Article 1

Presentation of information documents in an online environment

Where the content of the pan-European Personal Pension (PEPP) key information document (KID) or PEPP Benefit Statement is presented using a durable medium other than paper, the presentation shall comply with the following requirements:

(a)	the information shall be presented in a way that is adapted to the PEPP saver’s device used for accessing the PEPP KID or PEPP Benefit Statement;

(b)	where the size of the components in the layout is changed, the layout, headings and sequence of the standardised presentation format, as well as the relative prominence and size of the different elements, shall be retained;

(c)	font and font size shall be such that the information is noticeable, understandable and presented in a clearly legible format;

(d)	if audio or video is used, such speed of speaking and volume of sound shall be used which, given ordinary attention, makes the information noticeable, understandable and presented in a clearly audible format;

(e)	the information presented shall be identical to the information provided in the paper version of the PEPP KID or PEPP Benefit Statement respectively.

Article 2

Layering of information

The layering of information in the PEPP KID or PEPP Benefit Statement respectively in accordance with Articles 28(3), 35(1) and (2), 36(1) and 37(1) of Regulation (EU) 2019/1238 shall have a design that does not distract the customer’s attention from the content of the document or obscure any key information. In case of layering of the information, it shall be possible to print the PEPP Benefit Statement as one single document.

Article 3

Section titled ‘What is this product?’

Article 4

Section titled ‘What are the risks and what could I get in return?’

Article 5

Section titled ‘What are the costs?’

Article 6

Standard layout of the PEPP KID

PEPP providers shall present the PEPP KID in accordance with Annex I. Where information is presented in an electronic format, the presentation by means of the template set out in that Annex may only be adapted to allow for layering of information.

Article 7

Review of the PEPP KID

Article 8

Revision of the PEPP KID

Article 9

Provision of the PEPP KID

Article 10

Presentation of the PEPP Benefit Statement

Article 11

Standard layout of the PEPP Benefit Statement

PEPP providers shall present the PEPP Benefit Statement in accordance with Annex II. Where information is presented in an electronic format, the template set out in that Annex may only be adapted to allow for layering of information.

Article 12

Types of costs and fees for the Basic PEPP

Article 13

Costs and fees for guarantees the Basic PEPP

Article 14

Objective of the risk-mitigation techniques

Article 15

Life-cycling

Article 16

Establishing reserves

Article 17

Minimum-return guarantees

Article 18

Holistic assessment of the PEPP’s risks and rewards

For the purposes of Articles 3, 4, 5, 10 and 14, PEPP providers shall apply the methodologies laid down in Annex III.

Article 19

Entry into force

This Regulation shall enter into force on the twentieth day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

ANNEX I

TEMPLATE FOR THE PEPP KEY INFORMATION DOCUMENT

Part I. Instructions for filling in the template for the PEPP Key Information Document

1.

PEPP providers shall comply with the section order, titles, presentation tools and icons set out in the template for the PEPP Key Information Document under Part II of this Annex, which however does not fix parameters regarding the length of individual sections and the placing of page breaks, and is subject to an overall maximum of five sides of A4-sized paper when printed.

2.

Under the prominent title ‘PEPP Key Information Document’, the following statement shall be added: ‘This document provides you with key information about this pan-European Personal Pension Product (PEPP). It is not marketing material. The information is required by law to help you understand the nature, risks, costs, potential gains and losses of this personal pension product and to help you compare it with other PEPPs.’.

3.

In the template, PEPP providers may include a QR code linking to the electronic version of the PEPP KID.

4.

At the top of the template, under the section titled ‘PEPP at a glance’, PEPP providers shall set out the following information: (a) the projected accumulated capital for a monthly contribution of EUR 100 for a period of 40 years, under the unfavourable and favourable scenario; (b) the total costs per annum as a percentage of the accumulated capital on the basis of monthly contributions of EUR 100; (c) the classification of the summary risk indicator; and (d) a statement whether the product provides for a guarantee.

5.

The PEPP provider shall add the following statement: ‘The retirement product described in this document is a long-term product with limited redeemability which cannot be terminated at any time.’.

6.

In the following section, the PEPP provider may add its corporate branding or logo and shall provide the following information: (a) the identity and contact details of the PEPP provider; (b) the competent authorities of the PEPP provider; (c) the name of the PEPP and the registration number of the PEPP in the central public register; (d) under ‘product type’, whether it is a Basic PEPP or not; if not, whether the PEPP KID refers to a specific alternative investment option or provides generic information for a range of alternative investment options; and (e) the date of the document.

7.

Under the title ‘How is my money invested?, the PEPP provider shall present the information according to Article 3(1). PEPP providers may use the right-hand side column or the main area to provide information according to Article 3(10) of this Regulation.

8.

Under the title ‘Who is this for?’, the PEPP provider shall present the information according to Article 3(2) of this Regulation.

9.

Under the title ‘Are my savings guaranteed?’, the PEPP provider shall indicate: (a) whether the Basic PEPP provides a guarantee on the capital or takes the form of a risk-mitigation technique consistent with the objective to allow the PEPP saver to recoup the capital; or (b) whether and to what extent any alternative investment option, if applicable, provides a guarantee or a risk-mitigation technique.

10.

Under the title ‘What happens when I retire?’, the PEPP provider shall present the information according to Article 3(3) of this Regulation.

11.

Under the title ‘What happens to my PEPP savings if I die/become disabled/live longer than assumed in my PEPP contract?’, the PEPP provider shall present the information according to Article 3(4) of this Regulation.

12.

Under the title ‘What happens if I move countries?’, the PEPP provider shall present the information according to Article 3(5) of this Regulation. PEPP providers may use the right-hand side column or the main area to indicate where to retrieve further information.

13.

Under the title ‘Can I withdraw from the product early?’, the PEPP provider shall include a statement on the consequences for the PEPP saver: (a) of early withdrawal from the PEPP, including all applicable fees, penalties, and possible loss of capital protection and possible loss of other advantages and incentives; and (b) if the PEPP saver stops contributing to the PEPP, including all applicable fees, penalties, and possible loss of capital protection and possible loss of other advantages and incentives.

14.

Under the title ‘Can I switch my provider?’, the PEPP provider shall present the information according to Article 3(6) of this Regulation PEPP providers may use the right-hand side column or the main area to indicate where to retrieve further information.

15.

Under the title ‘Can I change my investment option?’, the PEPP provider shall present the information according to Article 3(7) of this Regulation.

16.

Under the title ‘Will my money be invested sustainably?’, the PEPP provider shall present the information according to Article 3(8) of this Regulation. PEPP providers may use the right-hand side column or the main area to indicate where to retrieve further information.

17.

Under the title ‘Is this governed by [Member State] law?’, the PEPP provider shall present information about the law applicable to the PEPP contract where the parties do not have a free choice of law or, where the parties are free to choose the applicable law, the law that the PEPP provider proposes to choose.

18.

Under the title ‘Can I cancel or change my mind?’, the PEPP provider shall present the information according to Article 3(9) of this Regulation.

19.

Under the title ‘What is the risk profile of this product?’, the PEPP provider shall present the information according to Article 4(1) of this Regulation. PEPP providers may use the right-hand side column or the main area to indicate where to retrieve further information, in particular on the applied methodologies for the summary risk indicator.

20.

Under the title ‘Is there a risk that I will lose all my invested capital?’, the PEPP provider shall present the information according to Article 4(2) of this Regulation.

21.

Under the title ‘What can I expect at retirement?’, the PEPP provider shall, when presenting the information in Article 4(3) and 4(4), set out the information according to Article 4(3)(a) to (c) as follows: (a) the unfavourable scenario under the category ‘if your investments perform poorly’; (b) the best estimate scenario under the category ‘if your investments have medium success’; (c) the favourable scenario under the category ‘if your investments perform very well’; (d) the projections of the 40 years accumulation period to ‘your current age is 25’, of the 30 years accumulation period to ‘35’, of the 20 years accumulation period to ‘45’ and of the 10 years accumulation period to ‘55’ respectively.

22.

Under the title ‘What can I expect at retirement?’, the PEPP provider shall present a statement that the tax law of the PEPP saver’s Member State of residence may have an impact on the actual pay-out.

23.

Under the section titled ‘What happens if [the name of the PEPP provider] is unable to pay out?’, the PEPP provider shall add a short description of whether the related loss is covered by an investor compensation or guarantee scheme and if so, which scheme it is, the name of the guarantor and which risks are covered by the scheme and which are not.

24.

Under the title ‘One-off costs’, the PEPP provider shall present the costs for signing up to the contract and the one-off fees if the contract is terminated within five years.

25.

Under the title ‘Annual costs’, the PEPP provider shall present the information according to Article 5(1) and (3). PEPP providers may use the right-hand side column or the main area to explain any additional costs that the PEPP provider or PEPP distributor charges and provide information detailing any cost of distribution that is not already included in the costs specified under the previous titles, so as to enable the PEPP saver to understand the cumulative effect that those aggregate costs have on the return of the investment.

26.

Under the section titled ‘What are the specific requirements for the sub-account corresponding to [my Member State of residence]?’ and under the sub-section titled ‘Requirements for the pay-in phase’, the PEPP provider shall describe the conditions for the accumulation phase, as determined by the Member State of residence of the PEPP saver. Under the sub-section titled: ‘Requirements for the pay-out phase’, the PEPP provider shall describe the conditions for the decumulation phase, as determined by the Member State of residence of the PEPP saver.

27.

Under the section titled ‘How can I complain?’, the PEPP provider shall present information about how and to whom a PEPP saver can make a complaint about the PEPP or the conduct of the PEPP provider or PEPP distributor.

Part II. Template

ANNEX II

TEMPLATE FOR THE PEPP BENEFIT STATEMENT

Part I. Instructions for filling in the template for the PEPP Benefit Statement

1.

PEPP providers shall comply with the section order, titles and presentation tools or charts and icons set out in the template, which however does not fix parameters regarding the length of individual sections and the placing of page breaks.

2.

In the template, PEPP providers may include a QR code linking to the electronic version of the PEPP Benefit Statement and may add the PEPP provider’s corporate branding or logo.

3.

Under the title ‘What will I receive when I retire?’, the PEPP provider shall present the outcomes of the following scenarios: (a) the unfavourable scenario under the category ‘if the investments perform poorly’; (b) the best estimate scenario under the category ‘if the investments have medium success’; (c) the favourable scenario under the category ‘if the investments perform very well’.

Part II. Template

ANNEX III

INPUTS, ASSUMPTIONS AND METHODOLOGIES

Part I. Methodology underpinning the presentation of risk and reward

Summary risk indicator

1.

PEPP providers shall allocate the Basic PEPP and the individual alternative investment options to four different categories: ‘1’, ‘2’, ‘3’ and ‘4’. The allocation shall be based on: (a) the risk of not recouping the inflation-adjusted contributions; (b) the expected shortfall; and (c) shall be compared to the expected rewards in terms of reaching a certain level of PEPP benefits, as appropriate, at the start of, or during the decumulation phase.

2.

To calculate the risk of not recouping the inflation-adjusted contributions, PEPP providers shall stochastically determine the range of the expected accumulated capital at the end of the accumulation period for generic PEPP savers, generic lengths of accumulation periods and standardised contribution levels. Following a stochastic simulation, the risk shall be expressed as the probability in percentage points, which is translated from the number of observations where the sum of the inflation-adjusted contributions are higher than the expected value of the accumulated capital at the end of the accumulation period, compared to the number of all observations.

3.

The individual investment option’s risk of not recouping the inflation-adjusted contributions shall be allocated to the different categories as follows: Categories Accumulation periods 40 years 30 years 20 years 10 years 1 up to 13,75 % up to 17 % up to 27 % up to 36 % 2 13,8 to 16,55 % 17 to 19,75 % 27 to 29,25 % 36 to 43,25 % 3 16,6 to 19,35 % 19,8 to 22,55 % 29,3 to 31,55 % 43,3 to 50,55 % 4 above 19,4 % above 22,6 % above 31,6 % above 50,6 % Where the risk category of the investment option diverges between the different accumulation periods, the highest risk category shall be used.

4.

To calculate the expected shortfall, PEPP providers shall stochastically determine the range of the expected accumulated capital at the end of the accumulation period for generic PEPP savers, generic lengths of accumulation periods and standardised contribution levels. Following a stochastic simulation, the risk shall be expressed as the percentage of the expected shortfall in relation to the sum of the inflation-adjusted contributions. The expected shortfall is determined by the observations where the inflation-adjusted contributions are higher than the expected value of the accumulated capital at the end of the accumulation period and the average losses of these observations.

5.

The individual investment option’s risk in terms of expected shortfall shall be allocated to the different categories as follows: Categories Accumulation periods 40 years 30 years 20 years 10 years 1 up to -20 % up to -17 % up to -13 % up to -8 % 2 -20 to -23 % -17 to -20,25 % -13 to -16,5 % -8 to -11,25 % 3 -23,5 to -26,5 % -20,3 to -23,55 % -16,6 to -20,1 % -11,3 to -14,55 % 4 above -26,5 % above -23,6 % above -20,1 % above -14,6 % Where the risk category of the investment option diverges between the different accumulation periods, the highest risk category shall be used.

6.

To calculate the expected rewards to reach a certain level of PEPP benefits, PEPP providers shall stochastically determine the range of the expected accumulated capital at the end of the accumulation period for generic PEPP savers, generic lengths of accumulation periods and standardised contribution levels. PEPP providers shall express the rewards in terms of the median accumulated capital at the end of the accumulation period as a multiple of the sum of the inflation-adjusted contributions.

7.

The individual investment option’s rewards to reach a certain level of PEPP benefits shall be allocated to the different categories as follows: Categories Accumulation periods 40 years 30 years 20 years 10 years 1 up to 1,7 up to 1,3 up to 1,08 up to 0,93 2 1,7 to 2,03 1,3 to 1,45 1,08 to 1,165 0,93 to 0,985 3 2,035 to 2,36 1,455 to 1,61 1,17 to 1,255 0,99 to 1,045 4 above 2,365 above 1,615 above 1,26 above 1,05 Where the rewards category of the investment option diverges between the different accumulation periods, the lowest rewards category shall be used.

8.

To aggregate the outcomes of the categorisation of the individual investment options to the summary risk indicator, PEPP providers shall: (a) compare the two risk categories and where the value of the category diverges, choose the higher one; (b) compare the resulting risk category to the value of the rewards category for the PEPP provider to complement the information according to Article 4(1) of this Regulation, comparing the investment option’s rewards relative to its riskiness.

Performance scenarios

9.

