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Appeals Process for Standard Development Projects

Procedural appeals regarding the development of a standard can be made by an interested party or Registered Stakeholder that is affected by any action or inaction. Procedural appeals include whether a technical issue was afforded due process. Green Seal is not required to address appeals related to the mission, goals, and principles of the organization.
  1. Complaint: A written request by the concerned party shall be emailed to the Project Committee Secretariat within two weeks of the action, or inaction, objected to. An appeal must include standard name and the specific issues, citing any attempt to date for resolution.

  2. Response: The Project Committee shall respond to the objector within 30 days, addressing the stated concerns and making reasonable attempts for resolution, in writing to the appellant, specifically addressing each allegation of fact in the complaint to the extent of the respondent's knowledge.

  3. Appeal Panel: If resolution is not achieved through reasonable efforts or inactivity by the Project Committee, the written appeal and related documentation shall be forwarded to the Standards Committee. The Standards Committee shall form an Appeals Panel, with input and/or agreement by the appellant. Members from the Project Committee are permitted on the Appeals Panel, but are unable to vote. The other members of the Appeals Panel shall be members of the Standards Committee and any additional members needed to address the issue. The appeals panel shall consist of at least three individuals knowledgeable as to the policy and other concerns related to the appeal who do not have demonstrably real or apparent conflicts of interest with the subject of the appeal or the person filing the appeal. The Standards Committee and the appellant will select the members of the appeals panel. If the appellant and the Standards Committee cannot agree on the composition of the panel within fifteen-days from the start of the selection process, Green Seal may appoint the panel. The appellant must demonstrate adverse effects, improper actions, or inactions, and the efficacy of their requested actions. The Appeals Panel must respond to the complaint within 30 days, stating its conclusions.

For a standard applying for ANSI approval, the appeal process shall meet the requirements set out in ANSI Essential Requirements. For example, if resolution is not achieved at the completion of the appeals process, the appellant shall be notified that further appeals can be forwarded to ANSI or when resolution is achieved, the resolution will be made available to ANSI.