The client, a global leader in building materials and construction systems, partnered with ESC to conduct a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and develop an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) for multiple gypsum plasterboard products produced at its facilities in Thailand.
About the Project
With buildings accounting for over 40% of global energy consumption and one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions, manufacturers and suppliers of industrial materials face increasing pressure from customers such as housing development boards and developers, to disclose the environmental impact of their products. The Environmental Product Declaration of gypsum plasterboard provides this vital information, enabling informed decision-making in the construction sector. As part of the client’s commitment to sustainability, the company sought to analyse the embedded emissions in their products and gain a deeper understanding of their entire lifecycle.
Our Approach
In solving, the client’s carbon emission challenges, ESC applied a cradle-to-grave and module D approach, which involves a comprehensive assessment of the environmental impact of plasterboard products at every stage of their life cycle. This includes meticulous consideration of various factors such as raw material extraction, manufacturing, transportation, product use, and disposal or recycling, ensuring a holistic evaluation.
ESC’s sustainability consultants collected detailed data on energy consumption, raw material sourcing, transportation, and waste generation. This data was verified by third-party entities, enhancing the credibility and accuracy of the study. In conducting the LCA, ESC used ISO 14040, ISO 14044, and EN 15804+A2 standards, ensuring internationally recognised methodologies were followed. The resulting EPD provides transparent and verified information about the environmental impact of the product, enabling consumers and stakeholders to make informed, data-driven decisions.
Outcome
By conducting an LCA, the client gained valuable insights into their products’ entire life cycle, identifying key emission hotspots within their operations. Addressing these areas keeps them on track with their carbon reduction commitments and aligns their products with the growing demand for sustainable building materials. Moreover, the EPD provided clear and verified data, enabling the client to communicate the environmental performance of their gypsum plasterboard products to customers and stakeholders. This transparency meets the increasing demand for eco-friendly solutions and ensures compliance with evolving sustainability reporting requirements, helping them stay ahead in a changing regulatory landscape.
Take your sustainability efforts to the next level. Contact ESC today to showcase your products’ environmental performance and stand out in the eco-conscious building industry.