Understanding Environmental Certifications with Edge Impac

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*WEBINAR DESCRIPTION*

This webinar, hosted by Masterspec NZ in collaboration with Edge Impact, focused on the critical topic of sustainability documentation for the construction industry, particularly embodied carbon information. The session introduced Masterspec's eCert system, designed to simplify access to verified sustainability certifications for architects, and provided an in-depth overview of environmental labeling, EPDs (Environmental Product Declarations), and the upcoming National Embodied Carbon Repository. Experts from Edge Impact discussed the complexities of the environmental labeling market, the importance of third-party verification, and practical steps for product partners to develop and utilize EPDs effectively. The webinar also addressed the challenges and developments in the EPD space, including the role of the eco platform and the collaboration with Eco Choice, while emphasizing the importance of industry collaboration and transparency in building a sustainable future.

*CHAPTERS*

0:00 Introduction to Sustainability Documentation in Construction
0:43 Introducing Masterspec's eCert System
2:06 Environmental Certifications in eCert
4:21 Edge Impact Introduction
* List of services offered
* Introducing guest speakers and experts
5:34 Scope of eCert
6:26 eCert Live Demonstration
10:42 How to load your environmental certifications on eCert
13:22 Mark (Masterspec) Introduces Jonas (Edge Impact)
13:50 Product Transparency Unpacked by Edge Impact
14:51 Ecolabel Index – The Largest Global Directory of Ecolabels
15:26 Benefits of Environmental Labelling
16:36 Environmental Labelling and Certification Types
18:10 Environmental Label Types and Classifications (Types I, II, III)
21:03 Environmental Certifications in Masterspec
24:57 What are Environmental Product Declarations (EPD) and why are they important
27:41 Life Cycle Assessment – Cradle to Grave
28:39 What is Embodied Carbon
30:26 How can I tell if the EPD is legitimate?
34:41 Recent Changes to the Australasian EPD you need to aware of & what changes are coming
39:03 Are EPDs the Only Option?
39:16 Stages of EPD Development
43:16 Eco Choice Aotearoa David (Edge Impact)
44:57 Resource: Accelerating Carbon Footprint Disclosure and Decarbonisation in the Built Environment (Link found in resource section)
45:31 Jonas (Edge Impact) Closing statement
46:37 Mark (Masterspec) talks about partnership with BRANZ to launch a National Embodied Carbon Repository for NZ Construction. (Submission link found in resource section)
48:09 The full picture of CIL Masterspec’s partnership with BRANZ
49:11 Question & Answer Segment
* 49:22 LCAs vs EPDs – What do they do and what is the difference between the two?
* 49:59 Is there any way to make certifications more affordable for manufacturer/supplier make? Is there another way of doing it?
* 51:27 Is there any cost advantage to gather information or putting things together yourself before engaging a consultant for EPDs?
* 52:04 What is the general cost or ballpark figure in acquiring an EPD?
* 53:41 If you narrow down the scope of an LCA, will that reduce the cost?
* 54:36 With suppliers importing international brands with EPDs locally into NZ, is there value in that international EPD?
* 55:21 Will you need to engage a third party to republish or rebrand international EPDs?
* 55:44 Is there a cost difference between EN 15804 and ISO 14025?
* 56:12 What should we do with the rest of the documentation if it includes other parts beyond A1-A5? Do we need it, or can we ignore it?
* 57:00 If you're going to do embodied carbon, would you need to calculate A1 to A3 to be of value to the market? Or is it something else?
* 57:27 For product manufacturers entering this space, what are the initial steps to take without investing money?
* 58:35 Other questions

*RESOURCES*