The importance of ecolabels
Many organisations are becoming increasingly aware of the benefits of focusing on their environmental impacts[1], particularly in areas like carbon emissions and biodiversity. But when it comes to responsibly sourced materials, there’s often a lack of understanding of the issues and therefore management of them. It’s common here at SHIFT to see comments like “we only buy FSC wood” without any mention of other materials or metrics.
Why choose ecolabels?
A popular approach to managing supply chain impacts is to procure goods and services certified by ecolabels. Yet, even with ecolabels in place, human rights abuses and environmental issues still surface within supply chains[2]. This raises a critical question: are these ecolabels genuinely effective?
Evaluating the rigour of ecolabels
One key factor to consider is the rigour of the ecolabel. For instance, the now-retired “Code for Sustainable Homes” in the UK had a structured approach to responsible sourcing, requiring organisations to:
- Identify eco-labels associated with their materials.
- Assess the rigour of each label using a table in the Code’s technical guidance.
- For materials without an eco-label, follow a comprehensive set of criteria to evaluate the manufacturer’s sustainability practices.
The process was laborious, potentially leading to a tick-box mentality rather than genuine sustainability efforts. The question is: can we streamline this process while ensuring it’s effective?
Data as a key indicator
We believe the most reliable indicator of an ecolabel’s worth is its emphasis on data. If a producer is truly managing its environmental and social impacts, the certification should be backed by solid data. The expectation is that if a supplier provided this data to obtain the ecolabel, they should also be able to share it with their customers. If they can’t, it could be worth questioning the ecolabel’s credibility.
Case study: We once worked with a client holding a reputable ecolabel that claimed comprehensive energy use monitoring. However, when asked for primary energy data that would have verified this, the client struggled to get hold of any and three months later was still unable to provide any numbers. This experience left us questioning the stringency of that ecolabel.
What your organisation can do
- Leverage your ecolabel: If your organisation subscribes to an ecolabel, use it proactively to enhance your operational sustainability. Gather primary data on your environmental impact, even if it’s not required by the label. This not only supports a sustainable future but can lead to financial gains and could also simplify any re-accreditation processes.
- Interrogate your supply chain: Instead of asking your suppliers if they hold an ecolabel, dig deeper. Request specific data on CO2 emissions, biodiversity impacts, and human rights within their supply chains. If possible, ask about their sustainability targets and how their current performance measures up.
- Improve ecolabel standards: If you operate an ecolabel scheme (we do!), ensure it requires detailed, verifiable data. This helps transform the label from a marketing tool into one for genuine environmental management.
The road ahead
While achieving an ecolabel may be a powerful marketing statement, we must acknowledge that the journey to true sustainability is far from over. To make meaningful progress, we need to prioritise high-quality data over certifications. Ecolabels can play a significant role if they are data-driven, rigorous, and used as part of a comprehensive sustainability strategy.
As well as our range of environmental reporting and consultancy service, our ecolabel is aimed at UK social landlords. Whilst we recognise that the “badge” element can be useful, the key is the data behind that label. If you’d like to find out more then please get in touch.
[1] Profits calculator – estimating profit from good environmental performance | SHIFT Environment
[2] Sustainable procurement event – how to engage the supply chain | SHIFT Environment
Image by Towfiqu Barbhuiya on Unsplash