We’ve witnessed many customers and designers enquiring about sustainability credentials. Will my choice help me get Responsible Products Value (RPV) points for Green Star projects? Is my decision positively servicing my environment and community?

 

 

SSC Chartered Membership aims to help businesses answer these questions and meet expectations. It also recognises any extra work being done by individual members to advance the sustainability of their operations in line with the SSC Charter.

With the release of Green Star Buildings, the requirements for building product certifications have changed. SSC’s new Responsible Products audit and Certification scheme is accredited and recognised by the Green Building Council. Certification holders will qualify for Responsible Products Values (RPVs) towards their clients’ Green Star projects. A new audit platform is now operational which means you can complete your audit application over a period of two months rather than preparing for a single audit day.

If you don’t require Green Star RPV compliance but want to demonstrate your sustainability credentials, then the SSC’s in-house Sustainable Practices audit and certification scheme may be the best pathway for you. The Sustainable Practices audit is designed to staircase your business towards the Responsible Products certification if you want to gain that in the future. We can guide you through choosing and through whichever pathway is best for you.

“We all need to play our part in sustainability… our vision with the journey to achieving SSC Chartered Membership is to help businesses identify areas that they can easily improve upon, whilst providing the resources and tools to help them get there.” Troy Coyle, CEO HERA and previous Chair SSC

TAKE THE JOURNEY

Take the journey to become SSC Chartered, giving you independently verified proof that your business, product or service is making positive strides in the natural, financial, social and human capitals.

take-the-journey

HOW DO I BECOME SSC CHARTERED?

SSC Chartered membership is obtained through an audit process based on set criteria aligned with the SSC Charter, reflecting the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Taking the journey to SSC Chartered Membership will enable businesses, especially SMEs, to build their skills and capacity.

We support members on the journey with a selection of specifical developed tools and resources available in the Knowledge Hub to complement the certification process. This will allow SMEs to be consistent with larger sector businesses and meet changing expectations of government and the business community.

ssc-certification-process

Interested in starting the journey? Here’s what businesses think about it so far?

“We found the process very useful . . . a great tool for us to keep in mind, to show our customers about how choosing our business/industry has all these positive effect besides just material cost savings.”  Tayo Attenburg, Steelhaus

 

TELL ME ABOUT THE AUDIT

 

WHICH AUDIT PATHWAY SHOULD I CHOOSE?

 

WHAT IS INVOLVED IN THE CERTIFICATION PROCESS?

Here’s what you can expect when you sign up as a member of the Sustainable Steel Council:

  1. First apply for acceptance as an SSC member using the form on this website
  2. The SSC Board will review and confirm your membership application.
  3. We will issue an invoice for membership at the introductory level of 50% of your membership category fee covering your 12 months membership.
  4. We will discuss with you the type and level of audits and certifications available, which is most suited to your needs and business stage.
  5. On receipt of payment our auditor will be in touch with you to arrange a time to speak with you and make arrangements for your Sustainable Steel Certification audit.
  6. We will set up your user credentials to access the members section of the SSC website
  7. We will send you a link to the on-line Audit Portal which contains templates, guides and other support material. You will also be supported by an SSC specialist in preparing for your first audit.
  8. Once you have loaded your submission the HERA Certifications auditor will assess your submission and provide feedback.
  9. After your audit result is approved, we will send you a Sustainable Steel Accreditation certificate along with logos you can use on your website and marketing material.

WHEN CAN I START THE JOURNEY?

Now.

If you would like to apply for an audit and start the journey to SSC Chartered Membership, please contact us by phone or email here.

WHAT DOES THE AUDIT COVER?

The Green Building Council recognised SSC Responsible Products scheme documentation can be found at the links below:

NZ RPP Certification Programme Governance Version 1.2

NZ RPP – Audit Guidance

RPP Audit Easy Planner -Release V03

The guide for the SSC In-house Sustainable Practices scheme is at the link below:

SSC SPC Audit Guidance