Ecodesign for sustainable products: A guide for construction professionals

The guide covers:

• What is ecodesign
• Top benefits of ecodesign in product development
• Key regulations manufacturers need to know
• About One Click LCA's Ecodesign Course

What is ecodesign?

Ecodesign integrates environmental considerations into product design and development to minimize impacts across the product's life cycle, from raw material extraction to disposal or recycling. As defined in ISO 14006:2020, ecodesign aims to reduce resource consumption, emissions, and waste while enhancing sustainability, economic viability, and social responsibility. By adopting ecodesign practices, companies can achieve regulatory compliance, reduce environmental footprints, and improve competitiveness in sustainability-focused markets, addressing the entire product life cycle for greater environmental and economic benefits.

As environmental concerns continue to intensify, the construction industry faces increasing pressure to adopt nature-friendly practices. New regulations are being introduced worldwide, such as CBAM, CPR, ESPR, requiring companies to engage in lowering the environmental footprints of their products. At the same time, consumers and businesses are demanding transparency when it comes to sustainability claims.

Ecodesign plays a critical role in shaping the future of construction products by considering their environmental impacts at every stage of product development. It helps companies comply with regulations, achieve carbon neutrality and circularity, and transition to a net-zero future. As the sector becomes increasingly data-driven with the mandatory declaration of environmental performance, ecodesign is becoming more than just a trend — it's becoming a necessity.

Top benefits of ecodesign in product development

1. Environmental impact

• Reduced carbon footprint: Ecodesign encourages the development of products with lower energy consumption during both production and use phases, contributing to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. By optimizing material selection, designers can choose materials that require less energy to produce or are sourced from renewable resources.
  
  
• Conservation of resources: Ecodesign promotes the efficient use of natural resources, minimizing the extraction of raw materials and reducing the strain on finite resources like minerals, metals, and fossil fuels. This is achieved through adopting circular economy principles such as designing for durability, repair, reusability, recyclability, and using renewable or biodegradable materials that help preserve ecosystems and biodiversity.
  
  
• Waste reduction: Through ecodesign, products are created with their full lifecycle in mind, ensuring that they generate as little waste as possible throughout production, use, and disposal. Products designed with end-of-life considerations, such as biodegradability or easy disassembly for recycling, ensure that they contribute less waste to landfills and reduce pollution. In addition, ecodesign can facilitate the adoption of closed-loop systems, where waste materials are reused within production processes, further reducing environmental impact.

2. Financial benefits

• Cost savings: Using fewer raw materials or substituting expensive materials with more sustainable alternatives can lower production costs. Additionally, optimizing energy use throughout a product’s lifecycle—whether in manufacturing, transportation, or use—lowers energy bills and operational expenses. Ecodesign can also reduce costs associated with waste management and disposal, while designing for product longevity reduces the need for frequent redesigns or new product launches, delivering long-term cost savings.
  
  
• Market differentiation: Companies that adopt ecodesign can position themselves as leaders in sustainability, offering products that attract a broader customer base, including those who prioritize sustainability in purchasing decisions. This opens new markets and opportunities, as demand for sustainable products is growing across all sectors, from construction to consumer goods. An ecodesign approach also boosts brand reputation and customer loyalty. 
  
  
• Advantage in public procurements: Differentiating through ecodesign can also provide a competitive advantage in bidding for government or corporate contracts that require sustainability credentials. Ecodesign could give an advantage when seeking compliance with national and global incentive schemes, e.g.: the green public procurement criteria in the EU.
  
  
• Regulatory compliance & financial incentives: Ecodesign enables businesses to stay ahead of regulatory requirements by ensuring products meet or exceed environmental standards. This includes compliance with regulations on emissions, waste management, and material sourcing. Ecodesign not only minimizes the risk of non-compliance penalties but also unlocks financial incentives, such as tax breaks or grants, for businesses investing in sustainable product development. Additionally, compliant products can simplify entry into markets where eco-friendly products are required or favored by law, such as the Buy Clean Concrete mandate in New York.

3. Social impact

• Health and well-being: Products designed with ecodesign principles often contribute to better health and well-being for both users and workers involved in the production process. Ecodesign minimizes the use of harmful chemicals, pollutants, and toxic materials that can negatively impact air and water quality or pose health risks during production and use. For instance, eco-friendly building materials often have lower emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are linked to health issues such as respiratory problems and allergies. In construction, ecodesign encourages the use of materials that promote indoor environmental quality, such as materials with low emissions and those that regulate temperature or humidity more effectively, leading to healthier, more comfortable living and working environments.
  
