The Green Standard, USA, and the Institute for Construction and the Environment, Germany, are co-hosting a forum in Washington, D. C. on April 28-29, 2010 on THE NEW WAY TO DEFINE GREEN: Next Generation Insights on Expanded Exports, Company GHG Risk Management and Federal Procurement Advantage. Participants in this two-day event will learn from top leaders in the European Union and the U. S. about how to use the emerging Global Product Performance Information System to provide third party certified information on the economic, environmental, and social impacts of products.

The forum will focus on the value of using product Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) and Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) that meet the guidelines of ISO, the International Organization for Standardization. LCAs and EPDs help manufacturers and purchasers respond efficiently to growing demands from consumers, investors and regulators for reliable performance information on green products. These next generation resources respond to demands for science-based information on how products are developed, certified, used and disposed of or re-purposed. They are considered the core component in the global product information system.

The recent directive from the Securities Exchange Commission to public companies to communicate the environmental risks posed by their products and services expands the need for tools that insure a new level of scientific robustness and information transparency. Additionally, stakeholders are expecting companies to measure, verify and report environmental and social impacts of their "annual spend." As 60% or more of the operating budgets of most businesses, educational institutions and government agencies is spent on procurement of products and services, use of best green purchasing practices contributes significantly to human health, productivity and quality of life.

The forum features keynotes by key leaders in the EU and US. At the opening session on April 28, Joel Segundy from the International Trade Administration of the Department of Commerce will discuss the opportunity for "Expanding Global Exports Using Next Generation Resources." The next morning Horst Bossenmayer, President, Institute for Construction & the Environment, Germany will speak on "Understanding Construction Product Regulations in the European Union," highlighting information needed to export products to the 27 member countries. In a luncheon keynote address on April 29, Will Garvey, White House Council on Environmental Quality will discuss "Contributions of Federal Agencies to Global Sustainability."

Panelists from the American Institute of Architects, CB Richard Ellis, Global CoreNet, the National Institute for Building Sciences, the U. S. Green Building Council and others will share their recommendations to manufacturers on how best to use next generation resources to insure their success in expanding exports to all global markets. The forum will be supplemented by training for manufacturers on the processes involved in developing and using ISO-compliant product life cycle assessment and environmental product declarations. For details and to register, go to www.TheGreenStandard.org. Space is limited and is being provided on a first come basis.

The Green Standard

The Green Standard

The Green Standard was founded to provide accurate, constructive advice to manufacturers and purchasers who wish to elevate their environmental profile. We offer education and training on how to design flows of product performance information that improves the economic, environmental and social performance of products and services. In doing so, we contribute to a sustainable future for all.

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