In today’s environmentally conscious world, businesses and consumers focus more on reducing the environmental impact of products. As decarbonisation and supply chain emissions gain attention, Environmental Product Declarations have become vital tools. Stakeholders like building developers and contractors rely on them to make informed decisions. But what exactly are Environmental Product Declarations, and why are they so important?
What are Environmental Product Declarations?
An Environmental Product Declarations (EPD) is a standardised document that clearly communicates a product’s environmental performance across its entire lifecycle—from raw material extraction to waste disposal. These assessments, based on life cycle data, highlight key environmental impacts, including global warming potential (GWP), resource use, and emissions.
Developed according to specific Product Category Rules (PCRs), EPDs ensure consistency and comparability. They adhere to international standards like ISO 14040/14044, ISO 14025, EN 15804, and ISO 21930. Typically, EPDs are valid for five years and verified by third parties for accuracy and reliability.
Why EPDs Matter?
EPDs are essential for supporting carbon reduction targets, allowing stakeholders to compare the environmental impacts of materials and products based on verified, standardised data from cradle-to-grave or cradle-to-gate. This is especially important because many companies assume “green” claims mean eco-friendly, without verifying the details. EPDs remove this uncertainty by ensuring decisions are grounded in facts, not assumptions. This transparency is invaluable, especially in industries like construction, where understanding a product’s full lifecycle impact helps guide sustainable choices.
Benefits and Applications of EPD
EPDs provide clear and credible information across sectors. In the construction industry, they help reduce carbon emissions by making it easier to compare building materials. Globally, EPDs have grown in importance, with around 8,000 issued under the EN15804 standard.
Furthermore, EPDs also contribute to green building certifications such as LEED, BREEAM, and Green Star. These certifications increase marketability and enhance the perceived value of buildings among environmentally conscious buyers.
How to Use EPDs
Using EPD data can be challenging, but focusing on areas that align with your sustainability goals simplifies the process. Prioritise products with low carbon footprints or high resource efficiency. This targeted approach ensures that the products you choose help achieve your environmental objectives.
Compare products based on their environmental performance using life cycle assessment software. Analyse the life cycle inventory and impact categories to evaluate how each product meets your sustainability goals. This way, you can make informed procurement decisions and enhance your company’s long-term sustainability.
EPD Development Process
The EPD development process involves several key steps to ensure accuracy and reliability. The first step is selecting the appropriate Product Category Rules (PCR) for the product. PCRs provide standardised guidelines for conducting Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) and creating EPDs for specific product categories, defining the functional unit and system boundaries.
Once the PCR is chosen, the next step is to carry out an LCA according to the PCR requirements. This assessment evaluates the product’s environmental impact throughout its lifecycle, from raw material extraction to manufacturing, transportation, use, and disposal. The LCA study must comply with international standards such as ISO 14040 and ISO 14044, and includes inventory analysis, impact measurement, and interpretation phases.
After completing the LCA, the results are compiled into the EPD reporting format. This document includes LCI (Life Cycle Inventory) results, a brief product description, assumptions made during the assessment, and calculation rules employed. The EPD then undergoes verification by an independent expert approved by the EPD Programme Operator. Click here to view lifecycle assessment example.
Taking the Next Step with Environmental Product Declarations
As sustainability becomes integral to business strategy, obtaining an EPD can give your company a competitive edge. EPDs provide transparency about your product’s environmental impact and position your business as a responsible industry leader. Integrating EPDs into your operations supports global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and drive sustainable innovation.
If you’re ready to explore the benefits of EPDs using Life Cycle Assessment data, ESC can guide you through the process. Whether you’re enhancing sustainability reporting or meeting certification requirements, ESC offers tailored expertise and support. Reach out today to shape the future of your business.