An Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) is a standardized and verified document that provides transparent and comparable information about the environmental performance of a construction product or material throughout its life cycle. EPDs are based on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology and provide data on various environmental impacts, such as carbon emissions, energy consumption, water use, and resource depletion.
The following points describe the EPD Development Process:
a. Data Collection: The first step in creating an EPD involves gathering data on the environmental performance of the product or material throughout its life cycle. This includes data on raw material extraction, manufacturing processes, transportation, use phase, and end-of-life disposal.
b. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA): The collected data is then analyzed using LCA methodology to assess the environmental impacts associated with the product or material. This involves quantifying emissions of greenhouse gases, energy consumption, water use, and other relevant environmental indicators.
c. EPD Creation: Based on the LCA results, an EPD is prepared following the guidelines and requirements of a recognized program operator or scheme, such as the International EPD® System or the BRE Environmental Profiles Certification Scheme. The EPD includes standardized information on the product’s environmental performance, including a summary of the LCA results, environmental impacts, and any relevant assumptions and limitations.
Then there is the Accreditation and Verification Process:
a. Program Operators: EPDs are typically accredited and verified by recognized program operators or certification bodies that adhere to international standards, such as ISO 14025 and EN 15804. These program operators oversee the EPD process, provide guidance to manufacturers, and ensure that EPDs meet established criteria for transparency, accuracy, and reliability.
b. Verification Process: The data and methodology used to develop the EPD are subject to independent verification by accredited third-party assessors to ensure compliance with program requirements. This verification process enhances the credibility and trustworthiness of the EPD and provides assurance to stakeholders regarding the accuracy of the environmental information provided.
EPD Users and Applications:
a. Manufacturers and Suppliers: Manufacturers and suppliers of construction products and materials use EPDs to communicate the environmental performance of their products to customers, specifiers, and regulators. EPDs help demonstrate compliance with environmental standards, certifications, and sustainability requirements.
b. Designers and Specifiers: Architects, engineers, and other building professionals use EPDs to evaluate and compare the environmental impacts of different construction products and materials during the design and specification process. EPDs inform decision-making and enable the selection of products that minimize environmental impacts and contribute to sustainable building practices.
c. Regulators and Policymakers: EPDs can be used by regulators and policymakers to inform environmental policies, standards, and regulations related to the construction industry. EPDs provide transparent and standardized information that supports evidence-based decision-making and promotes environmentally responsible practices.
d. Building Owners and Developers: Building owners and developers may use EPDs to assess the environmental performance of construction products and materials used in their projects and to demonstrate sustainability credentials to stakeholders, investors, and occupants.
In summary, EPDs play a vital role in the UK construction industry, helping to provide standardized and verified information about the environmental performance of construction products and materials, based on life cycle assessment methodology. Accredited EPDs are used by manufacturers, designers, specifiers, regulators, and building owners to make informed decisions, promote sustainability, and achieve environmental objectives in building projects.