PEPP providers shall stochastically determine the expected PEPP benefits, as appropriate, at the start of, or during the decumulation phase, taking into consideration: (a) the standardised or personalised contribution levels; (b) the length of the accumulation phase; (c) the life expectancy of the average PEPP saver, where relevant; (d) the trends in wage growth, where applicable; (e) the expected nominal investment returns, following the investment strategy, the strategic investment allocation; (f) the annual rate of inflation; and (g) the cost levels.

10.

The scenario values of the expected PEPP benefits under the different performance scenarios shall be determined in line with the stochastic dispersion of the expected PEPP benefits: (a) the favourable scenario shall be the value of the PEPP benefits at the 85th percentile of the distribution; (b) the best estimate scenario shall be the value of the PEPP benefits at the 50th percentile of the distribution; (c) the unfavourable scenario shall be the value of the PEPP benefits at the 15th percentile of the distribution; (d) the stressed scenario shall be the value of the PEPP benefits at the 5th percentile of the distribution.

Part II. Rules to determine the assumptions on pension benefit projections

Annual rate of nominal investment returns

11.

PEPP providers shall determine the Basic PEPP’s and alternative investment options’ expected nominal investment returns in an appropriate stochastic approach, mirroring the corresponding investment strategy, the strategic investment allocation and the risk-mitigation technique applied for the individual investment option.

12.

When determining the different elements of the stochastic model, PEPP providers shall use the annual rate of inflation and may consider to take a modular approach for the stochastic calculation of, at least: (a) the nominal interest rates; (b) the credit spreads, including migration and default; and (c) the equity returns.

13.

For the determination of the nominal interest rates, the PEPP provider may use the G2++ short-rate model, as described by Brigo et al. (2006) (1),which is equivalent to the two-factor Hull-White model and allows for negative interest rates. Its behaviour is driven by five parameters, two per factor and one for the correlation. The components of the two-dimensional Wiener process are correlated and a deterministic shift factor allows for a perfect fit of the initial term structure to market rates. The stochastic differential equations for the two factors x(t) and y(t) are and where a, b, σ and η are positive parameters and and correlated Wiener processes under the risk-neutral measure . The correlation parameter ρ is defined through

14.

The risk-neutral valuation using the risk-neutral measure requires adaptation to the real-world measure , which may be chosen as a constant, time-independent market price of risk.

15.

Using the Girsanov’s theorem, the calculation follows with λi being the market price of risk. The dynamics under the -measure can then be described as and The short-rate process r(t) is the sum of the two factors and the deterministic shift, i.e. r(t) = x(t) + y(t) + φ(t), where for the deterministic shift factor φ(t) holds. In this equation, fM (0, T) denotes the market instantaneous forward rate at initial time 0 with the horizon T.

16.

Following the G2++ model, analytical solutions of the price of a zero coupon bond exist by defining and For which the price of a zero coupon bond in the G2++ model is P(t,T) = A(t,T) e –B ( a,t,T ) x ( t ) –B ( b,t,T ) y ( t ). PM (t,T) denotes here the market price of a zero coupon bond at time t for maturity T.

17.

The PEPP provider may use the model prices for determining the returns of risk-free investments in bonds. Further, the short-rate may be used as an input to the modelling of the equity returns and potentially for property returns.

18.

For the determination of credit spreads, the PEPP provider may use the simulation of credit spreads as to combine the risk-free zero coupon bond term structure to yield a credit-risky zero coupon bond term structure. The hazard rates of bonds of different rating classes may be modelled through the use of Cox-Ingersoll-Ross (CIR) processes. The hazard rate πi develops in the risk-neutral measure according to the stochastic differential equation: together with the condition 2kθ > σ 2 in order to keep π(t) positive for all t. Assuming a market price of risk of the form , the real-world dynamics are given by .

19.

PEPP providers may model hazard rates for the rating classes AAA (i = 1), AA, A, BBB and BB (i = 5), potentially differentiated for corporate, covered and other bonds. The default probabilities pi (t,T) are then calculated as the product of the CIR-prices Pi (t,T) at time t for maturity T, i.e. , where , and . The spreads si (t,T) are then determined through . with δ being the recovery rate.

20.

For the determination of equity returns, the PEPP provider may use a model for the development of one stock market index through the use of geometric Brownian motion. This model has two parameters: the volatility and the equity risk premium. The nominal interest rate model provides the applicable risk-free rate and the output of the model are yearly annualized returns for investments in the market index. dSt = (r(t) + λ) Stdt + σStdWt

21.

To determine the yearly volatility, PEPP providers may use the standard deviation of the monthly returns of an appropriate equity index for an appropriate, representative time period to annualise the result.

22.

PEPP providers may apply the equity risk premium λeq as an implied measure following Damodaran (2020) (2), but calculating it directly on the appropriate equity index without further country risk premia. It is defined as λeq := E[Rm ] – Rf , where E[Rm ] is the expected market return and the risk-free rate Rf may be chosen as the 10Y spot rate of the ECB’s or National Central Bank’s curve.

23.

For the growth rate g, the PEPP provider may use the long-term growth EPS forecast, whereas γ is the sum of the dividend yield and the buyback yield. Cash flows may be determined using the constant growth rate for five years, after which the final cash flow is a perpetuity with the risk-free rate as the growth rate. in which PVindex is the present value of the index in this discount dividend model and P 0 is the price of the index at time t = 0. By demanding P 0 = PVIndex, the expected market return can be solved and the equity risk premium can be calculated.

Annual rate of inflation

24.

To calculate the annual rate of inflation, the PEPP provider shall use a one factor Vasicek process. The mean-reverting dynamics of the model are driven by three parameters. The stochastic differential equation of the model is di(t) = k(θ – i(t))dt + σdW(t), i(0)=i 0, in which i(t) is the inflation rate at time t, k refers to the speed of mean reversion, θ to the level of mean-reversion and σ to the volatility.

25.

The modelling shall target the inflation rate target level of the European Central Bank for the Euro area or, where applicable, of the corresponding central banks for countries outside the Euro area in the medium term, together with the observed standard deviation of the inflation rates. The speed of the mean reversion, together with the current inflation rate, shall be used to fit the model to the current environment and short-term inflation rate forecasts.

26.

The calibration of the inflation rate shall use for the Euro area the European Central Bank’s or, for Member States outside the Euro area, the central bank’s inflation target for the θ-parameter. The monthly Year-on-Year-inflation rate time series of the Member State’s Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices (HICP) shall be used for deriving the standard deviation of the inflation rate in the long-term, which shall be assumed as 100 years. From the same time series, the initial value of the inflation rate at the reference date shall be used. The PEPP provider shall use the inflation projections for the Member State’s HICP, published as the Eurosystem staff macroeconomic bi-annual projections for the Euro area countries, or of the European Commission’s economic forecast for the countries outside the Euro area, unless the corresponding central bank provides for projections. Those inflation projections shall be used for fitting the speed of the mean reversion.

Trend of future wages

27.

To take into account the trends of future wages, where applicable, PEPP providers shall consider the real wage growth in the different Member States, considering Eurostat data and taking into account that real wages increase significantly during the early part of a PEPP saver’s career and experience significantly lower growth or losses in the later parts. The PEPP provider may consider a pattern in the PEPP savers’ real-wage paths partly to reach a plateau closer to the end of the accumulation phase and partly to reach the plateau earlier, which means 20 years from retirement and fall thereafter.

28.

To reflect a large range of possible paths, the PEPP provider may use a real wage index following a quadratic equation with age: wage = a(max – age)2 + b. The coefficient ‘a’ is taken from a uniform distribution between -0,15 and 0,011; max is taken from a uniform distribution between 47 and 64 and corresponds to the age when real wages are at their maximum value; and the coefficient b is solved so that the wage index starts at 100 at age 25.

Part III. Methodology for the calculation of costs, including the specification of summary indicators

29.

In the PEPP KID, the PEPP provider shall present the total annual costs, comprising all costs incurred and chargeable within 12 months in monetary terms and as a percentage of the projected accumulated capital after 12 months. Where necessary, these amounts may be calculated as the average total annual costs over the term of the PEPP contract. The calculation of the compound effect of the costs shall be based on a 40 years’ accumulation period, based on monthly contributions of EUR 100 and on the projected accumulated capital in the best estimate scenario.

30.

In the PEPP Benefit Statement, the PEPP provider shall present the estimated impact of costs on the final PEPP benefits by using the ‘Reduction in Wealth’ approach. The ‘Reduction in Wealth’ shall be calculated as the difference between the projected accumulated savings at the end of the accumulation and the projected accumulated savings at the end of the accumulation period in a cost free scenario. The difference shall be disclosed in monetary and percentage terms relative to the projected accumulated savings. The calculation shall be based on the personalised contribution level of the individual PEPP saver and based on the best estimate scenario of point 10.

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(1)  Brigo, D., Mercurio, F.: Interest Rate Models – Theory and Practice, Second Edition, Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg, 2001, 2006.

(2)  Damodaran, Aswath, Equity Risk Premiums: Determinants, Estimation and Implications – The 2020 Edition (5 March 2020). NYU Stern School of Business.

Article 1

The name ‘Pistacchio di Raffadali’ (PDO) is hereby entered in the register.

The name specified in the first paragraph denotes a product in Class 1.6. Fruit, vegetables and cereals fresh or processed, as listed in Annex XI to Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 668/2014 (3).

Article 2

This Regulation shall enter into force on the twentieth day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

Article 1

The amendments to the product specification published in the Official Journal of the European Union regarding the name ‘Münchener Bier’ (PGI) are hereby approved.

Article 2

This Regulation shall enter into force on the twentieth day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

Article 1

Article 2

For the purposes of this Decision, the following definitions shall apply:

(1)	‘agglomerated stone’, means an industrial product manufactured from a mixture of aggregates of various sizes and natures (generally coming from natural stones), sometimes mixed with other compatible materials, additions and resin binder.

(2)	‘alternative cement’ means any cement not meeting the compositional requirements for common cements defined in EN 197-1 (6), including cements with very low Portland cement clinker contents as well as alkali-activated cements and geopolymers, which may contain no Portland cement clinker at all.

(3)

‘ceramic’ means a material based on clay materials or other non-metallic inorganic materials whose characteristic properties of high strength, wear resistance, long service life, chemical inertness, non-toxicity and resistance to heat and fire are a consequence of a carefully optimised time-temperature transformation occurring during firing operation in a kiln.

(4)

‘compressed earth blocks’ means products, which have regular and verified characteristics obtained by the static or dynamic compression of earth in a humid state followed by immediate demoulding and whose cohesion, both in the humid and dry state, is due to the clay fraction within the earth material and which may be enhanced by the use of additives.

(5)	‘fired clay’ means a material produced predominantly from clay or other argillaceous materials by shaping (extrusion and/or pressing), drying and firing of the prepared clay, with or without additives.

(6)

‘floor tile’ means a flat, usually square or rectangular shaped tile within standardised dimensional ranges, which may be shaped by extrusion, by direct moulding or be cut to size from slabs and that, when laid together, form the facing layer of internal or external floor structures that is normally intended to be visible to or come into contact with users of the floor area.

(7)

‘hydraulic binder’ means a common cement or a hydraulic lime, i.e. a finely ground inorganic material which, when mixed with water, forms a paste which sets and hardens by means of hydration reactions and processes and which, after hardening, retains its strength and stability even under water. Common cements must fall within one of the 27 cement classes defined in EN 197-1 and hydraulic limes must meet the requirements defined in EN 459-1 (7) for natural hydraulic limes, formulated limes or hydraulic limes.

(8)	‘kerb’ means straight or curved units within standardised dimensional ranges, which may be chamfered or sloped on the facing edge and whose primary purpose is to separate surfaces of the same or different levels, for example as edging to a road or footpath.

(9)	‘kitchen-worktop’ means a work surface, directly moulded or cut to size from slabs and fixed to a structure either mechanically or by means of specific adhesives that is primarily intended to be used for preparing food.

(10)

‘natural stone product’ and ‘dimension stone’ mean pieces of naturally occurring rock, where the natural stone products have been cut and finished to specified sizes, shapes and surface properties in a transformation plant, whereas dimension stone is the intermediate input material to the transformation plant, consisting of large blocks or slabs of naturally occurring rock obtained from quarrying operations.

(11)	‘paver’ means a unit within standardised dimensional ranges that is rectangular or any other shape that allows it to be laid in a repeating pattern in the surface course of a flexible pavement or rigid pavement and that may be joined using mortar, adhesives or interlocking mechanisms.

(12)

‘precast concrete’, means products made of concrete and manufactured in accordance with specific product standards in a place different from the final destination of use, protected from adverse weather conditions during production and which is the result of an industrial process under a factory production control system and with the possibility of sorting before delivery, including single and dual-layered ‘terrazzo tiles’, as per EN 13748-1:2004 and 13748-2:2004 (8).

(13)	‘roof tile’ means a product for discontinuous laying on pitched roofs.

(14)

‘table-top’ means the top part of a piece of table furniture, directly moulded or cut to size from slabs, and fixed to a table structure either mechanically or by means of specific adhesives that is primarily intended to provide a surface where users can rest, sit, eat, study or work, indoors or outdoors, and in domestic or non-domestic environments.

(15)

‘vanity top’ means a surface, directly moulded or cut to size from slabs, and fixed to a structure either mechanically or by means of specific adhesives, that is primarily intended to be used in domestic and non-domestic bathrooms or similar facilities where personal hygiene practices are regularly carried out (e.g. splash zone).

(16)

‘wall tile’ means a thin, usually square or rectangular shaped tile within standardised dimensional ranges, which may be shaped by extrusion, by direct moulding or be cut to size from slabs, and that, when laid together, form the facing layer of interior or exterior facing wall structures that is normally intended to be visible to or come into contact with passers-by.

Article 3

In order for a product to be awarded the EU Ecolabel under Regulation (EC) No 66/2010 for the product group ‘hard covering products’, it shall fall within the definition of that product group as specified in Article 1 of this Decision, shall comply with all of the mandatory requirements of the criteria and shall obtain at least the required minimum number of scoring points as set out in the Annex to this Decision.

Article 4

The EU Ecolabel criteria for the product group ‘hard covering products’ and the related assessment and verification requirements shall be valid until 31 December 2028.

Article 5

For administrative purposes, the code number assigned to the product group ‘hard covering products’ shall be ‘021’.

Article 6

Decision 2009/607/EC is repealed.

Article 7

Article 8

This Decision is addressed to the Member States.

ANNEX

EU Ecolabel criteria for awarding the EU Ecolabel for hard covering products

FRAMEWORK

Aims of the criteria

The EU Ecolabel criteria target the best hard covering products on the market, in terms of environmental performance. The criteria focus on the main environmental impacts associated with the life cycle of these products and promote circular economy aspects.

