Over the past 15 years, SKArating has helped more than 12,000 fit-out projects become more sustainable1.Here, SpecFinish Editor David Crowson takes a closer look at the newly developed SKArating Product Compliant Label (Label) and why product suppliers in the finishes and interiors sector should consider a SKArating assessment.
The underlying philosophy and aim of SKArating is to encourage all in the supply chain to make a small change in a practical way to be at the heart of net zero and sustainable decisions in the fit-out sector, and provide a free tool that is open to all to drive forward sustainability performance. These are underpinned by a robust accreditation and holistic training programme that targets better decisions and a more systematic approach to delivering sustainability in refurbishment and fit-out.
The need for a product compliance labelling system was identified following engagement from numerous SKArating stakeholders. Manufacturers and suppliers have approached SKArating asking for a way to show compliance with SKArating and a wish to publicly associate their compliant products and materials with the benchmarks in the scheme.
Assessors and designers are frequently expressing their hesitation in accepting a new type of evidence or the reliability of data of a potentially compliant product. Clients and design teams wish to meet the SKArating standard or other environmentally friendly standards but must spend more time finding appropriate products and solutions, which results in higher costs. SKArating see a way to help with the introduction of the Label.
SKArating wishes to allow the use of the SKArating brand but must ensure it is done accurately, reliably and credibly so that it continues to support and strengthen the market’s confidence in the standard and choices project’s make. To meet these needs, the Label has been developed.
About the Label
SKArating uses over 100 good practice measures (GPMs) covering the issues of energy, waste, water, materials, wellbeing, pollution, transport and project delivery. A large proportion of the measures available encourage the specification of products and materials with good environmental performance.
- Simple method for identifying products that meet particular SKArating criteria.
- Formalises compliancy checks required within SKArating assessments.
- Provides alternate method to demonstrate meeting rationale behind Good Practice Measures not listed in criteria.
- Provides recognition of third-party compliant work, such as EPD’s and benchmarked labels.
- Provides recognition of recycled/recyclable content, and ETL criteria compliant products.
What type of products can apply?
Any manufactured physical product that can be used to meet the requirements of one or more SKArating Good Practice Measures. For example: carpet tiles, suspended ceiling tiles, paint, water meters, heat pumps, taps, wall paper, light fittings.
Application process
The following steps are recommended in the journey of checking possible compliance, and starting the process of an application for a product or material:
- Review the targeted good practice measure(s) criteria (GPMs) and evidence required sections within the ones you wish to be assessed against. Ensure the product meets the requirements ideally before an application is submitted and paid.
- Ensure all the required evidence is in order and collected in electronic versions and ready to be submitted.
- Complete the application form and submit it with all required evidence. One application is required for each product/material, for each GPM and each SKArating scheme you wish to be audited against.
- Make a payment based on the type of evidence you are submitting (A, B or C) and the number of applications you are making.
- Following clearing of payment, evidence is reviewed within 3 weeks of this date.
- The review result is communicated to you and feedback is issued if unsuccessful, or the certification process is started.
- Compliant products are added onto the published list – updated monthly.
- Social media announcements are made for the compliant products on the SKArating channels.
- The Label brand asset is issued to use on product packaging and marketing collateral promoting the compliant product(s).
Directory of compliant products
Every product that is compliant will be added to the SKArating Product Compliance Directory2 that is updated monthly. SKArating Accredited Assessors, designers, specifiers and clients can check against this list for the corresponding label’s unique reference number to establish its validity, and also source easily SKA Compliant products and materials to use in their projects.
Label benefits
- Specifiers: It helps them streamline their product selection and reduce design research time. It provides assessors with confidence, reassurance and an efficient evidence review process.
- Manufacturers: It enables them to differentiate their product(s) and offer them competitive advantage. It is a labelling system for manufacturers looking to enhance their products’ environmental credentials.
- Applicants: Those with compliant products have permission to display the Label on the product’s marketing material.
All compliant products with a valid certificate are included on the SKArating Product Compliant List available on the SKArating Product Compliant webpage.
Learn more about the Product Compliance Label here.
SKArating introductory session – Manufacturers edition
Date: 12 August
Time: 12:30pm BST
This introductory session provides an overview of how SKArating enables projects to measure and benchmark environmental sustainability, with a focus on how manufacturers and suppliers can support project teams in achieving targets now and in future.
To register your interest visit: https://ska-rating-training.thinkific.com/courses/skarating-introductory-session-august-manufacturers
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