NSF International and GANA developing PCR for flat and float glass

NSF International, in cooperation with the Glass Association of North America’s Float Glass Manufacturing Division, is developing a Product Category Rule for flat and float glass. Product Category Rules are science-based, internationally recognized methods of reporting the environmental impact of a product throughout its entire life cycle; defining the elements to include in Environmental Product Declarations.The PCR under development will provide a method for reporting the environmental impact of glass products and materials throughout their entire life cycle, according to an NSF/GANA joint release.

The PCR for flat and float glass products will be established in accordance with the international environmental labeling standard ISO 14025 through the NSF National Center for Sustainability Standards. According to the release, the centerwill utilize an open consultative process to develop the PCR with participation from an expert panel of glass manufacturers, suppliers, regulatory agencies, life cycle practitioners, trade associations and end users.

“There is growing interest in transparency of product information both domestically and abroad. The inclusion of criteria supporting Environmental Product Declarations in the LEED V4 Green Building Rating System Standards in development will further increase demand if adopted,” said Tom Bruursema, general manager of NSF Sustainability, in the release. “GANA is taking an important step in the green building industry to develop the PCR that will enable the reporting and comparison of the environmental attributes of their products.”

“Enabling comparisons of glass products on the basis of their environmental impact, using standardized and scientifically sound data, will provide a competitive incentive for glass manufacturers to focus on the environmental impacts of their products and operations. Developing a PCR for float and flat glass is an important step for the industry toward a more sustainable future,” said Mike Turnbull, Guardian Industries Corp., Glass Association of North America’s Float Glass Manufacturing Division representative and NSF PCR Chair, in the same release.