In particular and where relevant, the criteria aim to: (i) promote energy efficient production processes; (ii) reduce emissions that contribute to global warming (CO2), to acidification (SOx and NOx), to eutrophication (NOx), to photochemical oxidation potential (dust, NOx and VOCs) and to human toxicity (dust and VOCs); (iii) promote water efficient production processes and (iv) promote material efficient products.

To this end, the criteria:

—	set maximum limits for specific energy consumption where benchmarks can be defined, and require energy consumption reduction plans where benchmarks cannot be defined;

—	recognise and reward the use of energy from renewable energy sources;

—	set specific limits on emissions of CO2, SOx, NOx and dust from processes where fuel is combusted;

—	set best practice management requirements for processes where dust originates from diffuse sources;

—	set requirements for process wastewater reuse or limits for specific water consumption rates, where appropriate;

—	set requirements for minimum process waste reuse and reward the incorporation of content originating from recycled or secondary materials, where appropriate.

The importance of choosing the correct performance class and dimensions of hard covering products for a given use is addressed by setting requirements on fitness for use. The importance of correct installation and maintenance of hard covering products on life cycle impacts is also addressed by setting requirements on user information.

Due to the variety of materials and related production processes for the products that are included in the scope, the criteria for awarding the EU Ecolabel to ‘hard covering products’ consist of both criteria that are common to all products and criteria that are product-specific, directly related to the associated production process.

The EU Ecolabel criteria for ‘hard coverings products’ include both mandatory and optional criteria. Scoring points are awarded either for going beyond the minimum mandatory requirements or for complying with optional criteria.

For the EU Ecolabel to be awarded for a specific product, applicants must comply with all mandatory requirements and must attain the minimum required number of points set for the specific product. The criteria are as follows:

Table 1

Overview of applicable criteria according to the specific product (some of the long criteria titles have been abbreviated):

1. Criteria common to all hard covering products
1.1. Industrial and construction mineral extraction
1.2. Restricted substances
1.3. VOC emissions
1.4. Fitness for use
1.5. User information
1.6. Information appearing on the EU Ecolabel
1.7. Environmental Management System (optional)
Material and technology specific criteria
2. Natural stone	3. Agglomerated stone based on resin binders	4. Ceramic and fired clay	5. Precast concrete or compressed earth blocks based on hydraulic binders or alternative cements
2.1. Energy consumption at the quarry (*)	3.1. Energy consumption	4.1. Fuel consumption for drying and firing	5.1. Clinker factor (**)
2.2. Material efficiency at the quarry (*)	3.2. Dust control and air quality	4.2. CO2 emissions	5.2. CO2 emissions (**)
2.3. Water/wastewater management at the quarry (*)	3.3. Recycled/secondary material content	4.3. Process water consumption	5.3. Emissions of dust, NOx and SOx to air (**)
2.4. Dust control at the quarry (*)	3.4. Resin binder content	4.4. Emissions of dust, HF, NOx and SOx to air	5.4. Recovery and responsible sourcing of raw materials
2.5. Personnel safety and working conditions at the quarry (*)	3.5. Reuse of process waste	4.5. Wastewater management	5.5. Energy consumption
2.6. Quarry landscape impact ratios (*) (optional)		4.6. Reuse of process waste	5.6. Environmentally innovative product designs (optional)
2.7. Energy consumption at the transformation plant		4.7. Glazes and inks
2.8. Water/wastewater management at the transformation plant
2.9. Dust control at the transformation plant
2.10. Reuse of process waste from the transformation plant
2.11. Regionally integrated production at the transformation plant (optional)

Assessment and verification: The specific assessment and verification requirements are indicated within each criterion.

Where the applicant is required to provide declarations, documentation, analyses, test reports or other evidence to show compliance with the criteria, these may originate from the applicant and/or his supplier(s) and/or their supplier(s), etc. as appropriate.

Competent bodies shall preferentially recognise attestations and verifications that are issued by bodies accredited according to the relevant harmonised standard for testing and calibration laboratories, and verifications issued by bodies that are accredited according to the relevant harmonised standard for bodies certifying products, processes and services.

Where appropriate, test methods other than those indicated for each criterion may be used if the competent body assessing the application accepts their equivalence.

Where appropriate, competent bodies may require supporting documentation and may carry out independent verifications or on-site inspections to check compliance with these criteria.

Changes in suppliers and production sites pertaining to products to which the EU Ecolabel has been granted shall be notified to competent bodies, together with supporting information to enable verification of continued compliance with the criteria.

As a prerequisite, the hard covering product(s) shall meet all applicable legal requirements of the country or countries in which the product is placed on the market. The applicant shall declare the product’s compliance with this requirement.

The following definitions shall apply:

(1)	‘Process scrap’ means fragments and trimmings from cutting operations and reject products in the production of natural stone or agglomerated stone hard covering products.

(2)	‘Process sludge’ means solids recovered from the onsite treatment of wastewater resulting from dust control, cutting and/or finishing operations in the production of natural stone or agglomerated stone hard covering products.

(3)	‘Renewable energy’ means energy from renewable non-fossil sources, namely wind, solar (solar thermal and solar photovoltaic) and geothermal energy, ambient energy, tide, wave and other ocean energy, hydropower, biomass, landfill gas, sewage treatment plant gas and biogas.

EU ECOLABEL CRITERIA

1.   HORIZONTAL CRITERIA COMMON TO ALL HARD COVERING PRODUCTS

1.1   Industrial and construction mineral extraction

The extraction of industrial and construction minerals (e.g. limestone, clay, aggregates, dimension stone etc.) for the manufacture of an EU Ecolabel hard covering product shall only take place on sites which are covered by the following documentation:

—	an environmental impact assessment and, where relevant, a report in accordance with Directive 2014/52/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council (1);

—	a valid authorisation for the extraction activity issued by the relevant regional or national authority;

—	a rehabilitation management plan associated with the authorisation for the extraction activity;

—	a map indicating the location of the quarry;

—	a declaration of conformity with Regulation (EU) No 1143/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council (2) on the prevention and management of the introduction and spread of invasive alien species;

—	a declaration of conformity with Council Directive 92/43/EEC (3) (habitats) and Directive 2009/147/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (4) (birds).

With regards to the last point above, in cases where extraction sites are located in Natura 2000 network areas, composed of Special Areas of Conservation under Directive 92/43/EEC and Special Protection Areas under Directive 2009/147/EC, extraction activities shall have been assessed and authorised in accordance with the provisions laid down in Article 6 of Directive 92/43/EEC and have taken into account the relevant EC Guidance document (5).

Also with regards to the last point above, in cases where extraction sites are located outside the EU, if materials are extracted from areas officially nominated as candidates for or adopted as Areas of Special Conservation Interest; part of the Emerald network pursuant to Recommendation No 16 (1989) and Resolution No 3 (1996) of the Bern Convention (6) or protected areas designated as such under the national legislation of the sourcing/exporting countries, the extraction activities shall have been assessed and authorised in accordance with provisions that provide assurances equivalent to Directives 92/43/EEC and 2009/147/EC.

Assessment and verification : The applicant shall provide a declaration of compliance with this requirement issued by the competent authorities, or a copy of the authorisations issued by the competent authorities and any other required declarations and documentation.

The rehabilitation management plan shall include the objectives for the rehabilitation of the quarry, the conceptual final landform design, including the proposed post quarry land use, details on the implementation of an effective revegetation program and details of an effective monitoring programme to assess performance of the rehabilitated areas.

In case industrial or construction mineral extraction activities have been carried out in Natura 2000 network areas (in the Union), the Emerald network or protected areas designated as such under the national legislation of the sourcing/exporting countries (outside the Union), the applicant shall provide a declaration of compliance with this requirement issued by the competent authorities or a copy of their authorisation issued by the competent authorities.

1.2   Restricted substances

The basis for demonstrating compliance with each of the sub-criteria under criterion 1.2 shall be the applicant providing a list of all the relevant chemicals used together with appropriate documentation (safety data sheet and/or a declaration from the chemical supplier). As a minimum, all process chemicals used by the applicant in relevant production processes must be screened.

1.2 (a)   Restrictions on Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs)

All ingoing chemicals used in the production process by the applicant and any supplied materials that form part of the final product shall be covered by declarations from suppliers stating that they do not contain, in concentrations greater than 0,10 % (weight by weight), substances meeting the criteria referred to in Article 57 of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council (7) that have been identified according to the procedure described in Article 59 of that Regulation and included in the candidate list for substances of very high concern for authorisation. No derogation from this requirement shall be granted.

Assessment and verification: The applicant shall provide a declaration that the product has been produced using supplied chemicals or materials that do not contain any SVHC in concentrations greater than 0,10 % (weight by weight). The declaration shall be supported by safety data sheets of process chemicals used or appropriate declarations from chemical or material suppliers.

The list of substances identified as SVHCs and included in the candidate list in accordance with Article 59 of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 can be found here:

http://echa.europa.eu/chem_data/authorisation_process/candidate_list_table_en.asp.

Reference to the list shall be made on the submission date of the EU Ecolabel application.

1.2 (b)   Restrictions on substances classified under Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council (8)

Unless derogated in Table 2, the product shall not contain substances or mixtures in concentrations greater than 0,10 % (weight by weight) that are assigned any of the following hazard classes, categories and associated hazard statement codes, in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008:

—	Group 1 hazards: Category 1A or 1B carcinogenic, mutagenic and/or toxic for reproduction (CMR): H340, H350, H350i, H360, H360F, H360D, H360FD, H360Fd, H360Df.

—	Group 2 hazards: Category 2 CMR: H341, H351, H361, H361f, H361d, H361fd, H362; Category 1 aquatic toxicity: H400, H410; Category 1 and 2 acute toxicity: H300, H310, H330; Category 1 aspiration toxicity: H304; Category 1 specific target organ toxicity (STOT): H370, H372.

—	Group 3 hazards: Category 2, 3 and 4 aquatic toxicity: H411, H412, H413; Category 3 acute toxicity: H301, H311, H331; Category 2 STOT: H371, H373.

The use of substances or mixtures that are chemically modified during the production process, so that any relevant hazard for which the substance or mixture has been classified under Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 no longer applies, shall be exempted from the above requirement.

Table 2

Derogations to restrictions on substances classified under Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 and applicable conditions

Substance/mixture type	Applicability	Derogated hazard class, category and hazard statement code	Derogation conditions
Titanium dioxide (TiO2)	All materials within scope	Carcinogenic, category 2, H351 (inhalation)	TiO2 is not intentionally added to the product but is present because it is a naturally occurring impurity in the raw materials used. TiO2 content (expressed as TiO2) in any raw material used to manufacture the final product is less or equal to 2,0 % (w/w).
Crystalline silica	All materials within scope	Specific Target Organ Toxicity, (repeated exposure), category 1 and 2, H372, H373	The applicant provides a declaration of compliance with any relevant instructions for safe handling and dosing specified in the safety data sheet or supplier declaration. Factory cutting operations are carried out using wet process tools or dry processes where a vacuum hood is in place to collect dust. Safety instructions regarding exposure to dust during any cutting operations carried out by installers are provided with the product.

Assessment and verification: The applicant shall provide a list of all relevant chemicals used in their production process, together with the relevant safety data sheet or chemical supplier declaration.

Any chemicals containing substances or mixtures with restricted CLP classifications under Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 shall be highlighted. The approximate dosing rate of the chemical, together with the concentration of the restricted substance or mixture in that chemical (as provided in the safety data sheet or supplier declaration) and an assumed retention factor of 100 %, shall be used to estimate the quantity of the restricted substance or mixture remaining in the final product.

Since multiple products or potential products using the same process chemicals may be covered by one license, the calculation for each chemical only needs to be presented for the worst-case product covered by the EU Ecolabel license (e.g. the most heavily surface-treated or pigmented or printed product).

Justifications for any deviation from a retention factor of 100 % or for chemical modification of a restricted hazardous substance or mixture must be provided in writing.

For any restricted substances or mixtures that exceed 0,10 % (weight by weight) of the final hard covering product, a relevant derogation must be in place and proof of compliance with any relevant derogation conditions must be provided.

1.3   VOC emissions

No surface treatments using formaldehyde-based resins shall be permitted.

Any natural stone, ceramic, fired clay or precast concrete products based on hydraulic binders or alternative cements that have been surface-treated with VOC-containing compounds shall be tested for VOC emissions and shall comply with the limits defined below.

All agglomerated stone products based on resin binders shall be tested for VOC emissions regardless of the nature of any surface treatments used and shall comply with the limits defined below.

	Limit (after 28 days)	Method
Total VOC	300 μg/m3	EN 16516
Formaldehyde	10 μg/m3
R-value	< 1
Carcinogenic 1A and 1B VOCs listed in Annex H of EN 16516:2017 (excluding formaldehyde and acetaldehyde)	1 μg/m3 per individual substance

Assessment and verification : The applicant shall declare if the final product surface has been treated with any waxes, adhesives, coatings, resins or similar surface treatment chemicals and provide any related safety data sheets or supplier declarations about the VOC content of the surface treatment chemicals used.

In cases where VOC emission testing is required, the applicant shall provide a declaration of compliance, supported by a test report carried out according to EN 16516. If compliance with the chamber concentration limits specified at 28 days can be met at any other time between 3 and 28 days, the chamber test may be stopped prematurely.

1.4   Fitness for use

This criterion does not apply to intermediate products (i.e. dimension stone blocks, hydraulic binders or alternative cements).

The applicant shall have a quality control and quality assessment procedure in place to ensure that products are fit for use.

Assessment and verification : The applicant shall provide a declaration of compliance with this criterion, supported by the following documents:

—	Certification of the production site according to ISO 9001 or a copy of the in-house quality management system and associated quality assurance and quality control procedures.

—	A detailed description of the procedure for handling consumer complaints.

—	CE marking of the product(s) in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 305/2011 (9) of the European Parliament and of the Council (with the exception of table-top, vanity top and kitchen-worktop products).

Where relevant, further evidence demonstrating fitness for use shall be provided. Such evidence should be based on appropriate EN or ISO standards, or equivalent methods. An indicative, non-exhaustive list of potentially relevant standards is provided below:

—	Natural stone products: EN 1341, EN 1342, EN 1343, EN 1467, EN 1468, EN 1469, EN 12057, EN 12058 or EN 12059;

—	Agglomerated stone products based on resin binders: EN 15285, EN 15286, EN 15388 or EN 16954;

—	Ceramic and fired clay products: EN 1344, EN 13006 or EN 14411;

—	Precast concrete products based on hydraulic binders or alternative cements: EN 1338, EN 1339, EN 1340 or EN 13748.

1.5   User information

This criterion does not apply to intermediate products (i.e. dimension stone blocks, hydraulic binders or alternative cements).

The product shall be sold with relevant user information, which provides advice on the product’s proper installation, maintenance and disposal.

