Life Cycle Assessment Case Study:
BEES Software

Building for Economic and Environmental Sustainability (BEES)

First Environment was the contractor for the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s (NIST) BEES program. The BEES tool is a software program developed by the U.S. federal government that implements a rational, systematic technique for selecting environmentally friendly and cost-effective building products. The tool was designed using consensus standards and was developed with practicality, flexibility and transparency intended for all users.

First Environment developed detailed life cycle models of biobased products to support the USDA’s new initiatives to award Federal purchasing preference to biobased products. The 2002 Farm Bill, signed by the President, includes a section that establishes a product labeling system for biobased products. To qualify for the new “USDA Certified Biobased Product” label, products must first develop a BEES profile. As the U.S. Government is the world’s largest consumer, purchasing over $240 billion in products and services each year, BEES will be of critical importance to vendors, as it will influence innovation and markets.

Link to the BEES website