What is the role of a programme operator?

To publish a type III environmental declaration, it must be administered in the scope of a programme operator operating in accordance with ISO 14025.

Type III environmental declarations are subject to the administration of a programme operator, such as a company or a group of companies, industrial sector or trade association, public authorities or agencies, or an independent scientific body or other organisation.

The tasks of a programme operator, as described in detail in ISO 14025, are many and require constant maintenance. 

A programme operator may be started by any organisation, but choosing an existing programme gives the credibility of a third party and of recognition of an existing brand such as The International EPD® System.