The product packaging or documentation accompanying the product shall provide contact details (telephone or email) and a reference to online information for consumers that have enquiries or need specific advice regarding installation, maintenance or disposal of the hard covering product. Specific information that should be made available includes:

—	Details about any relevant technical performance classes that indicate the appropriate use environment for the hard covering product, for example, tensile strength, frost resistance/water absorption, stain resistance and resistance to chemicals.

—

Details about any necessary preparation of the underlying surface prior to installation, recommended installation techniques as well as specifications for any other relevant materials used during installation such as grouts, sealants, coatings, adhesives, mortars and cleaning agents used by the installer.

—

For hard covering products with surfaces exposed to interior or exterior environments, instructions on routine cleaning operations and recommended cleaning agents. Where relevant, information on less periodic maintenance operations, such as rejuvenation of floor surfaces with high-pressure cleaners or by recoating and polishing shall be provided as well.

—	Information on the correct recycling or environmentally preferable disposal of packaging provided with the hard covering product, off-cuts of the hard covering product created during installation and the product itself at the end of life.

Assessment and verification: The applicant shall provide to the competent body a declaration of compliance with this criterion, a high resolution image of the packaging and a link to the online version of the user information.

1.6   Information appearing on the EU Ecolabel

If the optional label with text box is used, it shall contain the following three statements, as appropriate:

For natural stone products (intermediate blocks of dimension stone or final products):

—	material efficient production process;

—	reduced dust emissions;

—	production with closed loop wastewater recycling.

For agglomerated stone products based on resin binders:

—	material efficient production process;

—	energy efficient production process;

—	reduced dust emissions.

For ceramic and fired clay products:

—	material efficient production process;

—	energy efficient and low CO2 production process;

—	reduced emissions of dust and acidifying compounds to air.

For hydraulic binders or alternative cements (intermediate products in the manufacture of precast concrete or compressed earth products):

—	reduced CO2 emissions;

—	reduced dust emission;

—	reduced emissions of acidifying compounds to air.

For precast concrete products or compressed earth blocks based on hydraulic binders or alternative cements:

—	material efficient production process;

—	energy efficient production process;

—	uses low environmental impact binder.

The applicant shall follow the instructions on how to properly use the EU Ecolabel logo provided in the EU Ecolabel Logo Guidelines:

http://ec.europa.eu/environment/ecolabel/documents/logo_guidelines.pdf

Assessment and verification: The applicant shall provide a declaration of compliance with this criterion, supported by a high resolution image of the product packaging that clearly shows the label, the registration/licence number and, where relevant, the statements that can be displayed together with the label.

1.7   Environmental Management System (optional)

This criterion applies to the production site of the applicant where the licensed EU Ecolabel product is produced.

3 points shall be awarded for applicants that have a documented environmental management system in place according to ISO 14001 and certified by an accredited organization;

or

5 points shall be awarded for applicants that have a documented environmental management system in place according to the EU Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) (10) and registered by an accredited organization.

Assessment and verification : The applicant shall provide a copy of the valid ISO 14001 certificate or evidence of their EMAS registration, as appropriate, and provide the details of the organization which carried out the accreditation.

In cases where an applicant has both ISO 14001 and EMAS certification, only the points for the EMAS certification shall be awarded.

2.   CRITERIA FOR NATURAL STONE PRODUCTS

Scoring system

The EU Ecolabel may be awarded both to intermediate quarry products (large blocks or slabs of dimension stone) directly produced by quarry operators and to final natural stone products produced by transformation plants.

In cases where the applicant is not the quarry operator and the quarry operator is not covered by and EU Ecolabel license, the applicant shall declare the quarry from which the material used to produce the EU Ecolabel natural stone product has been sourced, supported by delivery invoices dating no more than 1 year prior to the application date.

In that case, the applicant shall provide all relevant declarations from the quarry operator that are demonstrating compliance with all the quarry-related EU Ecolabel requirements and any other relevant optional requirements that may result in points being granted.

The scoring system and the minimum number of points necessary for EU Ecolabel natural stone products are presented in the table below.

Criteria where points can be awarded	Intermediate blocks or slabs of dimension stone	Final transformed natural stone hard covering products
1.7. Environmental Management System of the quarry (optional)	0, 3 or 5 points	n/a
1.7. Environmental Management System of the transformation plant (optional)	n/a	0, 3 or 5 points
2.1. Energy consumption at the quarry	Up to 20 points	Up to 20 points
2.2. Material efficiency at the quarry	Up to 25 points	Up to 25 points
2.6. Quarry landscape impact ratios (optional)	Up to 10 points	Up to 10 points
2.7. Energy consumption at the transformation plant	n/a	Up to 20 points
2.8. Water and waste water management at the transformation plant	n/a	Up to 5 points
2.10. Reuse of process waste from the transformation plant	n/a	Up to 10 points
2.11. Regionally integrated production at the transformation plant (optional)	n/a	Up to 5 points
Total maximum points	60	100
Minimum points required for EU Ecolabel	30	50

Quarry requirements

2.1.   Energy consumption at the quarry

The quarry operator shall have established a program to systematically monitor, record and reduce specific energy consumption and specific CO2 emissions to optimal levels. The applicant shall report energy consumption as a function of energy source (e.g. electricity and diesel) and purpose (e.g. use of onsite buildings, lighting, cutting equipment operation, pumps and vehicle operation). The applicant shall report on energy consumption for the site both on an absolute basis (in units of kWh or MJ) and on a specific production basis (in units of kWh or MJ per m3 of quarried material and per m3 or t of material sold/produced and ready for sale) for a given calendar year.

A plan to reduce specific energy consumption and CO2 emissions shall describe measures already taken or planned to be taken (e.g. more efficient use of existing equipment, investment in more efficient equipment, improved transportation and logistics etc.).

In addition, a total of 20 points may be granted as follows:

—	Up to 10 points shall be awarded in proportion to how much of the energy consumed (fuel plus electricity) is from renewable sources (from 0 points for 0 % renewable energy up to 10 points for 100 % renewable energy).

—

Up to 5 points shall be awarded depending on the manner in which any renewable electricity is purchased as follows: via private energy service agreements for on-site or near-site renewables (5 points); corporate power purchase agreements for on-site or near-site renewables (5 points); long term corporate power purchase agreements for grid-connected or remote grid renewables (11) (4 points); green electricity certifications (12) (3 points); purchase of renewable energy guarantees of origin certificates for the full electricity supply or green tariff from utility supplier (13) (2 points).

—	3 points shall be awarded where a carbon footprint analysis has been carried out for the product in accordance with ISO 14067 or 5 points if the Product Environmental Footprint method’s elements related to greenhouse gas emissions (14) has been used.

Assessment and verification: The applicant shall provide an energy inventory for the quarry for a period of at least 12 months prior to the date of award of the EU Ecolabel license and shall commit to maintaining such an inventory during the validity period of the EU Ecolabel license. The energy inventory shall distinguish the different types of fuel consumed, highlighting any renewable fuels or renewable content of mixed fuels. As a minimum, the specific-energy consumption and specific CO2 emission reduction plan must define the baseline situation with energy consumption at the quarry when the plan was established, identify and clearly quantify the different sources of energy consumption at the quarry, identify and justify actions to reduce energy consumption and to report results on a yearly basis.

The applicant shall provide details of the electricity purchasing agreement in place and highlight the share of renewables that applies to the electricity being purchased. If necessary, a declaration from the electricity provider shall clarify (i) the share of renewables in the electricity supplied, (ii) the nature of the purchasing agreement in place (i.e. private energy service agreement, corporate power purchase agreement, independent green energy certified or green tariff) and (iii) whether the purchased electricity is from on-site or near-site renewables.

In cases where guarantee of origin certificates are purchased by the applicant to increase the renewables share, the applicant shall provide appropriate documentation to ensure that the guarantee of origin certificates have been purchased in accordance with the principles and rules of operation of the European Energy Certificate System.

In cases where points are claimed for a carbon footprint analysis, the applicant shall provide a copy of the analysis, which shall be in accordance with ISO 14067 or the Product Environmental Footprint method and have been verified by an accredited third party. The footprint analysis must cover all manufacturing processes directly related to stone production at the quarry, onsite and offsite transportation during production, emissions relating to administrative processes (e.g. operation of onsite buildings) and transport of the sold product to the quarry gate or local transportation hub (e.g. train station or port).

2.2.   Material efficiency at the quarry

The quarry operator shall provide the following data relating to the extraction and commercial activities at the quarry for the most recent calendar year or rolling 12 month period prior to the date of award of the EU Ecolabel license:

—	A: Total quantity of material extracted (m3).

—	B: Saleable blocks produced from A (m3).

—	C: Total quantity of extractive waste and materials produced from A that qualify as by-products (i.e. block fragments, stones and fines) that are sold (m3).

—

D: Total quantity of extractive waste and materials produced from A that qualify as by-products (i.e. block fragments, stones and fines) that is used internally for useful purposes by replacing other materials which otherwise would have been used to fulfil that particular function or stored in the by-products deposition area (m3).

—	E: Total quantity of extractive waste produced from A that are transferred to the extractive waste deposition area or landfill plus the total quantity of materials produced from A that qualify as by-products that are stored in the by-products deposition area (m3).

In cases where data is available in tonnes, it should be converted to m3 using a fixed bulk density factor for the rock material being extracted.

The extraction efficiency ratio shall be at least 0,50, and shall be calculated as follows:

In addition, up to 25 points shall be awarded in proportion to how much the applicant demonstrates a higher extraction efficiency ratio up to the environmental excellence threshold of 1,00 (from 0 points for an extraction efficiency ratio of 0,50, up to 25 points for an extraction efficiency ratio of 1,00).

Assessment and verification: A declaration from the quarry operator shall be provided that states the values of A, B, C, D and E, expressed in m3 and the calculation of the extraction efficiency ratio.

For calculation purposes, it should be assumed that A-B = C+D+E. For any material calculated under C that was sold, invoices of the material delivery to the other sites shall be provided.

2.3.   Water and wastewater management at the quarry

The applicant shall provide a description of water use in quarrying operations including strategies and methods for collection, recirculation and reuse of water.

In general:

—	The site shall make provisions for the opportune collection of storm water run-off to compensate for water lost in wet sludge and evaporation.

—	The site shall make provisions for the diversion of storm water run-off via a drainage network to prevent the surface flow of rainwater across the working area from carrying suspended solid loads into any impermeable ponds (that supply water to the cutting equipment) or into natural watercourses.

In cases where wet cutting techniques are used:

—	Water for use by wet cutting equipment shall be stored in an impermeable container (for example a tank, lined pond or an excavated pond set in impermeable rock).

—

The separation of solids from cutting wastewater shall be achieved by sedimentation systems, retention basins, cyclone separators, inclined plate clarifiers, filter presses or any combination thereof. Clarified water shall be returned to the impermeable pond or container which supplies the cutting equipment.

—	Settled sludge shall be dewatered prior to: internal use for useful purposes, external use for useful purposes or transport offsite to a suitable waste disposal facility.

Assessment and verification: The quarry operator shall provide a declaration of compliance with this criterion, supported by relevant documentation describing how water is used onsite and providing details of the water management system, sludge separation and sludge disposal operations and destinations.

2.4.   Dust control at the quarry

The applicant shall demonstrate that operational site measures that have been implemented for dust control at the quarry site. Measures may vary from site to site but should include the following aspects for all sites:

—	Use of dust suppression water sprays or vacuum hoods linked to dust filter bags/electrostatic precipitators for any dry cutting, crushing or other activities that are likely to generate significant quantities of dust.

—	A plan in place for the relocation, modification or stoppage of operations onsite in order to prevent or minimise dust emissions to air during periods of adverse weather (not applicable to underground quarries).

—

Inclusion of wind protection features in the quarry design that aim to reduce wind speed and thus minimise dust emissions and soil erosion onsite (e.g. wind fences or windbreaks consisting of one or more rows of plants along the border of the extractive waste deposition area, including the extractive waste facility and/or extractive waste handling area).

—	Provision of an enclosed storage area for all dewatered sludge from wet cutting and/or all dust from dry cutting operations prior to sale, prior to shipment to landfill or reuse onsite.

—	Covering of the most heavily used road surfaces with concrete or asphalt paving.

—	Provision of appropriate training to employees about good practice for dust control and the provision adequate personal protective equipment to employees and visitors.

—	Provision of routine medical check-ups for employees with the possibility for more frequent monitoring for the identification of respiratory problems and possible onset of silicosis (the latter point being applicable only to granite and other siliceous rock quarries).

Assessment and verification: The quarry operator shall provide a declaration of compliance with this criterion, supported by relevant documentation and (i) a description of the dust control measures implemented at the quarry site and (ii) details of the medical check-up system for employees, as appropriate.

2.5.   Personnel safety and working conditions at the quarry

The applicant shall provide a description of the occupational health and safety policy in force at the quarry. The policy shall cover, as a minimum:

—	A systematic analysis of all risks and major hazards that may occur in the quarry.

—	A training plan for employees that is related to specific work procedures that are carried out at the quarry.

—	An inspection and maintenance plan for all machinery, tools, electrical installations, vehicles, ladders, walkways, staircases, safety barriers and other relevant equipment.

—	Placement of fixed guards around moving parts of machinery such as belts, pulleys, gears and adjustable guards for circular saws.

—	Quick-release controls to shut off power to handheld electric power tools and emergency stop buttons on control panels for all heavy machinery.

—	Safe storage of any explosives onsite.

—	Appropriate transportation and lifting gear for the movement and positioning of dimension stone blocks and large fragments of blocks.

—	Emergency plans and first-aid training for personnel.

—	Personal Protective Equipment provision for all personnel and site visitors.

—	Clear identification of areas with risks of high noise levels.

The following aspects relating to working conditions shall be guaranteed:

—	Access to toilet, changing room and lunchroom facilities for workers and the provision of drinking water at all times.

—	Compliance with national laws and regulations or with the fundamental conventions of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), whichever is the more stringent.

—	Labour contracts for all employees that clearly describe the relevant work, maximum obligatory hours of work, salary, social insurance contributions (or other suitable insurance against accidents in countries where social insurance does not exist), holiday entitlements and notice period.

—	Full compliance with EU or national occupational health and safety legislation.

Assessment and verification: The applicant shall provide a declaration of compliance with this criterion, supported by a copy of their occupational health and safety policy.

