Environmental labels and declarations

Abstract

Based on the terminology and structure developed by the International Organization for Standardization, a description is given on the types of ecolabels that build on life cycle assessments. Focus is on type I labels that point out products and services with an overall environmental preferability within a specific product category. Type I labels include official labels set up by government and international institutions. Examples are given on operation of labelling schemes, development and focus area for criteria that must be met to obtain a label, effects on environment and legislation of labelling, the use of ecolabels in marketing, and the way ecolabels help build a market for "greener products". Type III labels-or Environmental Product Declarations-are also briefly described with indicative examples from the building sector, a declaration for office furniture, and an introduction is given to the European Commission's programme for product-and organisational environmental footprints.