Standards Comparison

    EN 1090

    Mandatory
    2009

    European standards for steel and aluminium structural execution

    VS

    GRI

    Voluntary
    2021

    Global framework for sustainability impact reporting

    Quick Verdict

    EN 1090 mandates CE marking for structural steel/aluminium via FPC certification in EU construction, while GRI enables voluntary sustainability impact reporting globally. Fabricators need EN 1090 for market access; all firms adopt GRI for stakeholder transparency and ESG credibility.

    Structural Metalwork

    EN 1090

    EN 1090 Execution of steel and aluminium structures

    Cost
    €€€€
    Complexity
    High
    Implementation Time
    6-12 months

    Key Features

    • Risk-based Execution Classes (EXC1–EXC4) scaling requirements
    • Certified Factory Production Control (FPC) by Notified Body
    • CE marking mandatory for EU market access
    • Technical execution rules for welding and tolerances
    • ISO 3834 integration for welding quality management
    Sustainability Reporting

    GRI

    Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards

    Cost
    €€€€
    Complexity
    High
    Implementation Time
    12-18 months

    Key Features

    • Impact-based materiality via GRI 3 process
    • Modular Universal, Sector, Topic Standards
    • Mandatory GRI Content Index for traceability
    • Broad worker scope including contractors (GRI 403)
    • Transparent reasons for disclosure omissions

    Detailed Analysis

    A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.

    EN 1090 Details

    What It Is

    EN 1090 is a harmonized European standard family (EN 1090-1/2/3) for execution and conformity assessment of structural steel and aluminium components under the Construction Products Regulation (CPR). It provides a risk-based framework enabling CE marking for load-bearing components in construction works.

    Key Components

    • **EN 1090-1Conformity assessment, Factory Production Control (FPC) certification by Notified Body.
    • **EN 1090-2/-3Technical requirements for steel/aluminium (welding, tolerances, inspection, corrosion protection).
    • **Execution Classes (EXC1-4)Scales controls by consequence, service, production categories.
    • Integrates ISO 3834 for welding; requires traceability, NDT, personnel qualification.

    Why Organizations Use It

    Mandated for EU market access; reduces liability, ensures safety. Drives capability in welding/traceability, unlocks high-risk projects, builds stakeholder trust via certified FPC/CE marking.

    Implementation Overview

    Phased: gap analysis, FPC build, welding quals, NB certification, surveillance. Targets fabricators; 6-12 months typical; involves training, digital traceability, ongoing audits.

    GRI Details

    What It Is

    Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards is a voluntary, modular framework for sustainability reporting. It provides a global common language for organizations to disclose significant economic, environmental, and social impacts. The impact-centric materiality approach requires identifying and prioritizing actual and potential impacts on stakeholders, using a structured four-step process.

    Key Components

    • Universal Standards (GRI 1, 2, 3): Foundation, general disclosures, material topics.
    • **Sector StandardsSector-specific likely material topics (e.g., Oil & Gas, Mining).
    • **Topic StandardsSpecific disclosures (e.g., GRI 403 Occupational Health & Safety, GRI 308 Supplier Environmental Assessment). Built on principles like accuracy, balance, verifiability; compliance via GRI Content Index; no certification, but "in accordance" claims.

    Why Organizations Use It

    Drives accountability, regulatory alignment (e.g., CSRD), risk management, benchmarking. Enhances stakeholder trust, investor appeal, supply-chain resilience.

    Implementation Overview

    Phased: materiality assessment, data systems, management approaches, content index. Applies universally; involves governance, stakeholder engagement, assurance readiness. (178 words)

    Key Differences

    Scope

    EN 1090
    Execution and conformity of steel/aluminium structures
    GRI
    Sustainability impacts on economy, environment, people

    Industry

    EN 1090
    Construction, steel/aluminium fabrication (EU/EEA)
    GRI
    All industries worldwide, any organization size

    Nature

    EN 1090
    Harmonized mandatory standard for CE marking
    GRI
    Voluntary modular reporting framework

    Testing

    EN 1090
    FPC certification, NB audits, surveillance
    GRI
    Self-reported disclosures, optional external assurance

    Penalties

    EN 1090
    Market exclusion, no CE marking allowed
    GRI
    Reputational damage, no legal penalties

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about EN 1090 and GRI

    EN 1090 FAQ

    GRI FAQ

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