Framework for the Assessment of Environmental Performance Standards and Ecolabels for Federal Purchasing

On this page:

• Overview
• Applying for Assessment Against the Framework
• The Framework: Sections I – IV

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Overview

There are over 460 standards and ecolabels in the marketplace claiming to help purchasers identify and procure more sustainable products and services. This presents the federal acquisition community both great opportunities and challenges. The Framework for the Assessment of Environmental Performance Standards and Ecolabels (Framework) (pdf) provides a transparent, fair and consistent approach to assessing marketplace standards and ecolabels for environmental sustainability and for potential inclusion into EPA’s Recommendations of Specifications, Standards and Ecolabels for Federal Purchasing (Recommendations). The Framework encourages continuous improvement of sustainability approaches and other criteria within standards and ecolabels and the products and services that they address.

Executive Order 14057 and the accompanying Federal Sustainability Plan require federal agencies to maximize the procurement of sustainable products and services and identify the Recommendations as a key tool toward helping the federal government meet its net-zero emissions and other sustainable purchasing goals. 

Learn more about the Framework development process.

Applying for Assessment Against the Framework

EPA is currently seeking applicants for potential inclusion into the Recommendations. EPA is interested in assessing multi-attribute standards and ecolabels that recognize environmental performance leadership and address purchase categories not already included in the Recommendations that support federal goals and mandates regarding climate (e.g., net-zero emissions procurement and low embodied carbon construction materials), safer chemicals (e.g., products that do not contain perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)), and/or other Administration sustainable acquisition priorities. 

EPA is particularly interested in assessing standards and ecolabels in the following sectors:

• Building/Construction
• Infrastructure
• Landscaping
• Food and cafeteria services
• Uniforms / clothing
• Professional services
• Laboratories and healthcare

EPA will also consider assessing standards and ecolabels which address purchase categories already included in the Recommendations. See the current list of purchase categories.

Follow the steps below to submit an application to EPA.

1. Review the criteria within sections I – IV  of the Framework to determine if you are eligible to apply. Note that eligibility is limited to managers of standards development organizations, ecolabel programs, and associated conformity assessment bodies.
2. Submit responses to the scoping questions to epp@epa.gov by January 1, 2023 in order to be considered for a full assessment against sections I – IV of the Framework. EPA expects there to be additional opportunities to apply for assessment in the future if you cannot meet this deadline.

What to Expect After Applying

After the application period closes on January 1, 2023, within 120 days, EPA will issue an estimated timeline by product/service category for when the full assessments against sections I – IV of the Framework will be conducted and will provide applicants with additional information and instruction at that time.

EPA may not perform a full assessment of all standards and/or ecolabels that express interest in being assessed against the Framework due to either lack of resources or lack of alignment with Administration priorities. The timeframe for EPA to complete the assessments will depend on the number of applicants and available resources. 

Additional Resources

• Read the Federal Register Notice.
• Learn more about the 2022 update to the Framework (pdf).
• Learn more about the Framework development process.

Contact Us

Email epp@epa.gov.

The Framework: Sections I – IV

In addition to the scoping questions, the Framework includes four criteria sections: 

• Section I: Process for Developing the Standard — Is the standard a voluntary consensus standard? If not, are the procedures to develop, maintain, and update an environmental standard transparent? Do they allow for a balance of different stakeholder interests? Is there an appeals process for disputes?
  • EPA indicates in the Recommendations when a standard is not found to be a voluntary consensus standard per OMB A119, but standards and ecolabels that follow other development processes are included in the Recommendations.
• Section II: Environmental Effectiveness of the Standard — Do the environmental criteria in the standard/ecolabel meaningfully and measurably address the issue? Does the standard address key stages in the product lifecycle that may pose environmental and human health risks?
  • Standards and ecolabels must meet the baseline criteria within this section in order to be included in EPA’s Recommendations. The criteria also determines the tiering/preference based on whether a standard is multi-attribute or single attribute.
• Section III: Conformity Assessment — For example: Are the procedures and practices by which products are assessed transparent? Are there provisions for independent verification that products meet the standard, if necessary?
  • Standards and ecolabels have until December 2023 to demonstrate that their label complies with this section of the Framework, at which point, compliance will be required for inclusion in EPA’s Recommendations.
• Section IV: Management of Ecolabeling Programs — For example: Do the organizational and management practices provide for dispute resolution? Are the practices and fees transparent?
  • It is not required to meet this Section to be included in the Recommendations. Where applicable, responses to this section are encouraged to inform potential federal users and other interested parties about the governance and implementation of the ecolabel.