The natureplus eco-label
A symbol of sustainability
- Comprehensive
- Scientific
- Recognised
The natureplus eco-label is a private eco-label in accordance with ISO 14024; it certifies compliance with enhanced quality requirements in key areas relevant to sustainability. The requirements are openly and transparently set out at www.natureplus.org. The assessments to verify these requirements are carried out by accredited laboratories and experts in accordance with recognised international standards.
The natureplus eco-label for building products is a European eco-label based on strict scientific criteria across several aspects of sustainability.
This sets it apart in terms of its scope from other eco-labels with limited claims, which emphasise and highlight individual aspects of sustainability. Only products that meet all requirements can be awarded the natureplus eco-label. There is no provision for a tiered system or partial fulfilment of the requirements.
The natureplus eco-label is issued and continuously developed by the non-profit natureplus association.
- More information on the natureplus eco-label
- More information about the non-profit environmental association
Benefits for manufacturers
The natureplus eco-label is a recognition for building products that only top-tier ecological products can achieve. The award is based on a broad scientific database, and regular conformity assessments ensure product quality.
In addition, the natureplus eco-label offers the following market advantages
- Increased product visibility
- Products are listed free of charge in the natureplus product database and disseminated via associated partner databases. Sustainability professionals in the construction sector in particular make use of these information sources.
- Products are listed free of charge in the natureplus product database and disseminated via associated partner databases. Sustainability professionals in the construction sector in particular make use of these information sources.
- Improved product perception
- Award-winning products are perceived positively, particularly when directly compared with products in the same application class.
- Award-winning products are perceived positively, particularly when directly compared with products in the same application class.
- Label as a source of information
- The natureplus association regards its own natureplus eco-label not merely as a marketing tool for exceptional sustainability, but as an information system for sustainability data. Thus, essential planning information and transparency criteria for manufacturers are compiled and presented via the database and the natureplus sustainability passport.
- The natureplus association regards its own natureplus eco-label not merely as a marketing tool for exceptional sustainability, but as an information system for sustainability data. Thus, essential planning information and transparency criteria for manufacturers are compiled and presented via the database and the natureplus sustainability passport.
- Simple documentation
- The strict Type 1 label (in accordance with EN 14024) is used by the construction industry to provide evidence and is recognised/applicable throughout Europe by the major building certification systems like DGNB, BREEAM, BNB, QNG and klimaaktiv, as well as in municipal funding programmes (particularly in the DACH region).
- The strict Type 1 label (in accordance with EN 14024) is used by the construction industry to provide evidence and is recognised/applicable throughout Europe by the major building certification systems like DGNB, BREEAM, BNB, QNG and klimaaktiv, as well as in municipal funding programmes (particularly in the DACH region).
- natureplus association as a market pioneer for sustainable building and renovation materials
- The non-profit environmental association is committed to its mission: the sustainable transition of the construction sector. To this end, it deploys all its human and financial resources. With a focus on grassroots democracy and science rather than shareholder value, the association enjoys a high level of credibility. As a participatory network, it prepares the market through knowledge transfer, cooperation initiatives and a growing industry network across Europe.
- The non-profit environmental association is committed to its mission: the sustainable transition of the construction sector. To this end, it deploys all its human and financial resources. With a focus on grassroots democracy and science rather than shareholder value, the association enjoys a high level of credibility. As a participatory network, it prepares the market through knowledge transfer, cooperation initiatives and a growing industry network across Europe.
The natureplus certification guidelines
The strict set of criteria is designed to ensure that only the most advanced and sustainable products are eligible for certification. Products are assigned to the relevant product guideline. The overarching 50xx basic guidelines apply equally to all products and are specified in more detail by the requirements set out in the product guidelines.
The natureplus Criteria Commission is responsible for maintaining and expanding the requirements. This is an independent body appointed by the association’s board. Supplementary specialist working groups provide expertise and support the Commission’s work. An arbitration board is available at criteria@natureplus.org to resolve disputes.
Recognition of the natureplus eco-label
The natureplus quality label has been awarded to over 600 building products in Europe since 2002 and currently represents an annual turnover of over €500 million for these products.
The natureplus eco-label enjoys Europe-wide recognition among construction professionals, consumers, environmental associations, government organisations and building assessment systems. A large number of state and local authority funding programmes are linked to natureplus. Local authorities, banks and investors ensure the sustainable quality of their buildings with the help of natureplus.
In addition to being a certification mark, the natureplus eco-label serves as a source of information on sustainable construction and provides comprehensive details on product qualities and supplementary sustainability information.
Conformity Assessment
The natureplus Institute SCE is licensed to award the natureplus label in accordance with the principles of impartiality and scientific rigour, analogous to the requirements of EN 17065. The licence covers the use of the natureplus brand and the performance of the following activities:
- The organisation and conduct of product testing for the natureplus eco-label in accordance with the natureplus guidelines,
- the impartial conformity assessment of products for the natureplus eco-label,
- the granting of rights to use the natureplus trademark to building material manufacturers,
- the monitoring of the use of the label in accordance with the contract.
As part of the collaboration, the natureplus association is responsible for the further development of the label’s award criteria, information and public relations work, and general promotion of the eco-label. The natureplus Institute SCE oversees the awarding of the test mark and the coordination of the natureplus assessment.