SCS Global Services: What to Know Before Publishing
Choosing an EPD program operator can feel like picking a phone plan: hidden fees, patchy coverage, and long lock-in periods lurk in the fine print. SCS Global Services promises broad recognition, a hands-on LCA team, and ANSI-backed credibility—but the path from data pull to public declaration still holds surprises for busy manufacturers.
Who is SCS Global Services?
Founded in 1984 and headquartered in California, SCS Global Services is an ANSI-accredited program operator and verifier of Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) (ANSI, 2025). The company offers more than 100 certification and auditing programs, but EPDs remain its flagship for building-product transparency.
Scope of the SCS EPD Program
SCS publishes Type III EPDs that align with ISO 14025 and EN 15804. Services split into two tracks:
- Full LCA + EPD development handled by SCS, then verified by an external reviewer (SCS, 2025) (SCS EPD Services).
- Verification-only for manufacturers that already completed an LCA.
The dual-track model lets firms keep their favorite LCA consultant or hand off the whole job.
PCR Library and Update Cycle
SCS can author new Product Category Rules or adopt any PCR approved by another operator. Its membership in ECO Platform since March 2025 signals tighter alignment with European PCR updates, a perk for exporters (ECO Platform press release, 2025).
Digital Reach: Where Your Declaration Shows Up
SCS pushes finished EPDs to multiple repositories, and EC3 lists SCS among its direct data feeds (Building Transparency, 2025). That automatic feed saves specifiers a search and bumps digital visibility on low-carbon tenders.
Verification Process: How Independent Is It?
Unlike some operators that self-verify, SCS contracts accredited third-party reviewers for every EPD it authors. That extra firewall reduces perceptions of conflict of interest and is one reason LEED reviewers rarely bounce SCS-stamped declarations (USGBC Review Notes, 2024).
Speed and Fees in the Real World
SCS markets an "expedited" lane, yet published timelines still hover around 12–16 weeks once data are audit-ready. Internal bottlenecks often stem from reviewer availability, not operator staff. Budget-wise, SCS quotes vary widely. Public filings hint at a five-figure median for construction products, but hard averages are missing, sorry.
Choosing Between SCS and Alternatives
Competitors like UL, ASTM, and SmartEPD boast larger PCR catalogs, while SCS leans on hands-on LCA expertise and cross-recognition deals. Its Mutual Recognition Agreement with The International EPD System means a single verification fee can unlock both North American and European listings (MRA announcement, 2018). If Europe looms large in your sales forecast, that bilateral door matters.
Watch-Out Checklist
- Confirm the PCR edition SCS will use and its expiry date.
- Ask whether your verifier is already booked—this often drives the real lead time.
- Verify that the final PDF will flow automatically into EC3 and other national Buy Clean portals.
- Request a draft layout early; design tweaks after verification invite rework.
Key Take-Aways for Busy Product Teams
SCS Global Services offers a credible, globally recognized lane for publishing EPDs, especially if European exposure is on your roadmap. Expect a collaborative but procedural process that averages three to four months. Nail your data collection upfront, keep an eye on PCR dates, and your declaration should slide through without last-minute fire drills. One less sustainability headache, and more time back on the shop floor—nice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does SCS require an external third-party reviewer for every EPD?
Yes. Even when SCS authors the LCA, an independent verifier conducts the critical review to meet ISO 14025 requirements.
Will an SCS-verified EPD automatically appear in EC3?
Generally yes—SCS feeds its database to EC3, but confirm the automatic transfer in your work order.
Can I reuse my competitor’s PCR under SCS?
If that PCR is still valid and aligned with ISO standards, SCS will accept it, saving you months of development.
How long does the SCS process take from contract to publication?
Published ranges run 12–16 weeks once data are audit-ready; complex product families may take longer.
Does SCS handle European EN 15804+A2 formatting?
Yes—membership in ECO Platform since 2025 commits SCS to the latest EN 15804+A2 template.
About the Author
Walker Ryan is a climate-tech entrepreneur focused on driving industrial decarbonization through better data. As the founder and CEO of Parq, he helps manufacturers generate high-quality, third-party–verified carbon disclosures at scale—accelerating a traditionally slow and expensive process. Before starting Parq, Walker led over $200 million in sustainability-focused investments as VP of Strategy & Growth at ReStream Solutions, following earlier experience in investment banking at Deutsche Bank. He brings a rare mix of capital markets expertise and hands-on sustainability knowledge to tackling the infrastructure of industrial emissions.
