A Q&A with David Haynes, Technical & Product Development Manager at Orrcon Steel Manufacturing

Whether you are a specifier looking to maximise Green Star points or a supplier aiming for SSA Level 1, understanding the synergy between company-wide audits and product-specific data is critical.

This Q&A breaks down the core differences between Steel Sustainability Australia (SSA) certification and Environmental Product Declarations (EPD), providing a clear roadmap for procurement, compliance, and avoiding the costly pitfalls of greenwashing.

Let us know if this is helpful to you by giving us a like!

1. What exactly does SSA Level 1 certification cover, and how is that different from an EPD?

The Steel Sustainability Australia (SSA) program is a certification scheme that provides assurance that steel suppliers (steel and general manufacturers, fabricators, roll-formers and distributors) comply with best practice Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) requirements.

These requirements developed by the SSA for the steel industry align with the principles under the Green Building Council of Australia’s (GBCA) Responsible Product Framework.  SSA certification applies to specific companies and their operations in Australia – Steel Sustainability Australia – SSA Supplier Listing.

AnEnvironmental Product Declaration (EPD) applies to a specific product or group of products and provides transparent, verified and comparable data on that product’s Life-Cycle Analysis (LCA), i.e. its environmental impact in terms of carbon footprint, water use, and energy consumption.

Having SSA certification involves an independent audit of a business, its policies, processes and compliance to a broad range of sustainability principles.  An EPD is a document that has been independently verified and presents a products LCA in a uniform and consistent way.

2. Why should I need both (or one) for a building or infrastructure project?

• SSA certification or product EPDs can be used to satisfy requests for best practice sustainability credentials specific in building or infrastructure tenders.
• Support gaining Green Star points offered through the GBCA and the Green Star rating awarded for your project.
• Provide assurance that your supplier maintains effective business systems, including QA/QC, environmental and workplace health and safety programs such that they qualify for SSA certification and maintain the capability to produce LCA and EPD documentation.
• Contribute to the support of sustainability across the broader steel supply chain and industry

3. How much does SSA Level 1 certification cost with different providers?

For information on SSA, including costs and what’s involved refer: Steel Sustainability Australia – Become Certified. Costs vary depending on the nature of your business, with discounts applying for company members of the Australian Steel Institute.

• SSA applicants undergo annual desktop audit conducted by an independent auditor to assess compliance to criteria according to the level of certification sought, L1, L2A, L2B or L3.
• Audits are conducted and certification awarded to applicants on a site-by-site basis.  SSA certification covers the manufacturing or processing site assessed AND the steel products produced at that site.
• A certification recommendation is made subject to the audit findings,
• SSA determine the certification outcome for the applicant.
• Successful applicants are awarded certification and their company details are published on the SSA Suppliers List on: SSA Supplier Listing.

4.  Can an EPD and SSA Level 1 be used together for rating tools (like Green Star)?

EPD’s and SSA Level 1 certification are recognised by the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) and can contribute to, credits in Green Star Buildings and Design & As Built, including the Responsible Products Framework, Upfront Carbon Emissions, and Life Cycle Impacts.

5. What are the pitfalls / things to watch out for?

The key risk or pitfall with environmental and sustainability compliance programs (SSA and EPD) is that suppliers, manufacturing sites and/or products may misrepresent their product or service.  Business relying on such claims, either through ignorance or fraud, may expose themselves to the risk of Greenwashing.

In Australia the ACCC monitors, educates, investigates and enforces compliance to Australian Consumer Law, which includes the responsibility of businesses not to make false or misleading claims; such as greenwash claims.  The ACCC defines Greenwashing: “is where a business uses any claim, or omits key information, that makes a product or service seem better or less harmful for the environment than it really is.” [Environmental and sustainability claims | ACCC]

Education therefore is vital to ensure employees, suppliers and customers understand environmental and sustainability compliance programs, such as SSA and EPDs.  Ensuring that environmental and sustainability claims are truthful and accurate and the evidence supporting such claims is available and verified.

6.  How do I start if I’m a specifier / project manager and want to integrate this into procurement?

This entirely depends on the products being procured, but assuming this relates to construction materials, then simply request third-party verified and registered EPD’s as part of tender documentation.  It would be best practice to engage with your suppliers ahead of tenders, notify them of your intent to request EPD’s, and outline your criteria for evaluation or product sustainability performance thresholds.

Similarly, for SSA for best-practice sustainability for steel supply specify valid Certificates of Compliance be provided. Check that the certificates cover the facilities and the steel products that are supplied for the project. Consider implementing a program to monitor ongoing steel supply during the project to ensure that steel products supplied and the supplier adheres to the SSA program.

If sustainability is deemed important to your business or project, then it should be viewed wholistically as part of a broader strategy to align your goals with existing procurement policies and processes.  Procurement strategies are implemented to drive cost savings, innovation, quality, service, responsible sourcing and ultimately a competitive advantage.  As such, incorporating sustainability criteria in core procurement elements, for example: supplier relationship management, risk management, performance measurement, and contract management, to name a few may also provide a starting point to begin integrating ESG disciplines into procurement.

For further information, contact the following:

·       EPD Australasia – Contact Us | EPD Australasia

·       Steel Sustainability Australia – Steel Sustainability Australia – Contact Us

7. Is SSA Level 1 the highest level of certification?

SSA Level 1 is entry level certification requiring compliance to best practice governance, environmental, OHS management criteria and that the majority of steel is sourced from a responsible steel manufacturer or producer.  Level 2 assures additional environmental, health and social assessment criteria, including pathways where a verified product specific EPD.

SSA Level 3 is the highest level of certification requiring the site to meet all the SSA program’s ESG criteria, maintain verified product specific EPDs and in addition demonstrate a program to reduce carbon emissions.

Regardless of the SSA level to which a supplier and site is certified, annual audits by an independent auditor occur to assess and monitor ongoing compliance to the SSA program.