FAQ FOR NSF ASSURANCE PILOT PROGRAM: SUSTAINABLE ASSESSMENT OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

What is a pilot? What is the value of participation in the pilot? A pilot program is an opportunity to test the standard and program documents on the ground and with a By participating in the pilot program, you have an diverse group of participants. The pilot phase is a opportunity to shape the final assurance program for flexible process that supports open communication and sustainable assessment of professional services. an opportunity for all participants to voice their needs and shape the final program. > Professional Service Organizations: Pilot participants have an opportunity to showcase Who can participate in the pilot? their leadership in by being one of the first few organizations to achieve Pilot participation is open to: conformance. As a pilot participant you have > Professional Service Organizations a chance to test out the metrics and provide feedback that will help shape the final program. > Purchasers of Professional Services This is an invaluable opportunity to see how > Certification Bodies your organization currently aligns with the sustainability requirements of the standard and If you’re unsure about whether you fit into one of these make adjustments as needed. categories, please reach out to NSF at assurance@nsf. org and we will be happy to assist you in making this > Purchasers of Professional Services: As a determination. purchaser your adoption of the assurance program is a key driver that supports the Why should I participate? implementation of the program. Your feedback is important in helping professional service > The program is based on an ANSI approved organizations understand where the program standard, NSF/ANSI 391.1 General Sustainability requirements are being adopted and what is Assessment Criteria for Professional Services required to support your purchasing needs. > The standard was developed in an open You will also have a chance to shape the final consensus multi- process program and identify tools that NSF can create to support easier purchasing > First sector-specific points and performance based solution > Certification Bodies: Certification Bodies (CBs) are key to supporting consistency in the market > (environmental, social and and supporting the efforts of professional economic) plus supply chain organizations seeking compliance with the > Minimum program requirements plus KPI points program. Your feedback will ensure that appropriate tools and guidance is created to help > Specific to professional service sector – for drive consistency and quality. professional services by professional services

> Simplifies purchasing by incorporating ISO, GRI, UNGC, regulatory initiatives, etc. Will I be eligible to earn certification during the Is there a cost for participating in the pilot? pilot phase? There is no cost for participating in the pilot; During the pilot program we will be discussing how to however, if an organization is seeking recognition to recognize organizations that demonstrate compliance demonstrate their compliance to the standard, there to the standard. We will be seeking feedback from all will likely be a fee associated with that recognition pilot participants to determine how certification may status. Please see the section below for cost of be provided in a way that upholds the highest level of Certification Body evaluation. quality and maintains the integrity of the program. As noted above, during the pilot program we How can I communicate my involvement in the will be discussing and soliciting your feedback on pilot program? various options to recognize organizations that demonstrate compliance to the standard. Once the Throughout the pilot phase, NSF International will work path for recognition is defined for the pilot, NSF will with you to create and approve any pilot messaging. work with each Certification Body to support their How do I participate in the pilot? implementation process. Since each Certification Body sets their own pricing, they will provide their individual Here is a brief overview of the steps you will need to complete: fee structure to you.

1. Reach out to [email protected] or sign up on our Is there a cost for a Certification Body website to learn more about the pilot program or evaluation of a professional service express your interest in participating. organization during the pilot?

2. Review the NSF/ANSI 391.1 Standard and become Yes, if a professional service organization is seeking familiar with the requirements. an evaluation by a Certification Body in order to We recommend performing a preliminary demonstrate compliance, there will be a cost associated internal evaluation to determine how with the service. Certification Bodies set their own your organization meets the requirements of pricing and will provide their individual fee structure NSF/ANSI 391.1. to you. Please contact NSF at [email protected] to obtain a copy of approved Certification Bodies. 3. Email NSF International at [email protected] to obtain a list of participating Certification Bodies and How do I find an approved Certification Body? identify which one you want to work with. You can email NSF International at [email protected] 4. Contact the Certification Body to begin the to obtain a list of participating Certification Bodies. onboarding process. If you have identified a Certification Body but they 5. Collect your documentation and submit it to your are not listed on NSF International’s participating approved Certification Body. Certification Body registry - have your Certification Body contact NSF International at [email protected] 6. Successfully complete a pilot by an NSF in order to begin the onboarding process. approved Certification Body and receive recognition. Can any Certification Body participate in the 7. Work with NSF to communicate your achievement Assurance Program? and participation in the pilot. Yes, it is open to any Certification Body. Email NSF International at [email protected] to begin your approval process. NSF INTERNATIONAL 789 N. Dixboro Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48105 USA | www.nsfsustainability.org

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