Earthsure is the Ecolabel program of IERE. It provides environmental product declarations, or EPDs

Much like a nutrition label the EPD shows some or all of the following impacts:

• climate change,
• depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer,
• acidification of land and water sources,
• eutrophication,
• formation of photochemical oxidants,
• depletion of fossil energy resources, and
• depletion of mineral resources;
• any harmful contents of the product

It also addresses any other issues raised in the Product Category Rule.

Why get an EPD?

Your commitment to go through the process of obtaining an EPD will show consumers, especially B-to-B customers what they want to know about the sustainability of your product.  They will appreciate that you are taking a science-based, measurable action, not greenwashing.

Steps to getting an EPD if there is no existing PCR

1. Select a program operator (like IERE)
2. Find or commission a life cycle assessment study of your product type
3. Develop a PCR committee (IERE prefers open invitations as well as focused ones)
4. Make all relevant PCR decisions in committee
5. Have your draft PCR reviewed by a team of at least three experts (IERE also has an open comment period)
6. Do your LCA and draft the EPD
7. Have the EPD reviewed by an expert
8. Publish your reviewed EPD

Steps to getting an EPD if there is an existing PCR

1. Select a program operator/reviewer
2. Perform an LCA and draft the EPD in accordance with the PCR
3. Have them reviewed
4. Publish the approved EPD.