The circular economy replaces the traditional “take, make, dispose” approach with a system that aims to use resources more efficiently, reduce waste, and extend product lifecycles. As one of the fundamental pillars of sustainable development, this approach is increasingly adopted across various industries. Due to its significant environmental impact, the construction sector plays a crucial role in implementing circular economy principles. In this context, the Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) emerges as an essential tool for achieving circular economy goals.
What is the Circular Economy?
The circular economy is a system designed to maximize resource efficiency and minimize waste generation. It involves processes such as reuse, recycling, and recovery, starting from the product design stage. By reducing material and energy losses, it lowers the demand for natural resources. The core principles of the circular economy include:
- Using waste as a resource,
- Extending product lifecycles,
- Encouraging reuse and recycling,
- Promoting the use of renewable energy sources.
What is an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)?
An EPD is a document that scientifically measures and transparently presents the environmental impacts of a product throughout its lifecycle. Prepared in accordance with international standards such as ISO 14025 and EN 15804, these documents serve as a crucial guide for material selection in the construction industry. EPDs enable the calculation and comparison of key environmental performance indicators, such as carbon footprint, energy consumption, and water usage.
Integration of Circular Economy and EPD
The circular economy and EPD are complementary approaches that support sustainability goals. While the circular economy focuses on resource reuse and waste recycling, EPDs act as a tool to measure and report the environmental impacts of these processes. Their relationship can be summarized as follows:
Resource Efficiency and Waste Management: The circular economy enhances resource efficiency by extending product lifecycles and promoting waste recycling. EPDs scientifically assess the environmental impacts of these processes, helping decision-makers make informed choices.
Product Design: Circular economy principles require the use of recyclable and reusable materials in product design. EPDs evaluate the environmental performance of these materials, contributing to the design process.
Reducing Carbon Emissions: The use of recycled materials in the circular economy can significantly reduce carbon emissions. EPDs quantify these reductions, providing documented proof of a project’s environmental performance.
Circular Economy and Green Building Certifications
Integrating circular economy practices into green building certification systems is essential for sustainable construction. Certification programs such as LEED, BREEAM, and Mostadam encourage the use of materials that align with circular economy principles. Selecting EPD-certified products can help projects earn additional points and facilitate the certification process.
Conclusion
The circular economy aims to create a future where resources are used efficiently, waste is minimized, and environmental impacts are reduced. In this process, the Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) serves as a key tool for implementing circular economy principles. EPDs help measure the environmental impacts of products, enabling more sustainable designs and material choices.
The integration of circular economy principles and EPDs is a crucial step toward a more sustainable future for both the construction sector and other industries.