References and links to original sources are provided thus permitting a more detailed examination of the different methods and tools.
The evaluation methods and tools to support substitution have been developed and are made available by authorities, industry associations, scientific institutions and NGOs. The methods and tools consist of generic guidelines that outline the principles of substitution as well as specific methods and tools that guide the user consecutively through each step of the substitution process (such as definition of decision criteria, assessment of alternatives, implementation).
Different evaluation methods and tools to support substitution are already available, including tools within the framework of the management of chemicals.

This section of the SUBSPORTplus website aims at assisting the user by providing

• An overview of potentially helpful evaluation methods and tools
• Easy access to the original evaluation methods and tools including links and references
• Description of the available evaluation methods and tools to support the user in the decision-making process for the best fitted tools

How to use the methods and tools section

General recommendations:

• To get an overview of the methods and tools presented in this section, go to Evaluation Methods & Tools.
• To access a method or tool resume: click on the title.
• To see the entire source document: go to 8. Links and click on Original document.
• To see definitions of the used terms, go to the Glossary.

When using this section, please take note of the following:

• This website section presents summaries of methods and tools that are meant for information only. For complete information that will allow the right choices of methods/tools and their proper application please read carefully the original documents.
• Methods and tools do not always lead to an unambiguous decision, because conflicting objectives and possible burden shifts (e.g. from toxicological impacts to increased energy consumption or higher accident risks for workers) need to be further evaluated and balanced.
• The selection of methods and tools is representative for those currently employed but should not be considered comprehensive. Users are invited to check the latest developments of this section since other examples will be presented throughout the project and even after. Some of these methods and tools are for the time being only mentioned in Additional information.
• On the SUBSPORTplus website only the term substitution is used (see Glossary) but other synonym words or equivalent expressions may be used by different documents.
  • Although an update of data published on the SUBSPORTplus website is made periodically, users are advised to check the actuality of the documents.