In cases where compliance with ILO conventions is provided, the applicant shall obtain third party verification, supported by site audits, that the applicable principles included in the fundamental ILO conventions identified below, have been respected at the quarry:

Fundamental conventions of the ILO:

a)	Child Labour: i. Minimum Age Convention, 1973 (No 138); ii. Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention, 1999 (No 182);

b)	Forced and Compulsory Labour: i. Forced Labour Convention, 1930 (No 29) and 2014 Protocol to the Forced Labour Convention; ii. Abolition of Forced Labour Convention, 1957 (No 105);

c)	Freedom of Association and Right to Collective Bargaining: i. Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise Convention, 1948 (No 87); ii. Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining Convention, 1949 (No 98);

d)	Discrimination: i. Equal Remuneration Convention, 1951 (No 100); ii. Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention (No 111).

In cases where the quarry is not located in a Member State, a third party verification (for example by Fairstone or other schemes with at least equivalent criteria on the occupational health and safety and working conditions listed above) shall be required.

2.6.   Quarry landscape impact ratios (optional)

The quarry operator shall provide the following data relating to the quarry site in order to permit the calculation of the quarry footprint ratio or the quarry beneficial land use ratio, based on a satellite view of the site no more than 1 year prior to the date of award of the EU Ecolabel licence.

—	QF: Quarry Front (active) area (m2).

—	EWDA: Extractive Waste Deposition Area (m2).

—	BPDA: By-Products Deposition Area (m2).

—	TAA: Total Authorised Area for the site where the extraction activity takes place (m2).

—

BA: Biodiverse Area, where (i) topsoil and vegetation cover or wetlands/engineered reed-beds have been established using native species as part of progressive rehabilitation and/or (ii) where topsoil and vegetation has simply not been disturbed in the first place and is not isolated in pockets within the quarry (m2).

—	REA: Renewable Energy Area, where land has been occupied for the generation of electricity via solar, hydroelectric, wind or biomass energy (m2).   Quarry footprint ratio Beneficial land use ratio Calculation Threshold for 0 points 0,70 0,00 Threshold for 5 points 0,20 0,40

Up to a total of 10 points shall be awarded (5 for each ratio) in proportion to how much the applicant demonstrates that ratios approach or exceed the relevant thresholds for 5 points.

Assessment and verification: A declaration from the quarry operator shall be provided, together with documentation including maps or satellite images in which the QF, EDWA, BPDA, TAA, BA and REA are outlined, and with estimations of the surface of each area.

Transformation plant requirements

2.7.   Energy consumption at the transformation plant

The applicant shall have established a program to systematically monitor, record and reduce specific energy consumption and specific CO2 emissions in the transformation plant to optimal levels. The applicant shall report energy consumption as a function of energy source (e.g. electricity and diesel) and purpose (e.g. use of onsite buildings, lighting, cutting equipment operation, pumps and vehicle operation). The applicant shall report on energy consumption for the site both on an absolute basis (in units of kWh or MJ) and on a specific production basis (in units of kWh or MJ per m3, m2 or t of material sold/produced and ready for sale) for a given calendar year.

A plan to reduce specific energy consumption and specific CO2 emissions shall describe measures already taken or planned to be taken (e.g. more efficient use of existing equipment, investment in more efficient equipment, improved transportation and logistics etc.).

In addition, a total of 20 points may be granted as follows:

—	Up to 10 points shall be awarded in proportion to how much of the energy consumed (fuel plus electricity) is from renewable sources (from 0 points for 0 % renewable energy, up to 10 points for 100 % renewable energy).

—

Up to 5 points shall be awarded depending on the manner in which any renewable electricity is purchased as follows: via private energy service agreements for on-site or near-site renewables (5 points); corporate power purchase agreements for on-site or near-site renewables (5 points); long term corporate power purchase agreements for grid-connected or remote grid renewables (15) (4 points); green electricity certifications (16) (3 points); purchase of renewable energy guarantees of origin certificates for the full electricity supply or green tariff from utility supplier (17) (2 points).

—	3 points shall be awarded where a carbon footprint analysis has been carried out for the product in accordance with ISO 14067 or 5 points if the Product Environmental Footprint method’s elements related to greenhouse gas emissions (18) has been used.

Assessment and verification: The applicant shall provide an energy inventory for the transformation plant for a period of at least 12 months prior to the date of award of the EU Ecolabel license and shall commit to maintaining such an inventory during the validity period of the EU Ecolabel license. The energy inventory shall distinguish the different types of fuel consumed, highlighting any renewable fuels or renewable content of mixed fuels. As a minimum, the specific-energy consumption and CO2 emission reduction plan must define the baseline situation with specific energy consumption at the transformation plant when the plan was established, identify and clearly quantify the different sources of energy consumption at the transformation plant, identify and justify actions to reduce specific energy consumption and to report results on a yearly basis.

The applicant shall provide details of the electricity purchasing agreement in place and highlight the share of renewables that applies to the electricity being purchased. If necessary, a declaration from the electricity provider shall clarify (i) the share of renewables in the electricity supplied, (ii) the nature of the purchasing agreement in place (i.e. private energy service agreement, corporate power purchase agreement, independent green energy certified or green tariff) and (iii) whether the purchased electricity is from on-site or near-site renewables.

In cases where guarantee of origin certificates are purchased by the applicant to increase the renewables share, the applicant shall provide appropriate documentation to ensure that the guarantee of origin certificates have been purchased in accordance with the principles and rules of operation of the European Energy Certificate System.

In cases where points are claimed for a carbon footprint analysis, the applicant shall provide a copy of the analysis, which shall be in accordance with ISO 14067 or the Product Environmental Footprint method and have been verified by an accredited third party. The footprint analysis must cover all manufacturing processes directly related to stone production at the quarry and the transformation plant, onsite and offsite transportation during production, emissions relating to administrative processes (e.g. operation of onsite buildings) and transport of the sold product to the transformation plant gate or local transportation hub (e.g. train station or port).

2.8.   Water and wastewater management at the transformation plant

The applicant shall provide a description of water use in the natural stone transformation plant, including strategies and methods for collection, recirculation and reuse of water.

The recovery of solids from wastewater from cutting operations must be carried out onsite using sedimentation and/or filtration principles.

Clarified wastewater must be stored onsite and recirculated for cutting operations, dust control or other purposes.

In addition, 5 points shall be awarded for the installation of a rainwater collection system to collect and store rainwater that lands on impermeable areas onsite and prevents the surface flow of rainwater across working areas, and carrying suspended solid loads into any impermeable ponds (that supply water to the cutting equipment) or into natural watercourses.

Assessment and verification : The applicant shall provide a declaration of compliance with this criterion, supported by the relevant documentation describing water use onsite, of the wastewater/rainwater collection network and of the wastewater treatment and recirculation system.

2.9.   Dust control at the transformation plant

The applicant shall demonstrate that operational site measures have been implemented for dust control at the transformation plant. Measures may vary from site to site but should include the following aspects for all sites:

—	Use of dust suppression water sprays or vacuum hoods linked to dust filter bags/electrostatic precipitators for any dry cutting or shaping activities that are likely to generate significant quantities of dust.

—	Regular cleaning of dust from indoor floor areas using either water sprays on surfaces that drain to a water treatment system onsite or the use of a vacuum device for dry dust removal (sweeping of dry dust should not be carried out).

—	Provision of an enclosed storage area for all dewatered sludge from wet cutting and/or all dust from dry cutting operations prior to sale, prior to shipment for reuse, prior to reuse onsite or prior to shipment to landfill.

—	Covering the most heavily used road areas with concrete or asphalt paving.

—	Provision of appropriate training to employees about good practice for dust control and provision of adequate personal protective equipment to employees and visitors.

—	Provision of routine medical check-ups for employees, with the possibility for more frequent monitoring for the identification of respiratory problems and possible onset of silicosis (the latter point being applicable only to transformation plants processing granite and other siliceous rock).

Assessment and verification: The applicant shall provide a declaration of compliance with this criterion, supported by relevant documentation and: (i) a description of the dust control measures implemented at the transformation plant and (ii) details of the medical check-up system for employees, as appropriate.

2.10.   Reuse of process waste from the transformation plant

The applicant shall complete an inventory of process waste production for the transformation plant. The inventory shall detail the type and quantity of waste produced (e.g. process scrap and process sludge).

The process waste inventory shall cover a 12 month period and, during that same period, the total product output shall be estimated both in terms of mass (kg or tonne) and surface area (m2).

At least 80 % by mass of the process scrap generated from natural stone processing operations onsite shall be reused in other applications or stored onsite in preparation for future sale.

In addition, a total of 10 points may be granted as follows:

—	Up to 5 points shall be awarded in proportion to how much the applicant demonstrates a higher reuse rate of process scrap, up a maximum of 100 % reuse by mass (from 0 points for 80 % process scrap reuse, up to 5 points for 100 % process scrap reuse).

—	Up to 5 points shall be awarded in proportion to how much the applicant demonstrates any reuse of process sludge, up to a maximum of 100 % (from 0 points for 0 % process sludge reuse, up to 5 points for 100 % process sludge reuse).

Assessment and verification: The applicant shall provide a waste inventory for the transformation plant for a period of at least 12 months prior to the date of award of the EU Ecolabel license and shall commit to maintaining such an inventory during the validity period of the EU Ecolabel license.

The applicant shall provide a declaration of compliance with the mandatory requirement of this criterion, supported by a calculation of total production process scrap (in kg or t). Details about the destination of these process wastes shall also be provided with clarifications about whether it is external reuse in another process or sent to landfill. For any external reuse or landfill disposal, shipment notes shall be presented.

2.11.   Regionally integrated production at the transformation plant (optional)

This criterion applies to the transport distance between the quarry gate and the transformation plant gate and is specific to natural stone products originating from a given quarry.

Up to 5 points shall be awarded in proportion to the extent that applicants can demonstrate that the transportation distance for the intermediate dimension stone blocks from the quarry to the transformation plant is less than 260km (from 0 points if ≥ 260km, up to 5 points if ≤ 10km).

Assessment and verification : The applicant shall provide the address of the transformation plant and the address or the geographical location of the relevant quarry gate. The applicant shall also describe the transport mode(s) used to bring the intermediate dimension stone blocks to the transformation plant.

The transport route and total distance shall be estimated and indicated on a map using satellite image maps and freely available distance estimating software.

3.   CRITERIA FOR AGGLOMERATED STONE PRODUCTS BASED ON RESIN BINDERS

Scoring system

The scoring system and the minimum number of points necessary for EU Ecolabel agglomerated stone products are presented in the table below.

Criteria where points can be awarded	Agglomerated stone products
1.7. Environmental Management System (optional)	0, 3 or 5 points
3.1. Energy consumption	Up to 30 points
3.3. Recycled/secondary material content	Up to 35 points
3.4. Resin binder content	Up to 20 points
3.5. Reuse of process waste	Up to 10 points
Total maximum points	100
Minimum points required for EU Ecolabel	50

3.1.   Energy consumption

The specific process electricity consumption for agglomerated stone production (including raw material batching, primary mixing, secondary mixing, moulding and finishing) shall not exceed 1,1 MJ/kg.

If grinding of stone raw material is carried out, the specific electricity consumption of the grinding process (in MJ/kg) shall be reported separately but shall not be added to the total for the process.

In addition, a total of 30 points may be granted as follows:

—	Up to 10 points shall be awarded in proportion to how much the specific process electricity consumption is reduced towards a threshold of environmental excellence of 0,7 MJ/kg (from 0 points for 1,1 MJ/kg up to 10 points for 0,7 MJ/kg).

—	Up to 10 points can be awarded in proportion to how much of the electricity consumed is from renewable sources (from 0 points for 0 % renewable electricity up to 10 points for 100 % renewable electricity).

—

Up to 10 points shall be awarded depending on the manner in which any renewable electricity is purchased as follows: via private energy service agreements for on-site or near-site renewables (10 points); corporate power purchase agreements for on-site or near-site renewables (10 points); long term corporate power purchase agreements for grid-connected or remote grid renewables (19) (8 points); green electricity certifications (20) (6 points); purchase of renewable energy guarantees of origin certificates for the full electricity supply or green tariff from utility supplier (21) (4 points).

Assessment and verification: Specific process electricity consumption shall be calculated by dividing the electricity consumption for relevant process equipment by the volume of production (in kg or m3). Data reported shall be representative of the product(s) applying for the EU Ecolabel. In cases where different products covered by the same application have significantly different values, the data shall be reported separately for each product. In cases where production data is available in m3, it should be converted to kg using the relevant bulk density factor (in kg/m3) for the agglomerated stone product.

The applicant shall provide details of the electricity purchasing agreement in place and highlight the share of renewables that applies to the electricity being purchased. If necessary, a declaration from the electricity provider shall clarify (i) the share of renewables in the electricity supplied, (ii) the nature of the purchasing agreement in place (i.e. private energy service agreement, corporate power purchase agreement, independent green energy certified or green tariff) and (iii) whether the purchased electricity is from on-site or near-site renewables.

In cases where guarantee of origin certificates are purchased by the applicant to increase the renewables share, the applicant shall provide appropriate documentation to ensure that the guarantee of origin certificates have been purchased in accordance with the principles and rules of operation of the European Energy Certificate System.

3.2.   Dust control and air quality

Any working areas where there is a risk of exposure to styrene, where the styrene concentration may exceed 20 ppm (or 85 mg/m3) according to monitoring data, shall be clearly indicated and be well ventilated.

Resin formulations shall be dosed and mixed using closed systems.

The applicant shall demonstrate site measures that have been implemented for dust control at the site. Measures may vary from site to site but should include the following aspects for all sites:

—	Use of dust suppression water sprays or vacuum hoods linked to dust filter bags/electrostatic precipitators for any dry cutting, crushing or other activities that are likely to generate significant quantities of dust.

—	Regular cleaning of dust from indoor floor areas using either water sprays on surfaces that drain to a water treatment system onsite or the use of a vacuum device for dry dust removal (sweeping of dry dust should not be carried out).

—	Provision of an enclosed storage area for all dewatered sludge from wet cutting and/or all dust from dry cutting operations prior to sale, prior to shipment for reuse, prior to reuse onsite or prior to shipment to landfill.

—	Covering the most heavily used road areas with concrete or asphalt paving.

—	Provision of appropriate training to employees about good practice for dust control and the provision of adequate personal protective equipment to employees and visitors.

—	Provision of routine medical check-ups for employees, with the possibility for more frequent monitoring for the identification of respiratory problems and possible onset of silicosis (the latter point being applicable only to plants working with quartz-based products).

Assessment and verification: The applicant shall provide a declaration of compliance with this criterion, supported by relevant documentation and: (i) a description of any working areas with an exposure risk to styrene and details of the ventilation system in place; (ii) a description of the dust control measures implemented at the production site and (iii) details of the medical check-up system in place for employees, as appropriate.

3.3.   Recycled/secondary material content

The applicant shall assess and document the regional availability of virgin material, of recycled material from wastes produced by different production processes and of secondary material from by-products of different production processes. The approximate transport distances of the documented material sources shall be stated.

