinguishing Between Greenwash & Serious Green

With increasing numbers of consumers and homeowners asking for green products, and more companies offering (or claiming to offer) eco-friendly wares, it has become critical for design professionals to respond with judiciousness and, of course, excellence. This session will present a toolbox of resources to help building and design professionals to distinguish between green-washed and serious green products used in the home.

Developing a Program for Demonstrating an Environmental ROI on Projects
No matter what initiative a company is implementing, the issue of demonstrating the return on investment is crucial to the program’s ongoing success.  With environmental projects, a company faces a myriad of choices for gauging their progress.  While there is no ‘one size fits all’ approach that answers all of the questions, it is vital that a company incorporate a holistic view by employing a “Cradle to Grave” approach.  This is best accomplished through Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), providing a means of measuring the “environmental ROI”. Many companies today are turning to LCA as a means to help prioritize their environmental projects as well as make strategic decisions on future environmental initiatives.

Certification Programs Matrix™

Past Programs:

EPA Knowroom Exhibit