​                                                                                                       SUBSCRIBE                   PREVIOUS ISSUES​

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​What are Ecolabels?

​​​​At the NIH, sustainability and environmental responsibility manifests itself in our work in many ways. One of the ways is through making a conscious choice for purchasing products with ecolabels. Ecolabels are more than just extra markings on product packaging. They are certifications provided to products and services that meet specific environmental standards.¹

These labels are designed to guide consumers, businesses and institutions toward more sustainable product and service options. They often signify that a product or service has been independently assessed and found to meet rigorous criteria regarding its impact on the environment through programs such as the U.S. EPA Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP) program, ENERGY STAR for energy efficiency, WaterSense for water efficiency and Safer Choice for safer cleaning materials. These criteria vary depending on the ecolabel and its administrative organization.¹

There are various types of ecolabels, each with their own focus and criteria.² Type I Labels assess the entire lifecycle of a product through multiple criteria based on a comprehensive set of environmental standards, such as the US Green Seal or EU Ecolabel. Type II Labels are less stringent, self-declared environmental claims made by manufacturers. Type III Labels provide quantifiable environmental data about a product’s lifecycle impacts through detailed environmental impact declarations, such as Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs).

Ecolabels are not just about environmental responsibility; they also play a role in promoting health and safety. Products with ecolabels often meet stringent criteria for reducing hazardous substances, which can lead to a healthier work environment and reduce the risk of exposure to harmful chemicals.¹ Additionally, by choosing products with ecolabels, you support a larger movement towards sustainable practices in research and engineering.

For NIH researchers and engineers, ecolabels can be particularly relevant in selecting everything from lab chemicals and disposables to energy-efficient machinery and waste management systems. Purchasing ecolabel products and Environmentally Preferable Products can also result in cost savings. These savings can manifest in the initial purchase or through increased efficiency and sustainable operation. Additionally, choosing sustainable equipment and supplies progresses toward the requirements outlined in Executive Order 14057​.

By integrating ecolabels into your procurement practices, you contribute to a healthier planet and a safer, more sustainable research environment. Continue to the Take Action article​ to view examples and learn specifics on how to apply labels.​

​Spotlight                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

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​A Look Behind the Curtain of the NIH Green Labs Fair​ ​ ​Get ready to put your ecolabel knowledge to use! A staple of sustainability at the NIH is returning once again, as the 2024 NIH Green Labs Fair (GLF) is scheduled to be held on Thursday, September 26 from 10am to 3pm in the Building 10 South Lobby, Bethesda Campus. LEA​RN MORE​​​​

​​Take Action                                                                                                                                                                              ​                                                                                                

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​How Do I Use Ecolabels?​ ​ ​The EPA has a great variety of ecolabel recommendations for federal purchasing, so this article will explore the three flagship options: ENERGY STAR, WaterSense and Safer Choice. Here’s how you can use these ecolabels to enhance sustainability in your practices and facilities.​ ​​LEARN MORE​​​​​

NEMS Training                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         
Did you know? ​​The EPA has a list of certified ecolabels that require products to meet specific standards. These ecolabels are a trustworthy standard to ensure you are purchasing a product that is environmentally-friendly. To learn more about sustainable acquisitions at the NIH, please visit the NEMS T​raining webpage to view a short (20 minute) NIH environmental awareness training video.

​If you found this article useful, please let us know! We also appreciate hearing how we might improve our future articles, including topics you would like to read about.