In addition, up to 35 points shall be awarded in proportion to the incorporation of recycled/secondary materials into the agglomerated stone product up to a threshold of environmental excellence threshold of 35 % w/w content (from 0 points for 0 % w/w, up to 35 points for ≥ 35 % w/w of recycled/secondary material content).

The incorporation of dust, cuttings and rejects of agglomerated stone products into new products shall not be considered as recycled content if it is going back into the same process that generated it.

Assessment and verification: The applicant shall provide a declaration of compliance with the mandatory requirement of this criterion, supported by documentation stating the identification and regional availability of virgin, recycled and secondary materials.

Recycled or secondary materials shall only be counted as contributing towards the content of recycled/secondary material if they are obtained from sources that are ≤ 2,5 times distant from the agglomerated stone production site than the main virgin materials used (e.g. marble and quartz).

A monthly balance sheet of recycled/secondary materials shall be presented for the 12 months of production prior to the date of award of the EU Ecolabel license and the applicant shall commit to maintaining such a balance sheet during the validity period of the EU Ecolabel license. The balance sheet shall provide the quantities of ingoing recycled/secondary materials (justified by delivery notes and invoices) and outgoing recycled/secondary materials in all sold or ready for sale agglomerated stone production with recycled/secondary material content claims (justified by product quantities and % claims).

Claims for recycled and/or secondary material content shall be representative of the mix composition(s) used at the batch level for the EU Ecolabel product(s). A general allocation of recycled and/or secondary materials shall not be permitted.

In cases where different products covered by the same license application have significantly different values, the data shall be reported separately for each product.

3.4.   Resin binder content

The use of polyester, epoxy or other resins in the production shall be limited to maximum 10 % of the total weight of the final product.

In addition, up to 20 points shall be awarded in proportion to how much the resin binder content is reduced towards the threshold of environmental excellence of 5 % (from 0 points for 10 % binder content, up to 20 points for 5 % binder content).

Assessment and verification : The applicant shall provide a declaration of compliance with the mandatory requirements of the criterion, supported by a calculation of the total use of resin binder as a % of the total weight of the agglomerated stone product.

Claims for binder content shall be representative of the mix composition(s) used at the batch level for the EU Ecolabel product(s).

In cases where different products covered by the same license application have significantly different values, the data shall be reported separately for each product.

3.5.   Reuse of process waste

The applicant shall complete an inventory of process waste production for the agglomerated stone production process. The inventory shall detail the type and quantity of waste produced (e.g. process scrap and process sludge).

The process waste inventory shall cover a 12 month period prior to the date of award of the EU Ecolabel and, during that same period, the total product output shall be estimated both in terms of mass (kg or tonne) and surface area (m2).

At least 70 % of process waste (scrap plus sludge) generated from agglomerated stone slab and block production shall be reused in other production processes.

In addition, up to 10 points shall be awarded in proportion to how much the applicant can demonstrate reuse of process waste, up to a maximum of 100 % (from 0 points for 70 % process waste reuse, up to 10 points for 100 % process waste reuse).

Assessment and verification: The applicant shall provide a waste inventory for the agglomerated stone production plant for a period of at least 12 months prior to the date of award of the EU Ecolabel license and shall commit to maintaining such an inventory up to date during the validity period of the EU Ecolabel license.

The applicant shall provide a declaration of compliance with the mandatory requirements of this criterion, supported by a calculation of total production process scrap and sludge (in kg or t). Details about the destination of these process wastes shall also be provided with clarifications about whether it is external reuse in another process or sent to landfill. For any external reuse or landfill disposal, shipment notes shall be presented.

In case it is not possible to provide specific data for a production line or product, the applicant shall refer to data for the entire plant.

4.   CRITERIA FOR CERAMIC AND FIRED CLAY PRODUCTS

Scoring system

The scoring system and the minimum number of points necessary for EU Ecolabel ceramic and fired clay products are presented in the table below.

In cases where the applicant uses spray dried powder as a raw material and is not the producer of that raw material, the applicant shall declare the spray dried powder used to make the ceramic or fired clay product(s), supported by delivery invoices dating no more than 1 year prior to the application date. In that case, the applicant shall provide all relevant declarations from the producer of the spray dried powder that demonstrate compliance with all related EU Ecolabel requirements and any other relevant optional requirements that may result in points being granted.

For criteria 4.1 and 4.2, two sets of limits are defined for ceramic tiles depending on whether the EU Ecolabel license applies to a limited number of products (where stable operational data during the production run for representative periods should be submitted) or where the license applies to large numbers of product formats of a given product family (22) (where annual average data should be submitted). The limit values for annual average production are higher in order to account for energy needed to maintain kiln temperatures when the production line is not running (e.g. when changing tile formats) or when it is not running at full capacity (e.g. during night-shift or weekends).

Criteria where points can be awarded	Ceramic and fired clay products
1.7. Environmental Management System (optional)	0, 3 or 5 points
4.1. Fuel consumption for drying and firing	Up to 20 points
4.2. CO2 emissions	Up to 25 points
4.4. Emissions of dust, HF, NOx and SOx to air	Up to 40 points
4.6. Reuse of process waste	Up to 10 points
Total maximum points available	100
Minimum points required for EU Ecolabel	50

4.1.   Fuel consumption for drying and firing

Coal, petroleum coke, light fuel oil and heavy fuel oil shall not be used as fuels in dryers or kilns.

The specific fuel energy consumption for drying and firing processes shall not exceed the relevant mandatory limits defined below.

	Spray dryer		Ware dryer & kiln
	Mandatory limit	Threshold of environmental excellence	Mandatory limit	Threshold of environmental excellence
Ceramic tile: individual product (**)	1,8 MJ/kg powder (*)	1,3 MJ/kg powder (**)	4,1 MJ/kg	3,2 MJ/kg
Ceramic tile: family of products (***)			5,5 MJ/kg	4,3 MJ/kg
Fired clay pavers	n/a	n/a	3,5 MJ/kg	2,1 MJ/kg

In addition, up to 20 points shall be awarded in proportion to how much the specific fuel consumption for drying and firing processes is reduced towards the relevant threshold of environmental excellence in the table above (e.g. for fired clay pavers: from 0 points for 3,5 MJ/kg, up to 20 points for ≤ 2,1 MJ/kg).

For ceramic tile products where spray-dried powder is used (either produced onsite or offsite), two scores shall be calculated as per the previous paragraph: one for the spray-dried powder (SDP) and one for the ceramic tile kiln and ware dryer (KWD). The two scores shall then be converted into a single score as follows:

Fuelscore = 0,35(SDP) + 0,65(KWD)

Assessment and verification: The applicant shall declare the specific fuel consumption value(s) for the relevant product(s) together with calculations to convert value(s) into a specific score. The specific fuel consumption shall be calculated by dividing the fuel consumption (in MJ) for relevant process equipment by production volume (in kg) during the relevant production period.

In cases where production data is only available in m2 but needs to be reported in kg, the value should be converted using a fixed bulk density factor (in kg/m2) for the product or family of products.

Data for an entire family of products shall be representative of any production line(s) for a 12 month period prior to the date of award of the EU Ecolabel. Data for specific individual products, shall be representative of stable conditions during the actual production run(s).

Volumetric or mass inputs of fuel to the kiln and dryer systems shall be taken from site readings and be converted into MJ by multiplying the volume/mass of fuel consumed over the defined production period (e.g. in kg, t, L or Nm3) by a specific or generic calorific value for the same fuel (e.g. in MJ/kg, MJ/t, MJ/L or MJ/Nm3).

In cases where fuel used to generate heat for drying operations is fed to a cogeneration system, the electricity generated by the system during the defined production period (measured in kWh and converted into MJ) should be subtracted from the total dryer fuel consumption reading.

4.2.   CO2 emissions

The specific CO2 emissions associated with fuel combustion and process emissions from raw material decarbonation during drying and firing processes shall not exceed the relevant mandatory limits defined below.

	Spray dried powder production		Ware dryer & kiln  (*)
	Mandatory limit	Threshold of environmental excellence	Mandatory limit	Threshold of environmental excellence
Ceramic tile: individual product (***)	84 kgCO2/t powder (*)	54 kgCO2/t powder (*)	280 kgCO2/t	230 kgCO2/t
Ceramic tile: family of products (****)			360 kgCO2/t	290 kgCO2/t
Fired clay pavers	n/a	n/a	192 kgCO2/t	129 kgCO2/t

In addition, up to 25 points shall be awarded in proportion to how much the specific CO2 emissions are reduced towards the relevant threshold of environmental excellence indicated in the table above (e.g. for fired clay pavers: from 0 points for 192 kgCO2/t, up to 25 points for 129 kgCO2/t).

For ceramic tile products where spray-dried powder is used (either produced onsite or offsite), two scores shall be calculated as per the previous paragraph, one for the spray dried powder (SDP) and one for the ceramic tile kiln and ware dryer (KWD). The two scores shall then be converted into a single score as follows:

CO2score = 0,35(SDP) + 0,65(KWD)

Assessment and verification: The applicant shall provide a declaration of compliance with the mandatory requirement of this criterion, supported by a statement of the calculated specific CO2 emission in accordance with the following relevant methodology described below.

For products from installations within the scope of Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (23) , the calculation of specific emissions per tonne of product shall be based on the emissions level and activity levels as per the monitoring methodology plan established under Article 6 of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/331 (24) on free allocation rules.

For products from installations not within the scope of Directive 2003/87/EC, results shall be declared in accordance with the relevant calculation methodology defined in Commission Regulation (EU) No 601/2012 (25).

For ceramic products that use spray dried powder produced in a separate installation as a raw material, the applicant shall provide a declaration from the spray dried powder producer stating the value of the annual average specific CO2 emission value, in accordance with one of the two calculation methods described above for the most recent year of reporting.

In all cases, the specific CO2 emission value shall be estimated at the level of the EU Ecolabel product(s) covered by the EU Ecolabel license. The relevant fuel consumption values calculated for criterion 4.1, the carbon intensities of the fuel(s) used and the average carbonate content of the raw material shall be used as the basis for calculating CO2 emissions.

4.3.   Process water consumption

The facility producing the ceramic or fired clay product shall either:

—	Have a closed loop wastewater recycling system for process wastewater that facilitates zero liquid discharge; or

—	Be able to demonstrate that specific freshwater consumption is less than or equal to the consumption limits defined in the table below. Product type Is spray drying carried out onsite? Consumption limit ceramic tiles and fired clay pavers Yes 1,0 L/kg No 0,5 L/kg

Assessment and verification: The applicant shall provide a declaration of compliance with the mandatory requirement, stating by which means they comply.

In cases where a zero liquid discharge system is in place for recycling process wastewater, they shall provide a brief description of the system and its main operating parameters.

In cases where such a system is not in place, total process water consumption data (in L or m3) and the total ceramic or fired clay production data (in kg or m2) shall be provided for the most recent calendar year or rolling 12 month period prior to the date of award of the EU Ecolabel.

In case it is not possible to provide specific data for a production line or product, the applicant shall refer to data for the entire plant.

Water consumption due to toilets, canteens and other activities not directly relevant to the production process should be metered separately and not be included in the calculation.

4.4.   Emissions of dust, HF, NOx and SOx to air

Measures to reduce dust emissions from “cold” dusty operations at the ceramic tile production site shall cover at least the reception, blending and milling of raw materials and the shaping and glazing/decoration of tiles.

The specific dust, HF, NOx and SOx emissions to air associated with the production of ceramic or fired clay products shall not exceed the relevant mandatory limits defined in the table below.

Emission parameter	Mandatory limit	Threshold of environmental excellence	Test method	Points available
Dust (spray dryer) (*)	90 mg/kg	n/a	EN 13284	n/a
Dust (kiln)	50 mg/kg	10 mg/kg	EN 13284	Up to 10
HF (kiln)	20 mg/kg	6 mg/kg	ISO 15713	Up to 10
NOx as NO2 (kiln)	250 mg/kg	170 mg/kg	EN 14792	Up to 10
SOx as SO2 (kiln)	1300 mg/kg	750 mg/kg	EN 14791	Up to 10

In addition, up to 40 points shall be awarded in proportion to how much the actual specific emissions of dust, HF, NOx and SOx are reduced towards the relevant thresholds of environmental excellence indicated in the table above (e.g. for HF emissions: from 0 points for 20 mg/kg, up to 10 points for ≤ 6 mg/kg).

Assessment and verification: The applicant shall provide a declaration of compliance with the mandatory requirements of this criterion, supported by (i) a description of the measures in place to reduce dust emissions from “cold” dusty operations and, (ii) site data in mg/Nm3 and expressed as an annual average value calculated from daily average values. The data shall have been generated via continuous or periodic monitoring according to relevant EN or ISO standards. In cases of periodic monitoring, at least three samples shall be taken during stable running of the spray dryer or kiln for production runs of the EU Ecolabel product(s).

In cases where production data is only available in m2 but needs to be reported in kg, the value should be converted using a fixed bulk density factor (in kg/m2) for the product or family of products.

Data for an entire family of products should be representative of any production line(s) for a 12 month period prior to the date of award of the EU Ecolabel. Data for specific individual products should be representative of stable conditions during the actual production run(s).

To convert exhaust gas monitoring results from mg/Nm3 (at 18 % O2 content) into mg/kg of ceramic/fired clay product, it is necessary to multiply by the specific gas flow volume (Nm3/kg product). One Nm3 refers to one m3 of dry gas under standard conditions of 273K and 101,3 kPa.

In case it is not possible to provide specific data for a production line or product, the applicant shall refer to data for the entire plant and allocate emissions to the EU Ecolabel production on a per mass basis.

4.5.   Wastewater management

Process wastewater from the production of ceramic or fired clay products shall be treated in line with one of the following options:

—	Option 1: be treated onsite to remove suspended solids, with treated wastewater being returned to the production process as part of a zero liquid discharge system; or

—	Option 2: be treated onsite to remove suspended solids (or not treated at all) prior to wastewater being sent to a third-party operated treatment works; or

—	Option 3: be treated onsite to remove suspended solids prior to wastewater being discharged to local watercourses.

In cases where options 2 or 3 apply, the applicant or the third party wastewater treatment plant operator, as appropriate, must demonstrate compliance with the following limits for final treated effluent that is discharged to local watercourses.

Parameter	Limit	Test methods
Suspended solids	40 mg/l	ISO 5667-17
Cadmium	0,015 mg/l	ISO 8288
Lead	0,15 mg/l	ISO 8288

Assessment and verification: The applicant shall provide a declaration of compliance, specifying which option applies to the production site.

In cases where a zero liquid discharge system is in place for recycling process wastewater, they shall provide a brief description of the system and its main operating parameters.

