CERTIFICATION SCHEMES
Standards for Environmental and Sustainability Claims
GC Standards develops and maintains certification schemes that establish requirements for environmental and sustainability claims across the United States, European Union, and global markets.
Scheme Categories | Current Standards | Participation & Eligibility | Mark Use Requirements | Revisions & Transitions
CERTIFICATION SCHEMES
Scheme Categories
The GreenCircle Certified Scheme includes standards for products, buildings and operations, multi-attribute claims, and material ingredient reporting. Select a category below to view the applicable certifications and requirements.
SCHEME CATEGORY
Product Certifications
Product certifications evaluate specific environmental and sustainability claims related to product design; materials, manufacturing, and end-of-life considerations. These standards provide consistent, transparent requirements that can be independently assessed by qualified certification bodies.
Buildings & Operations Certifications
SCHEME CATEGORY
Buildings and operations certifications address environmental and sustainability performance at the facility and operational level, including manufacturing practices and waste management. These standards provide consistent requirements that can be independently assessed by qualified certification bodies.
Multi-Attribute Certifications
SCHEME CATEGORY
Multi-attribute certifications address multiple environmental and sustainability attributes within a single certification framework. These standards establish requirements for evaluating and communicating a defined set of environmental and sustainability claims.
Material Ingredient Reporting
SCHEME CATEGORY
Material ingredient reporting programs establish requirements for the review and verification of material ingredient information and related disclosures. These programs support consistent reporting against applicable program requirements.
Declare Label Verification
Health Product Declaration Verification
Manufacturer Inventory Verification
LEED v4 Compliance Certification
CERTIFICATION SCHEMES
Current Standards
View the current standard version, scope, and requirements for each certification under the GreenCircle Certified Scheme.
| Certification | Current Standard Version | Scope | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon Footprint Reduction | April 2024 | Product | View Requirements → |
| Certified Energy Savings: Consumer Aided Behavior | Sept 2025 | Product | View Requirements → |
| Certified Energy Savings: Use Phase | Jan 2026 | Product | View Requirements → |
| Certified Sustainability Facts | October 2024 | Product / Multi-Attribute | View Requirements → |
| Certified Water Savings | April 2024 | Product | View Requirements → |
| Closed Loop Certification | Sept 2024 | Product | View Requirements → |
| Dematerialization | April 2024 | Product | View Requirements → |
| LCA Optimized | July 2023 | Product | View Requirements → |
| Material Ingredient Reporting | April 2024 | Product | View Requirements → |
| Product Optimization | July 2024 | Product | View Requirements → |
| Recyclable Material | April 2024 | Product | View Requirements → |
| Recycled Content | Feb 2026 | Product | View Requirements → |
| Sustainable Energy Practices | Jan 2026 | Product | View Requirements → |
| Sustainable Manufacturing Practices | April 2024 | Facility | View Requirements → |
| Waste Diversion from Landfill | Aug 2024 | Facility | View Requirements → |
CERTIFICATION SCHEMES
Participation & Eligibility
GC Standards certification schemes are available to organizations and products that fall within the defined scope of the applicable scheme. Eligibility requirements may vary by scheme and can include product type, manufacturing activity, geographic market, claim type, or other program-specific criteria.
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Who Can Participate
Participation is open to manufacturers, product suppliers, and other organizations that meet the eligibility criteria for the applicable certification.
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Eligibility Requirements
Each certification has specific eligibility requirements, which are outlined in the applicable standard. Organizations must meet these requirements before applying for certification.
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Application Process
Eligible organizations work with an approved certification body to begin the certification process. The process includes application, documentation review, and an independent audit.
Interested in Participating?
GC Standards welcomes participation from qualified stakeholders interested in serving on advisory or technical committees. If you have relevant industry, technical, regulatory, academic, consumer, or other stakeholder expertise and would like to contribute to scheme development or review, please contact us for more information.
CERTIFICATION SCHEMES
Mark Use Requirements
Certification marks associated with GC Standards certification schemes may only be used for an applicable certified scope and after the required certification and mark-use authorizations have been completed.
Where the GreenCircle Certification Mark is used, organizations must also follow the current GreenCircle Mark Usage Guidelines issued by GreenCircle Certified, LLC.
CERTIFICATION SCHEMES
Revisions & Transitions
GC Standards maintains a formal process for the development, review, and revision of its certification schemes. Material changes are communicated through published notices that identify the nature of the revision, effective date, applicable transition period, and any actions required by participants or certification bodies. Where appropriate, GC Standards may also provide guidance or educational materials to support understanding and implementation of revised requirements.
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Published Revision Notices
Material changes are communicated through published notices describing the nature of the revision.
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Effective Dates & Transition Periods
Revision notices identify when updated requirements take effect and any applicable transition period.
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Required Actions
Where applicable, notices identify actions required by participants or certification bodies. Guidance may be provided to support implementation.
Current Revison Notices
Current revision and transition notices will be published here as applicable.