Agrément South Africa (ASA) has launched an ecolabelling system for building materials and products sold and used within the country, known as the ecoASA label.

ASA is an entity of the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) and was appointed as the competent body (and licensor) to oversee the implementation of the ecolabelling system in the private and public sectors.

The system is based on existing international standards and has been adapted to suit the South African construction sector.

Ecolabelling is a voluntary method of environmental performance certification and labelling that is practised around the world. It identifies products or services proved to be environmentally preferable, or more ecofriendly, within a specific category.

Public Works and Infrastructure Deputy Minister Noxolo Kiviet says the establishment of the ecolabelling system stems from the department’s green building policy.

“This system can go a long way in meeting the urgent environmental task at hand. Any environmental claims that manufacturers of building materials and products make will be verified through the ecoASA label.”

ASA research and development technical group leader Zama Thusi says specifications regarding paints and surface coatings; adhesives and sealants; flooring and carpets; wall and ceiling panels; and building insulation products have already been wrapped up.

Still being developed are specifications on concrete and concrete products; masonry products; ceramics; flat and long steel products; cleaning materials and products; rammed earth; and office furniture.

Thusi explains that the ecoASA label is awarded based on a scoring system and that a number of criteria must be met in specific categories, as guided by the ecoASA specifications.

The scoring system is used to differentiate between products that meet all possible criteria and those that only meet some of the criteria.

This is depicted on the ecoASA label in the form of a rating of either A+, A, B or C.

Thusi says the aim of the labelling system is to protect the environment; to encourage environmentally sound innovation and leadership and to build consumer awareness of environmental issues.

Global Ecolabelling Network’s (GEN) Bjorn Erik-Lonn notes that South Africa will, hopefully, in 2023 be adopted as a full member of the network with its 31 members.

In contrast to arbitrary green symbols or claims made by providers, GEN members offer credible labels certified by an impartial third party for products or services that have been independently determined to meet transparent environmental leadership criteria based on lifecycle considerations, he explains.