An Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) is a standardized document that provides transparent, verified, and impartial information about the environmental impacts of a product throughout its lifecycle. It is based on internationally recognized standards such as ISO 14025 and EN 15804, ensuring a consistent and comparable format across different industries.
EPDs cover all phases of a product’s lifecycle, from raw material extraction, manufacturing, and transportation to usage, maintenance, and end-of-life disposal. By offering detailed environmental data, they enable manufacturers, consumers, and policymakers to make more informed decisions regarding sustainability, resource efficiency, and ecological impact.
Why is an EPD Important?
The importance of EPDs lies in their ability to enhance transparency and credibility in environmental claims. In today’s market, sustainability is a key factor influencing purchasing decisions, project developments, and regulatory compliance. The benefits of having an EPD include:
1. Transparency and Credibility
EPDs provide scientifically based, third-party verified data, preventing greenwashing (misleading environmental claims). This allows businesses to demonstrate their sustainability commitments with reliable and standardized information.
2. Contribution to Green Building Certifications
EPDs play a crucial role in sustainable construction projects by helping materials and products earn credits in green building certification systems such as:
- LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)
- BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method)
- DGNB (German Sustainable Building Council)
Using EPD-certified materials can enhance a building’s environmental performance, making it more attractive to investors, designers, and end-users.
3. Competitive Advantage in the Market
Businesses with EPD-certified products gain a significant advantage in the growing eco-conscious market. Many clients, governments, and institutions prioritize sustainability requirements, making EPDs a key differentiator in winning tenders and contracts.
4. Compliance with Regulations and Standards
With increasing environmental regulations worldwide, EPDs help manufacturers meet legal requirements related to sustainability, carbon footprint reporting, and environmental impact reduction. They also support corporate sustainability reporting (CSR) and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) strategies.
5. Lifecycle-Based Decision-Making
EPDs are based on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodologies, which analyze the entire lifecycle impact of a product. This approach enables companies to:
- Identify hotspots for reducing carbon emissions
- Optimize energy and resource efficiency
- Improve the sustainability of supply chains
EPD Validity Period and Renewal Process
EPD Certificate Validity
EPD certificates are generally valid for five years. This period ensures that the environmental impact data remains reliable and up-to-date. However, if significant changes occur in the product’s lifecycle, an earlier renewal may be required.
When is EPD Renewal Necessary?
Renewal of an EPD may be required in the following cases:
- Significant modifications in product design or manufacturing processes
- Changes in raw material suppliers affecting environmental performance
- Updates in environmental regulations and standards
- Implementation of new technologies improving energy efficiency
EPD Renewal Process
The renewal process involves several key steps to ensure the continued accuracy and credibility of the environmental data:
1. Data Update
Manufacturers must collect new environmental data reflecting changes in raw materials, production methods, energy consumption, and transportation.
2. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Update
A new Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is conducted based on updated data. This recalculates the environmental footprint and ensures consistency with current industry practices.
3. EPD Document Revision
The revised EPD document is prepared using the updated LCA results. It must comply with the latest ISO 14025 and EN 15804 requirements.
4. Third-Party Verification
An independent verification body reviews and certifies the updated EPD to maintain credibility and compliance with international standards.
5. Publication of the Renewed EPD
Once verified, the renewed EPD is officially published and made publicly available for customers, partners, and certification bodies.
The Role of EPDs in Achieving Sustainability Goals
EPDs help businesses align with global sustainability targets by providing scientifically backed environmental data. They serve as valuable tools in:
- Measuring environmental performance (e.g., carbon footprint, water use, waste generation)
- Developing improvement strategies to reduce emissions and resource consumption
- Supporting the circular economy by encouraging responsible material choices
- Building trust with stakeholders through verified environmental reporting
By regularly updating EPDs, companies ensure their commitment to sustainability, regulatory compliance, and market competitiveness.
Conclusion
An Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) is more than just an environmental certificate—it is a key instrument for sustainability, transparency, and market competitiveness. With growing global focus on carbon neutrality, green construction, and responsible production, EPDs provide businesses with the tools to prove and improve their environmental performance.
By investing in EPD certification and renewal, companies not only enhance their reputation but also contribute to a more sustainable future.