Solution
Sphera’s Sustainability Performance Improvement Consulting Services, Managed LCA Content, LCA for Experts Software
Shaw chose to partner with Sphera based on its ability to provide high-quality LCA and EPD consulting services, as well as LCA software and data from a single source.
The EPD tool developed by Sphera’s sustainability experts enables Shaw to create EPDs for multiple regions, including Europe, North America, Asia and Australia. The EPD tool is designed to support various program operators such as IBU, UL and the French FDES for the INIES database. Each operator has individually verified the tool to ensure compliance and accuracy. This unified approach eliminates the need for separate tools and streamlines the process across all geographies.
In addition to supporting the creation of EPDs for their hard and soft flooring products, the tool also addresses eco-design. This dual functionality allows Shaw’s R&D and sustainability teams to focus on sustainable product innovation and environmental reporting simultaneously.
With its focus on sustainability performance and EPDs, Shaw received numerous awards including the Floor Covering Weekly’s 2024 GreenStep Award Honoree for Practice/Process; Floor Covering Weekly’s 2023 GreenStep Award for Best International EPD (for China LCA and EPDs); and U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) 2023 Leadership Award.
Results
The implementation of the EPD tool, developed by Sphera’s consultants, helped Shaw enhance their product sustainability strategy and strengthen their market position as a leader in sustainable flooring solutions. The most important outcomes achieved are:
Through expert guidance and access to LCA software and data, including a license to the cloud-based LCA Calculator Software, Shaw is building internal capacity to create LCA models and generate EPDs themselves.
“Partnering with Sphera’s sustainability consultants has transformed our approach to sustainability. The easy-to-use, tool-based EPD solution provided by Sphera helped us streamline our processes across multiple regions. We have enhanced our ability to innovate while maintaining compliance with global EPR requirements. This strategic collaboration has solidified Shaw’s position as a leader in sustainable flooring solutions and enables us to meet market demands swiftly and efficiently.”
— Eleazer P. Resurreccion, PhD, Sustainability Manager, Shaw Industries Group, Inc.
