MiLCA for EPD Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. I have already obtained MiLCAv3, can I use it for my application?
A1. SuMPO Environmental Labeling Program applications using MiLCAv3 will be available after April 2023.
You will need to update your current MiLCAv3 to add functionality. There is no charge for the update.

Q2. I have already obtained MiLCAv2, can I use it for my application?
A2. MiLCAv2 cannot be used to apply for the SuMPO Environmental Labeling Program.
However, MiLCAv2 users can continue to use the existing calculation tool for environmental labels (Excel version calculation tool) during the transition period until the end of March 2024, so MiLCAv2 users can use the Excel version calculation tool free of charge (because MiLCAv2 users own the Excel version of IDEAv2).

Q3. I have already obtained the Excel version of IDEAv3, can I use it for my application?
A3. Only the Excel version of IDEAv3 can be used to apply for the Environmental Labeling Program.
Please consider using MiLCA for EPD, which has no additional charge, or purchase MiLCAv3 additionally (available for 165,000 yen and up, minus the IDEAv3 portion).
For MiLCA for EPD, even if you have already obtained the Excel version of IDEAv3, you are limited to 1,500 IDEA source units that you can use (if you purchase MiLCA v3, you can apply using all IDEA source units).

Q4. I have already obtained the Excel version of IDEAv2, can I use it for my application?
A4. The existing calculation tool for environmental labels (Excel version calculation tool) will continue to be available during the transition period until the end of March 2024.
Owners of IDEAv2 will still be able to use the Excel version of the tool free of charge.
After the transition period (April 2024 or later), please consider purchasing MiLCAv3 or using MiLCA for EPD (fee-based).

Q5. Can I use MiLCA for EPD if the application itself is done by the label acquirer and the actual calculation is done by a consultant?
A5. Consultants must purchase a separate MiLCAv3 consultant license.

Q6. Can I install regular MiLCA and MiLCA for EPD on the same PC?
A6. Regular MiLCA and MiLCA for EPD cannot be installed on the same PC.

Q7.I already have IDEA v3.1 but don’t have MiLCA, if I rent MiLCA for EPD for free, what is the number of units of measure I can use?
A7. The number of IDEA source units available in MiLCA for EPD is 1,500.
MiLCAv3 must be purchased in order to use all the intensity units in the environmental labeling program.
Those who have already obtained IDEAv3.1 will be asked to pay an additional amount (from 165,000 yen) less the IDEAv3 fee when purchasing MiLCAv3.
MiLCAv3 price details: https://www.milca-milca.net/buying-guide/price.html

Q8. Does the 1,500 units of origin include registered units?
A8. The intensity limited to 1,500 cases in MiLCA for EPD refers to the IDEAv3 intensity.
There is no upper limit to the number of registered units (i.e., non-IDEA units, e.g., published declarations) that can be registered.

Q9. What procedures are required to add a declaration that has already been registered and published to a registered unit?
A9. It is possible to incorporate them into MiLCA for EPD and the calculation tool for environmental labels (Excel version calculation tool), so please contact the secretariat individually.

Q10. Is it possible to apply for the SuMPO Environmental Labeling Program for all available IDEA emission units, rather than limiting the number of available IDEA emission units to 1,500?
A10. By purchasing MiLCAv3, you can submit an application for all IDEAv3 emission units. Please check the following URL for pricing.
MiLCAv3 price details: https://www.milca-milca.net/buying-guide/price.html

Q10. Is it possible to apply for the SuMPO Environmental Labeling Program for all available IDEA emission units, rather than limiting the number of available IDEA emission units to 1,500?
A10. By purchasing MiLCAv3, you can submit an application for all IDEAv3 emission units. Please check the following URL for pricing.
MiLCAv3 price details: https://www.milca-milca.net/buying-guide/price.html

Q11. Is there an option to apply for an environmental labeling program other than MiLCA after FY2024 (April 2024 or later)?
A11. The existing calculation tool for environmental labels (Excel version) will be available until the end of March 2024, so you will need to use MiLCA for EPD or MiLCAv3 after April 2024.
In the future, we are considering the possibility of applying for environmental labels using calculation tools other than MiLCA.

Q12. What is the difference between MiLCA for EPD and regular MiLCA?
A12. Please watch the video of the presentation to be held on Thursday, February 22, 2012. Please note that you need to apply to watch the video by filling out the application form at the URL below.
Information session video viewing registration form: https://ecoleaf-label.jp/news/157

Q13. Will program registration units be available only for MiLCA for EPDs? Will it be included in regular MiLCAv3?
A13. MiLCA v3 is also being developed to include the SuMPO Environmental Labeling Program’s registered emission units, but the use of these registered emission units will be limited to SuMPO Environmental Labeling Program applications only.
It cannot be used for calculation for any other purpose.

Q14. Do I need to sign up for MiLCA for EPD separately even if I already have MiLCAv3?
A14. If you have already obtained MiLCAv3, you do not need to sign up for MiLCA for EPD separately.

Q15. Can we continue to use the JLCA emission factor that has been included in the calculation tool for environmental labels (Excel version of the calculation tool) if we are a member of the LCA Japan Forum?
A15. The JLCA intensity to date will be included in MiLCA for EPD.
LCA Japan Forum members are expected to apply for the SuMPO Environmental Labeling Program.

Q16. If we want to add IDEA intensity to MiLCA for EPD in the future, can we add it?
A16. Due to IDEA licensing, MiLCA for EPD is not able to carry more than 1,500 original units.
If you would like to use IDEA source units other than the 1,500 included in MiLCA for EPD, please consider purchasing MiLCAv3.
A survey of business operators has already been conducted regarding on-board IDEA intensity.
If you are a business that is not participating in the survey and would like to add additional intensity, please contact us using the separate inquiry form.
Please note, however, that it is difficult to meet all customer requests, and there is a possibility that the requested source units may not be included in the 1,500 requests.

Q17. How much does MiLCA for EPD cost and how long is the rental period?
A17. As of March 14, 2023, the rental period and amount for MiLCA for EPD has not been finalized. An announcement will be made as soon as it is finalized.

Q18. If the 1,500 IDEA source units needed for the calculation were not included in the 1,500 cases, would the PCR need to be changed?
A18. PCR changes have been exhaustively selected so that no PCR changes are required, and we are proceeding to include them in the 1,500 cases.
A survey of business operators has already been conducted regarding on-board IDEA intensity.
If you are a business that is not participating in the survey and would like to add additional intensity, please contact us using the separate inquiry form.
Please note, however, that it is difficult to meet all customer requests, and there is a possibility that your request may not be included in the 1,500 original units.
If you would like to use IDEA source units other than the 1,500 units included in MiLCA for EPD, please consider purchasing MiLCAv3, which allows you to use all IDEAv3 source units.
MiLCAv3 price details: https://www.milca-milca.net/buying-guide/price.html

Q19. It says that the calculation tool for environmental labels (Excel version of the calculation tool) up to now will be available until the end of March 2024, but does that mean that the application to use the calculation tool will be available until March 31, 2024?
A19. The deadline is not the date of application for use of the calculation tool, but the “start date of use” to be indicated on the application for use of the calculation tool, which is March 31, 2024.
Since it takes at least three business days from the submission of an application for use of the calculation tool to the issuance of the Excel version of the calculation tool, please submit your application for use of the calculation tool by March 25, 2024 (Monday), no matter how late.

… and upwards