In cases where the treated or untreated wastewater is sent to a third party operated treatment plant, the operator of the plant shall declare the average concentrations of suspended solids, cadmium and lead in the final treated effluent and provide test reports based on weekly analysis of the discharged wastewater according to the standard test methods defined above or equivalent in-house laboratory methods. Less frequent testing may be permitted in cases where the operating permit allows.

In cases where process wastewater is treated onsite and effluent is discharged to the local watercourse, the applicant shall declare the average concentrations of suspended solids, cadmium and lead in the final treated effluent and provide test reports based on weekly analysis of the discharged wastewater according to the standard test methods defined above or equivalent in-house laboratory methods. Less frequent testing may be permitted in cases where the operating permit allows.

4.6.   Reuse of process waste

The applicant shall complete an inventory of process waste production for the ceramic or fired clay production process. The inventory shall detail the type and quantity of process waste (26) produced.

The process waste inventory shall cover at least a 12 month period prior to the date of award of the EU Ecolabel and, during that same period, the total product output shall be estimated both in terms of mass (kg or tonne) and surface area (m2).

At least 90 % by mass of the process waste generated by ceramic or fired clay product manufacturing shall be reincorporated into the production process onsite, be reincorporated into ceramic or fired clay production processes offsite or be reused in other production processes.

In addition, up to 10 points shall be awarded in proportion to how much the reuse rates of process waste are increased towards the environmental excellence threshold of 100 % reuse (from 0 points for 90 % process waste reuse, up to 10 points for 100 % process waste reuse).

Assessment and verification: The applicant shall provide a declaration of compliance with the mandatory requirements of this criterion, supported by a waste inventory for the ceramic or fired clay production plant for a period of at least 12 months prior to the date of award of the EU Ecolabel license and a calculation of total production process scrap and sludge (in kg or t). The applicant shall commit to maintaining such an inventory up to date during the validity period of the EU Ecolabel license.

Details about the destination of these process wastes shall also be provided with clarifications about whether it is internal reuse, external reuse in another process or sent to landfill. For any external reuse or landfill disposal, shipment notes shall be presented.

In case it is not possible to provide specific data for a production line or product, the applicant shall refer to data for the entire plant.

4.7.   Glazes and inks

In cases where ceramic tiles or fired clay products are glazed or decorated, the glaze formulation or ink shall contain less than 0,10 % wt. Pb and less than 0,10 % wt. Cd.

Assessment and verification: The applicant shall provide a declaration of compliance with the mandatory requirement of this criterion, supported by a relevant declaration or safety data sheet from the glaze or ink supplier.

5.   CRITERIA FOR PRECAST CONCRETE PRODUCTS OR COMPRESSED EARTH BLOCKS BASED ON HYDRAULIC BINDERS OR ALTERNATIVE CEMENTS

Scoring system

The EU Ecolabel may be awarded both to the intermediate hydraulic binder or alternative cement product placed on the market and to final hard covering products made by mixing such binders or cements with aggregates and water, followed by further processing and curing.

In cases where the applicant is not the producer of the intermediate hydraulic binder or alternative cement product and the binder or cement product has not been awarded the EU Ecolabel, the applicant shall declare the binder(s) or the cement(s) used to produce the EU Ecolabel hard covering product(s), supported by delivery invoices dating no more than 1 year prior to the application date.

In that case, the applicant shall provide all relevant declarations from the producer of the hydraulic binder or the alternative cement that demonstrate compliance with all related EU Ecolabel requirements and any other relevant optional requirements that may result in points being granted.

The scoring system for each case and the minimum number of points necessary is presented in the table below.

	Hydraulic binder	Alternative cement	Cement-based hard covering products	Lime-based hard covering products
1.7. Environmental Management System for hydraulic binder production plant (optional)	0, 3 or 5 points	n/a	n/a	n/a
1.7. Environmental Management System for hard covering production plant (optional)	n/a	n/a	0, 3 or 5 points	0, 3 or 5 points
5.1. Clinker factor	Up to 15 points	Up to 15 points	Up to 15 points	n/a
5.2. CO2 emissions	Up to 20 points	Up to 20 points	Up to 20 points	Up to 20 points
5.3. Emissions of dust, NOx and SOx to air	Up to 15 points	n/a or Up to 15 points	Up to 15 points	Up to 15 points
5.4. Recovery and responsible sourcing of raw materials	n/a	n/a	Up to 25 points	Up to 25 points
5.5. Energy consumption	n/a	n/a	Up to 20 points	Up to 20 points
5.6. Environmentally innovative product designs (optional)	n/a	n/a	Up to 10 points	Up to 15 points
Total maximum points available	55	35 or 50	110	100
Minimum points required for EU Ecolabel	27,5	17,5 or 25	55	50

5.1   Clinker factor

This criterion does not apply to lime-based hydraulic binders.

For hydraulic cement binders:

A clinker factor or at least the relevant EN 197-1 notation (which can be used as a proxy for the clinker factor according to the table below) shall be reported by the applicant or the supplier of the hydraulic cement binder.

EN 197-1 notation	Clinker factor assumed	EN 197-1 notation	Clinker factor assumed
CEM I	0,96	CEM II/A-L	0,83
CEM II/A-S	0,83	CEM II/B-L	0,68
CEM II/B-S	0,68	CEM II/A-LL	0,83
CEM II/A-D	0,88	CEM II/B-LL	0,68
CEM II/A-P	0,83	CEM II/A-M	0,80
CEM II/B-P	0,68	CEM II/B-M	0,68
CEM II/A-Q	0,83	CEM III/A	0,47
CEM II/B-Q	0,68	CEM III/B	0,25
CEM II/A-V	0,83	CEM III/C	0,09
CEM II/B-V	0,68	CEM IV/A	0,73
CEM II/A-W	0,83	CEM IV/B	0,52
CEM II/B-W	0,68	CEM V/A	0,72
CEM II/A-T	0,83	CEM V/B	0,57
CEM II/B-T	0,68

Up to 15 points can be awarded to applicants in proportion to how much the clinker factor of the hydraulic cement binder is reduced towards the threshold for environmental excellence of 0,60 (from 0 points for clinker factor ≥ 0,90, up to 15 points for clinker factor ≤ 0,60).

For alternative cements:

Up to 15 points can be awarded to applicants in proportion to how much the clinker factor of the cement is reduced towards the threshold for environmental excellence of 0,00 (from 0 points for clinker factor 0,30, up to 15 points for clinker factor 0,00).

Assessment and verification: The applicant shall provide a declaration of the specific clinker factor for the hydraulic binder or the relevant notation for the binder as per Table 1 of EN 197-1, for the hydraulic binder(s) supplied.

In cases where more than one hydraulic binder or alternative cement is used in the hard covering product (e.g. in dual layered terrazzo tile products), the applicant shall calculate the points that would apply to each hydraulic binder or alternative cement as if it was the only one used, then calculate a weighted average points total based on the relative addition of each hydraulic binder or alternative cement to the product.

5.2   CO2 emissions

The CO2 emissions associated with the production of Portland cement clinker, lime or alternative cements shall not exceed the relevant mandatory limits defined in the table below, when calculated using the relevant calculation method, also defined in the table below.

Product type	Mandatory limit	Threshold of environmental excellence	CO2 calculation method
Grey Portland cement clinker	816 kgCO2/t clinker	751 kgCO2/t clinker	According to Regulation (EU) 2019/331 or Regulation (EU) No 601/2012, as appropriate
Lime	1028 kgCO2/t hydraulic lime	775 kg/CO2/t hydraulic lime
White Portland cement clinker	1063 kgCO2/t clinker	835 kgCO2/t clinker
Alternative cements	571 kgCO2/t cement	526 kgCO2/t cement	ISO 14067 carbon footprint for A1-A3 life cycle stages

In addition, up to 20 points shall be awarded in proportion to how much the CO2 emissions are reduced towards the relevant threshold of environmental excellence indicated in the table above (e.g. for grey Portland cement clinker: from 0 points for 816 kgCO2/t clinker, up to 20 points for 751 kgCO2/t clinker).

Assessment and verification: The applicant shall provide a declaration of compliance with the mandatory requirement of this criterion, supported by a statement of the calculated specific CO2 emission in accordance with the relevant methodology defined in the table above.

For products from installations within the scope of Directive 2003/87/EC, the calculation of specific emissions per tonne of product shall be based on the emissions level and activity levels as per the monitoring methodology plan established under Article 6 of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/331 on free allocation rules.

For products from installations not within the scope of Directive 2003/87/EC, results shall be declared in accordance with the relevant calculation methodology defined in Regulation (EU) No 601/2012.

In all cases, the specific CO2 emission value shall be estimated at the level of the EU Ecolabel product(s) covered by the EU Ecolabel license. In cases where installations produce more than one type of product, the data shall be based on the actual production lines and processes used to manufacture the product to be licensed as far as is practical. In cases of emissions due to processes common to multiple products at the same installation, the emissions shall be allocated on a mass basis.

In cases where an alternative cement is used, the applicant shall provide a copy of the carbon footprint analysis, which shall be in accordance with ISO 14067 and have been verified by an accredited third party. The footprint analysis must cover production of all of the main raw materials used and all chemical activators for life cycle stages A1-A3. In the absence of specific data from material suppliers, the generic emission factors from a life cycle inventory database should be used.

In cases where more than one hydraulic binder or alternative cement is used in the hard covering product (e.g. dual layered terrazzo tiles), the applicant shall calculate the points that would apply to each hydraulic binder or alternative cement as if it was the only one used, then calculate a weighted average points total based on the relative addition of each hydraulic binder or alternative cement to the product.

5.3   Emissions of dust, NOx and SOx to air

This criterion applies to hydraulic binders, but not to alternative cements if their clinker content is ≤ 30 % w/w.

The specific dust, NOx and SOx emissions to air from the cement kiln or lime kiln shall not exceed the relevant mandatory limits defined in the table below:

Parameter	Mandatory specific emission limit	Threshold of environmental excellence	Test method	Points available
Dust	≤ 34,5 g/t clinker or hydraulic lime	≤ 11,5 g/t clinker or hydraulic lime	EN 13284	Up to 5
NOx (as NO2)	≤ 1472 g/t clinker or hydraulic lime	≤ 920 g/t clinker or hydraulic lime	EN 14791	Up to 5
SOx (as SO2)	≤ 460 g/t clinker or hydraulic lime	≤ 115 g/t clinker or hydraulic lime	EN 14792	Up to 5

In addition, up to 15 points can be awarded in proportion to how much the actual specific emissions (expressed as g/t clinker or g/t hydraulic lime) of dust, NOx and SOx are reduced towards the relevant thresholds for environmental excellence indicated in the table above (e.g. 0 points for 34,5 g/t clinker dust emissions, 5 points for 11,5 g/t clinker dust emissions).

Assessment and verification: The applicant shall provide a declaration of compliance with the mandatory requirements of this criterion, supported by site data for emissions from the cement kiln or lime kiln, in mg/Nm3 and expressed as an annual average value calculated from daily average values. The site data shall have been generated via continuous monitoring according to relevant EN or ISO standards.

To convert exhaust gas monitoring results from mg/Nm3 (at 10 % O2 content) into g/t of clinker, it is necessary to multiply by the specific kiln gas flow volume (Nm3/t clinker). The specific gas flow volumes for cement kilns typically range from 1700 to 2500 Nm3/t clinker. The cement producer must clearly state the specific airflow rate in the calculations of dust, NOx and SOx emissions. One Nm3 refers to one m3 of dry gas under standard conditions of 273K and 101,3 kPa.

To convert exhaust gas monitoring results from mg/Nm3 (at 11 % O2 content) into g/t of lime, it is necessary to multiply by the specific kiln gas flow volume (Nm3/t lime). The specific gas flow volumes for lime kilns can generally range from 3000 to 5000 Nm3/t lime, depending on the kiln type used. The lime producer must clearly state the specific airflow rate in the calculations of dust, NOx and SOx emissions. One Nm3 refers to one m3 of dry gas under standard conditions of 273K and 101,3 kPa.

For continuous production campaigns, data should be representative of a 12 month period prior to the date of award of the EU Ecolabel license. For shorter production campaigns, the actual production period(s) shall be stated and site data should represent at least 80 % of the production campaign.

In case it is not possible to provide specific data for a production line or product, the applicant shall refer to data for the entire plant.

In cases where more than one hydraulic binder is used in the production of EU Ecolabel certified hard covering products (e.g. dual layered terrazzo tiles), the applicant shall calculate the points that would apply to each hydraulic binder as if it was the only one used, then calculate a weighted average points total based on the relative use of each hydraulic binder in the EU Ecolabel hard covering product production line.

5.4   Recovery and responsible sourcing of raw materials

The applicant shall assess and document the regional availability of virgin material, recycled material from wastes produced by different production processes and secondary material from by-products of different production processes. The approximate transport distances of the documented material sources shall be stated.

The applicant shall have procedures in place for any batches of returned or rejected concrete in which all returned/rejected material is either:

—	Recycled directly into new concrete batches which are cast prior to the returned/rejected concrete hardening; or

—	Recycled as aggregate in new batches after returned/rejected concrete hardening: or

—	Recycled offsite either prior to or after hardening as part of a contractual arrangement with a third party.

In addition, a maximum total of 25 points may be granted in relation to sourcing of raw materials as follows:

	Cement-based products	Lime- or alternative cement-based products
Recycled or secondary material content up to 30 %	Up to 20 points	Up to 25 points
Responsibly sourced virgin aggregate content up to 100 %	Up to 5 points	Up to 5 points
Responsibly sourced cement	5 points	n/a

Assessment and verification: The applicant shall provide a declaration of compliance with the mandatory requirements of this criterion, supported by documentation stating the transport distances of potential sources virgin, recycled and secondary materials. Alternatively, compliance with the mandatory aspects of this criterion can be demonstrated via a silver, gold or platinum certificate awarded by the Concrete Sustainability Council (CSC) to the concrete producer in accordance with version 2.0 of the CSC technical manual.

Recycled or secondary materials shall only be counted as contributing towards the content of recycled/secondary material if they are obtained from sources that are ≤ 2,5 times distant from the precast concrete production site than the main virgin materials used (e.g. coarse and fine aggregates and supplementary cementitious materials). The incorporation of dust and rejects of precast concrete products into new product shall not be considered as recycled content if it is going back into the same process that generated it.

Responsibly sourced materials shall have been certified as such by the Concrete Sustainability Council or an equivalent third party certification scheme.

A monthly balance sheet of recycled/secondary materials and responsibly sourced materials shall be presented based on the 12 months of production prior to the date of award of the EU Ecolabel license. The applicant shall commit to maintaining such an inventory up to date during the validity period of the EU Ecolabel license. The balance sheet shall provide the quantities of ingoing recycled/secondary and responsibly sourced materials (justified by delivery notes and invoices) and outgoing recycled/secondary materials and responsibly sourced materials in all sold or ready for sale precast concrete production with recycled/secondary material or responsibly sourced content claims (justified by product quantities and % claims).