  
• Community engagement: Ecodesign has the potential to foster greater community engagement by promoting local sourcing and supporting community-based sustainability initiatives. By prioritizing local materials and sustainable practices, companies can strengthen local economies, create jobs, and reduce the environmental impact of long-distance transportation. When companies are transparent about their sustainability efforts, they can build stronger relationships with consumers, community stakeholders, and even investors who are focused on the environmental and social governance (ESG) practices of businesses. 

Key regulations manufacturers need to know 

The regulatory landscape is becoming stricter as governments push for carbon-neutral and circular economies. By staying informed and compliant with these regulations, you can future-proof your business.

EU regulations

• Ecodesign Regulation (ESPR): Focus on improving product performance while reducing energy consumption, resource depletion, and environmental impacts.
• Construction Products Regulation (CPR): Harmonizes rules across the EU to ensure product quality, sustainability, and promote fair trade.
• Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM): Imposes carbon taxes on foreign imports to encourage cleaner industrial practices in non-EU countries.

U.S. regulations

• Buy Clean Acts: Despite potential shifts in federal policy, state-level Buy Clean Acts in California, New York, and Oregon continue to drive demand for low-carbon materials, making ecodesign a competitive advantage for U.S. manufacturers.

These regulations highlight the need for ecodesign to keep your business ethical and advantageous while reducing carbon impacts.

Learning ecodesign with One Click LCA 

About the ecodesign course

This free course is designed specifically for professionals who want to upskill in ecodesign and develop sustainable products that stand out in the marketplace using the One Click LCA EPD Generator. Whether you are a manufacturer, product designer, or sustainability consultant, this course provides the tools and insights needed to make a real impact.

What you will learn

• Ecodesign basics and principles: Get a thorough introduction to the fundamentals of ecodesign and learn how to apply these principles to create more eco-conscious construction products.
  
  
• Regulatory landscape: Stay ahead of the curve by gaining insights into existing and upcoming EU and US regulatory frameworks. The course covers key global frameworks and regional regulations that are shaping the future of sustainability of construction products.
  
  
• One Click LCA's EPD Generator: Dive into the specifics of a powerful tool that helps you efficiently go beyond environmental product declarations (EPDs). Learn how to use it to streamline the ecodesign process, evaluate product impacts, and meet regulatory standards.
  
  
• Sustainable materials and processes: Learn how to select sustainable materials, optimize product lifecycles, and implement efficient manufacturing processes that reduce environmental impacts.
  
  
• Business differentiation through sustainability: Find out how to leverage ecodesign as a competitive advantage and how to get your products specified. Sustainability is becoming an essential differentiator in the market, and this course will show you how to use it to set your business apart from the competition by unlocking cost savings, optimized supply chain, resource and energy efficiency.

Who is the ecodesign course for?

One Click LCA’s free ecodesign course is ideal for anyone involved in the design, production, or management of construction products. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the field, this course will help you enhance your sustainability expertise and take your products to the next level. Specific audiences who will benefit include:

• Product designers looking for ways to incorporate ecodesign principles in their workflows and create products that meet the highest sustainability standards.
• Manufacturers of construction products looking to adopt more sustainable practices and strengthen their market position.
• Architects interested in low-carbon product solutions.
• Sustainability consultants aiming to keep up with latest trends and tools in eco-design to better advise their clients.
• Business leaders and project managers who want to understand how sustainability can drive business growth and give their company a competitive edge in a market where eco-friendly products are in high demand.

The course is designed for non-experts in sustainability, providing clear guidance on integrating eco-design into product development processes.

FAQs about One Click LCA's ecodesign course

• What is the duration of the course? The course is structured to be completed in under 6 weeks, with flexible learning options to suit your schedule.

• Do I need prior experience in sustainability? No, the course is designed for non-experts and offers a comprehensive introduction to eco-design.

• Will I receive a certificate upon completion? Yes, upon successfully completing the course, you will receive an official certificate from One Click LCA.

Future-proof your business with ecodesign

Investing in ecodesign skills through a comprehensive course equips you with the expertise needed to drive change and make a positive impact in your industry and beyond.

With One Click LCA’s Ecodesign Course, you will be confident to lead your business into the future of sustainable product design. Don’t miss this opportunity to upskill in one of the most crucial areas of modern construction and position yourself as a leader in sustainability.

How to enroll to One Click LCA's ecodesign course

• For One Click LCA EPD Generator users:

• For newcomers to One Click LCA: