IAF Sustainability Standard
IAF-SE v1.0 – Draft for Stakeholder Review
This page presents the scope, process, and requirements of our sustainability and emissions certification standard.
What is it?
The document delivers a harmonised framework certifying that vehicles, components and mobility-related services achieve verifiable decarbonisation, circular-economy and eco-compliance targets.
Why does it matter?
This standard helps organisations prove measurable environmental performance, reduce lifecycle emissions, improve circularity and comply with evolving regulations such as the EU Battery Regulation and ISO 14067.
Scope & Certification Families
| Family | Intended Object | Resulting Mark | Typical Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| A. Vehicle Sustainability | Complete motor vehicles (ICE, PHEV, BEV, FCEV, buses) | IAF Green Vehicle | Battery-electric SUV; hydrogen coach |
| B. Green Product | Component, material or software with direct environmental impact | IAF Green Product | Traction battery with ≥70% recyclability; bio-based interior trim |
| C. Green Service | Mobility, charging, recycling or logistics service | IAF Green Service | Battery second-life programme; carbon-neutral logistics hub |
Normative References
- ISO 14040/44 (Life-Cycle Assessment)
- ISO 14067 (Product Carbon Footprint)
- UNECE R 101 / WLTP / EPA 40 CFR 600
- EU Battery Regulation (2023/1542)
- SAE J-3221 (vehicle recycled-content declaration)
- GRI 302 & 305 (energy, emissions disclosure)
Full reference catalogue available in Annex A.
How does it work?
The standard uses a 6-pillar eco-evaluation. Applicants provide evidence and reports to demonstrate compliance. Independent experts review and score each pillar.
| Pillar | Weight | Vehicle Evidence | Product / Service Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lifecycle CO₂-eq | 25% | Cradle-to-grave LCA ≤ class limit | ISO 14067 PEF < benchmark |
| Tailpipe / Use-phase | 15% | WLTP or EPA compliance; ZEV score | Energy-efficiency test (kWh/cycle) |
| Circularity & Recyclability | 15% | ≥85% recyclability (Directive 2000/53/EC) | Material recovery report; RRR ≥90% |
| Responsible Materials | 15% | Cobalt, lithium supply chain due diligence | OECD minerals audit; FSC/Bio-based |
| Manufacturing Footprint | 15% | Scope 1+2 plant GHG ≤ science-based target | Renewable energy share ≥50% |
| End-of-life & Second-Life | 15% | Take-back scheme; battery passport | Verified refurbishment/recycling rate |
Label Usage Guide
- Supplied in colour (green gradient) and monochrome SVG/PNG.
- Must display tier (Platinum/Gold) and certificate ID.
- Vehicle badge recommendation: 45mm rear tailgate emblem.
- Misuse results in suspension.
Example Draft Artwork — Sustainability & Emissions (Green)
The visuals below are draft artwork for demonstration. Final colors, spacing, and minimum-size rules will be defined in the IAF Brand Guidelines.
IAF Green Vehicle
For vehicle models meeting lifecycle sustainability thresholds (footprint, recycled content, end-of-life pathways).
- Tier & Certificate ID required
- Recommended: window decal / spec sheet QR
IAF Green Product
For components/materials (e.g., battery packs, alloys, polymers) verified against environmental criteria.
- Tier & Certificate ID required
- Packaging/datasheet placement; min. print width 20 mm
IAF Green Service
For services (recycling, energy management, LCA verification) operating under accredited sustainability methods.
- Tier & Certificate ID required
- Use on reports, portals, facility signage
Application & Assessment
- Completeness check (7 days)
- Technical review by two independent eco-auditors
- Panel hearing (Q&A)
- Scoring & decision by Sustainability Committee
- Certification issuance
- Annual KPI report, re-certification every 3 years or major redesign
Committee Draft issued
30-day public comment window opens; focus on carbon accounting rules, LCA system boundaries, data quality & assurance, site-level environmental performance, and supply-chain traceability.
Pilot assessments (plant & product)
1 OEM assembly site, 1 Tier-1 materials/battery supplier, 1 recycling facility. Scope: energy & emissions data capture, material tracking, process controls, end-of-life pathways.
Feature freeze & change control
Only critical changes accepted; indicator definitions and scoring logic locked. Editorial improvements continue.
Target final release
Sustainability & Emissions Standard v1.0 published with conformance matrix, site/product reporting templates, and verification guidelines.
Implementation guidance
Practitioner’s guide, verifier training modules, sample datasets; checklist v1.1 (post-release errata incorporated).