Due to the batch nature of the precast concrete production process, recycled/secondary material content claims and claims on the use of responsibly sourced hydraulic binder, alternative cement or aggregates shall be based on mix compositions used at the batch level. Allocation of recycled/secondary/responsibly sourced materials shall not be permitted.

In cases where production data is only available in m3 but needs to be reported in kg, or vice versa, the value should be converted using a fixed bulk density factor for the relevant material.

5.5   Energy consumption

The applicant shall have established a program to systematically monitor, record and reduce energy consumption and specific CO2 emissions in the precast concrete plant to optimal levels. The applicant shall report energy consumption as a function of energy source (e.g. electricity and diesel) and purpose (e.g. use of onsite buildings, lighting, cutting equipment operation, pumps and vehicle operation). The applicant shall report on energy consumption for the site both on an absolute basis (in units of kWh or MJ) and on a specific production basis (in units of kWh or MJ per m3, m2 or t of material sold/produced and ready for sale) for a given calendar year.

A plan to reduce specific energy consumption and CO2 emissions shall describe measures already taken or planned to be taken (e.g. more efficient use of existing equipment, investment in more efficient equipment, improved transportation and logistics etc.).

In addition, a total of 20 points may be granted as follows:

—	Up to 10 points shall be awarded in proportion to how much of the energy consumed (fuel plus electricity) is from renewable sources (from 0 points for 0 % renewable energy up to 10 points for 100 % renewable energy).

—

Up to 5 points shall be awarded depending on the manner in which any renewable electricity is purchased as follows: via private energy service agreements for on-site or near-site renewables (5 points); corporate power purchase agreements for on-site or near-site renewables (5 points); long term corporate power purchase agreements for grid-connected or remote grid renewables (27) (4 points); green electricity certifications (28) (3 points); purchase of renewable energy guarantees of origin certificates for the full electricity supply or green tariff from utility supplier (29) (2 points).

—	3 points shall be awarded where a carbon footprint analysis has been carried out for the product in accordance with ISO 14067 or 5 points if the Product Environmental Footprint method’s elements (30) related to greenhouse gas emissions has been used.

Assessment and verification: The applicant shall provide an energy inventory for the precast concrete plant for a period of at least 12 months prior to the date of award of the EU Ecolabel license and shall commit to maintaining such an inventory during the validity period of the EU Ecolabel license. The energy inventory shall distinguish the different types of fuel consumed, highlighting any renewable fuels or renewable content of mixed fuels. As a minimum, the specific-energy consumption and specific CO2 emission reduction plan must define the baseline situation with energy consumption at the precast concrete plant when the plan was established, identify and clearly quantify the different sources of energy consumption at the plant, identify and justify actions to reduce specific energy consumption and to report results on a yearly basis.

The applicant shall provide details of the electricity purchasing agreement in place and highlight the share of renewables that applies to the electricity being purchased. If necessary, a declaration from the electricity provider shall clarify (i) the share of renewables in the electricity supplied, (ii) the nature of the purchasing agreement in place (i.e. private energy service agreement, corporate power purchase agreement, independent green energy certified or green tariff) and (iii) whether the purchased electricity is from on-site or near-site renewables.

In cases where guarantee of origin certificates are purchased by the applicant to increase the renewables share, the applicant shall provide appropriate documentation to ensure that the guarantee of origin certificates have been purchased in accordance with the principles and rules of operation of the European Energy Certificate System.

In cases where points are claimed for a carbon footprint analysis, the applicant shall provide a copy of the analysis, which shall be in accordance with ISO 14067 or the Product Environmental Footprint method and have been verified by an accredited third party. The footprint analysis must cover all manufacturing processes directly related to hydraulic binder or alternative cement production, onsite and offsite transportation of raw materials to the precast concrete plant, precast concrete production, emissions relating to administrative processes (e.g. operation of onsite buildings) and transport of the sold product to the precast concrete plant gate or local transportation hub (e.g. train station or port).

5.6   Environmentally innovative product designs (optional)

Precast concrete or compressed earth products that bring direct or indirect environmental benefits via one or more of the design features described below shall be awarded points in accordance with the design features they exhibit.

The total number of points granted under this criterion cannot exceed 15 points (for lime-based products) or 10 points (for all other precast concrete or compressed earth products).

A total of up to 10 or 15 points, as appropriate, may be granted as follows:

—

Up to 10 points shall be awarded in proportion to how the precast or pervious concrete floor tile, floor slab or paver product exceeds a minimum infiltration rate of 400 mm/h and approaches the threshold of environmental excellence of ≥ 2000 mm/h (from 0 points for 400 mm/h, up to 10 points for 2000 mm/h).

—	Up to 10 points shall be awarded in proportion to how much the block, slab or panel product exceeds a minimum void space of 20 % and approaches the threshold of environmental excellence of ≥ 80 % void space (from 0 points for 20 % void space, up to 10 points for ≥ 80 % void space).

—	Up to 15 points shall be awarded in proportion to how much the block, slab or panel product is below a maximum upper thermal conductivity limit of 0,45 W/m.K and approaches the threshold of environmental excellence of ≤ 0,15 W/m.K (from 0 points for ≥ 0,45 W/m.K, up to 15 points for ≤ 0,15 W/m.K).

—

Up to 15 points shall be awarded in proportion to how much the hydraulic binder or alternative cement content has been reduced below a maximum upper limit of 10 % (expressed as % of total product weight) and approaches the threshold of environmental excellence of ≤ 5 % (from 0 points for ≥ 10 %, up to 15 points for ≤ 5 %).

—	10 points shall be awarded to paving units that are designed with void spaces to be filled with topsoil/sand/gravel and be seeded with grass and that can fit into permeable paving design solutions (commonly referred to a grass or turf pavers).

Assessment and verification: The applicant shall provide a declaration stating whether or not this criterion is relevant to the product(s) subject to the EU Ecolabel application.

In cases where points are claimed due to infiltration rates of precast or pervious concrete floor tile, floor slab or paver products, the applicant shall provide test reports according to BS 7533-13, BS DD 229:1996 or similar standards.

In cases where the material efficient block, slab or panel criterion is relevant, the applicant shall provide a declaration of the % void content of the form by providing the dimensions of the product form in such detail that the total volume and the void volume can be calculated.

In cases where points are claimed due to highly insulating products with a low thermal conductivity, the applicant shall provide test reports according to EN 12667 or similar standards.

In cases where points are claimed due to a low hydraulic binder or alternative cement content, the applicant shall declare the specific binder content or at least a maximum upper binder content used.

In cases where the grass/turf open paver criterion is relevant, the applicant shall provide technical drawings of the concrete forms, images of real-life installations complete with vegetated surfaces and detailed installation instructions about how the products should be filled and seeded.

---

(*)  criteria applicable for awarding the EU Ecolabel to intermediate blocks of dimension stone from natural stone quarries.

(**)  criteria applicable for awarding the EU Ecolabel to intermediate hydraulic binders or alternative cement products.

(1)  Directive 2014/52/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 April 2014 amending Directive 2011/92/EU on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment (OJ L 124, 25.4.2014, p. 1).

(2)  Regulation (EU) No 1143/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 October 2014 on the prevention and management of the introduction and spread of invasive alien species (OJ L 317, 4.11.2014, p. 35).

(3)  Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (OJ L 206, 22.7.1992, p. 7).

(4)  Directive 2009/147/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009 on the conservation of wild birds (OJ L 20, 26.1.2010, p. 7).

(5)  Guidance document on non-energy mineral extraction and Natura 2000. A summary. ISBN: 978-92-79-99542-2.

(6)  Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats. Council of Europe. European Treaty Series – No 104.

(7)  Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2006 concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH), establishing a European Chemicals Agency, amending Directive 1999/45/EC and repealing Council Regulation (EEC) No 793/93 and Commission Regulation (EC) No 1488/94 as well as Council Directive 76/769/EEC and Commission Directives 91/155/EEC, 93/67/EEC, 93/105/EC and 2000/21/EC (OJ L 396, 30.12.2006, p. 1).

(8)  Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2008 on classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures, amending and repealing Directives 67/548/EEC and 1999/45/EC, and amending Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 (OJ L 353, 31.12.2008, p. 1).

(9)  Regulation (EU) No 305/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 2011 laying down harmonised conditions for the marketing of construction products and repealing Council Directive 89/106/EEC (OJ L 88, 4.4.2011, p. 5).

(10)  Regulation (EC) No 1221/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 November 2009 on the voluntary participation by organisations in a Community eco-management and audit scheme (EMAS), repealing Regulation (EC) No 761/2001 and Commission Decisions 2001/681/EC and 2006/193/EC (OJ L 342, 22.12.2009, p. 1).

(11)  According to Article 15(8) of Directive (EU) 2018/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2018 on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources (OJ L 328, 21.12.2018, p. 82).

(12)  Based on guarantees of origin with independent third party verification of additional requirements according to Article 19 of Directive (EU) 2018/2001.

(13)  Renewable energy sources disclosed according to Article 19(8) of Directive (EU) 2018/2001 and point 5 of Annex I to Directive (EU) 2019/944 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 June 2019 on common rules for the internal market for electricity and amending Directive 2012/27/EU (OJ L 158, 14.6.2019, p. 125).

(14)  https://eplca.jrc.ec.europa.eu/permalink/PEF_method.pdf

(15)  According to Article 15(8) of Directive (EU) 2018/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2018 on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources (OJ L 328, 21.12.2018, p. 82).

(16)  Based on guarantees of origin with independent third party verification of additional requirements according to Article 19 of Directive (EU) 2018/2001.

(17)  Renewable energy sources disclosed according to Article 19(8) of Directive (EU) 2018/2001 and point 5 of Annex I to Directive (EU) 2019/944 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 June 2019 on common rules for the internal market for electricity and amending Directive 2012/27/EU (OJ L 158, 14.6.2019, p. 125).

(18)  https://eplca.jrc.ec.europa.eu/permalink/PEF_method.pdf

(19)  According to Article 15(8) of Directive (EU) 2018/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2018 on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources (OJ L 328, 21.12.2018, p. 82).

(20)  Based on guarantees of origin with independent third party verification of additional requirements according to Article 19 of Directive (EU) 2018/2001.

(21)  Renewable energy sources disclosed according to Article 19(8) of Directive (EU) 2018/2001 and point 5 of Annex I to Directive (EU) 2019/944 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 June 2019 on common rules for the internal market for electricity and amending Directive 2012/27/EU (OJ L 158, 14.6.2019, p. 125).

(22)  Three families of ceramic tile products are considered as per class I, II and III in EN 14411

(*)  limit applies only to fuel consumed in the spray dryer, 1 kg of dried powder includes any residual moisture content, which would typically be 5-7 %

(**)  data measured under stable operating conditions that are representative of the product during the production run

(***)  data measured over a period of one year, including baseline fuel consumption between production runs

(*)  limit applies only to fuel consumed in the spray dryer, 1 kg of dried powder includes any residual moisture content, which would typically be 5-7 %

(**)  limit applies only to fuel consumed in the ware dryer and kiln and estimated process emissions in the kiln

(***)  based on fuel consumption data measured under stable operating conditions that are representative of the product during the production run and assumed process emissions in the kiln from raw material carbonate content

(****)  based on fuel consumption data measured over a period of one year, including baseline fuel consumption between production runs and assumed process emissions in the kiln from raw material carbonate content.

(23)  Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 October 2003 establishing a scheme for greenhouse gas emission allowance trading within the Community and amending Council Directive 96/61/EC (OJ L 275, 25.10.2003, p. 32).

(24)  Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/331 of 19 December 2018 determining transitional Union-wide rules for harmonised free allocation of emission allowances pursuant to Article 10a of Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 59, 27.2.2019, p. 8).

(25)  Commission Regulation (EU) No 601/2012 of 21 June 2012 on the monitoring and reporting of greenhouse gas emissions pursuant to Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 181, 12.7.2012, p. 30).

(*)  Only relevant for products that use spray-dried powder as a raw material

(26)  Process waste shall be considered as sludge/dry solids from grinding, body preparation and glaze preparation, reject/broken material from shaping, drying, firing, rectification and surface finishing operations and residues from exhaust gas abatement systems such as separated dust/ashes, gas scrubbing residues and peelings from cascade adsorber bed materials.

(27)  According to Art. 15(8) of Directive (EU) 2018/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2018 on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources (recast) (OJ L 328, 21.12.2018, p. 82).

(28)  Based on guarantees of origin with independent 3rd party verification of additional requirements according to Art. 19 of Directive (EU) 2018/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2018 on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources (recast) (OJ L 328, 21.12.2018, p. 82).

(29)  Renewable energy sources disclosed according to Art. 19.8 of Directive (EU) 2018/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2018 on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources (recast) (OJ L 328, 21.12.2018, p. 82) and Annex I, paragraph 5 of Directive (EU) 2019/944 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 June 2019 on common rules for the internal market for electricity and amending Directive 2012/27/EU (recast) (OJ L 158, 14.6.2019, p. 125).

(30)  https://eplca.jrc.ec.europa.eu/permalink/PEF_method.pdf

Article 1

The amendments regarding beef and pigmeat, poultrymeat, and bovine animals and swine for breeding, production and slaughter, which Finland has submitted on 10 March 2020 regarding its operational programme for the control of salmonella in certain live animals and animal products, which was approved by Decision 94/968/EC, are approved.

Article 2

The amendments regarding beef and pigmeat, and bovine animals and swine for breeding, production and slaughter, which Sweden has submitted on 26 November 2019 regarding its operational programme for the control of salmonella in certain live animals and animal products, which was approved by Decision 95/50/EC, are approved.

Article 3

The amendments, which Finland has submitted on 10 March 2020 regarding its national programme for the control of salmonella in breeding flocks of Gallus gallus, which was approved by Decision 2006/759/EC, are approved.

Article 4

The amendments, which Finland has submitted on 10 March 2020 regarding its national programme for the control of salmonella in flocks of laying hens of Gallus gallus, which was approved by Decision 2007/848/EC, are approved.

Article 5

The amendments, which Finland has submitted on 10 March 2020 regarding its national programme for the control of salmonella in flocks of broilers of Gallus gallus, which was approved by Decision 2008/815/EC, are approved.

Article 6

The amendments, which Finland has submitted on 10 March 2020 regarding its national programme for the control of salmonella in turkeys, which was approved by Commission Decision 2009/771/EC, are approved.

Article 7

This Decision is addressed to the Republic of Finland and the Kingdom of Sweden.