Kiwa-Ecobility Experts
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What You Need to Know
As a program operator, Kiwa-Ecobility Experts (Kiwa-EE) supports companies, associations, and organizations in communicating quantifiable environmental information about their products and services on a scientifically sound basis that is harmonized across Europe. Through external verification and subsequent publication of EPDs in recognized databases such as Ökobaudat, EPDs provide decision-makers in industry, government and nongovernmental organizations, as well as end consumers, with a database for comparing products and services in terms of their environmental impacts. The publication of an EPD in life cycle and building materials databases, such as Ökobaudat and ECO PORTAL, requires external verification of the environmental information.
In this context, the verified and published climate and environmental indicators primarily serve as a credible marketing tool for business-to-business or business-to-consumer communication, providing reliable environmental claims.
Process Steps
Development of the Basic Principles (PCRs)
The program operator (Kiwa-EE), in collaboration with a committee of experts (SVA), develops and publishes the basic PCRs required for the declaration.
Preparation of the EPD Draft
The experts at Kiwa-EE retrieve the relevant PCRs from the program and use them as the basis for developing the initial draft of the Environmental Product Declaration (EPD).
Requesting program operation
On behalf of the client, the program is officially commissioned to initiate the independent verification process for the EPD.
Appointment of the Verifier
The program operator commissions an independent verifier to verify the EPD.
Verification Process
The independent verifier assesses the EPD data for accuracy and compliance. During this phase, the verifier consults with Kiwa-EE as needed and prepares comprehensive documentation.
Verification Decision and Reporting
The verifier makes a decision based on a formal and substantive review of the data.
Publication
Subject to a positive independent verification, the program operator (Kiwa-EE) will officially publish the verified EPD in relevant databases.
Provision of the EPD
Once the publication process is successfully completed, the final verification report is forwarded directly to the customer for archiving.
Programme operation of your EPD
Our standard service includes an external verification of the EPD by an independent verifier, the publication of the EPD on the homepage of the Ecobility Experts, if necessary the transfer and publication of the EPD into ÖKOBAUDAT, the EPD platform of the Federal Ministry of the Interior, Building and Community (BMI).
Framework and Governance of the Kiwa-EE EPD Program
Independent advisory board (SVA)
The independent expert committee of Ecobility Experts consists of three members. The members elected Prof. Frank Heimbecher from their ranks as chairman for a period of three years.
New members are convened by unanimous vote of the members of the SVA. Essential tasks of the SVA are
- the monitoring of the program operation,
- the examination and approval of PCR drafts,
- the appointment of independent verifiers,
- to pass on information to the programme operator on the latest findings, research results and activities in the field of sustainability in order to ensure that the programme is always up to date.
To contact the SVA of Ecobility Experts, send an e-mail to DE.Ecobility.Experts@kiwa.com.
Verification
Verification is a critical check that ensures the quality and consistency of the content of an EPD. For publication, the EPD must have completed a verification. A Verification is performed by a verifier, who is is appointed by the programme operator. The results of the verification are presented transparently and clearly in a verification report.
For further information on a verification please contact us at DE.Ecobility.Experts@kiwa.com.
Product category rules (term, process)
Since product groups often differ significantly in terms of their environmental performance, specific guidelines—known as “Product Category Rules” (PCR)—are developed for them. Together with the General Program Guidelines, these PCRs form the binding basis for the preparation of EPDs.
The program management coordinates the entire PCR process and is responsible for ensuring that the guidelines comply with the requirements of ISO 14025. Before official approval, the PCRs are reviewed by an independent expert committee.
Interested parties are cordially invited to participate in the development process. Examples of group-specific PCRs from Kiwa-EE are available in our download section. If you would like to participate in the public consultation and development of current PCRs, please contact us at DE.Ecobility.Experts@kiwa.com. Please include your contact information and the name of the specific PCR.
General Program Guidelines
The General Program Guidelines (GPI) form the basis for general program management within the Kiwa-Ecobility Experts program—and govern the administrative and operational processes for the preparation and publication of Type III Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) in accordance with ISO 14025.
The General Program Guidelines are updated every three years to continuously adapt the program process to current developments in the areas of standardization, life cycle assessment methods, etc.
Downloads:
- General Program Guidelines (GPI) (DE | EN)
- Appendix B1 – Environmental Information Program according to EN 15804 / ISO 21930: (DE | EN)
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Our Services
Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and PV inverters
Testing Inspection and Certification of sports facilities on site
Overview sustainability services
FairTSA - Fair Trade Sustainability Alliance
NEN 7510 Information Security in healthcare
Post-shipment Inspection
ETA and EAD - CE marking for construction products
Reinforced concrete frame elements in accordance with BRL9205
Factory Audit
Testing, Inspection and Certification of other CPR-Products
