How to create an EPD — with Branchekataloget

In June 2024, the Danish government announced a tightening of the climate requirements for buildings, which will come into force on July 1, 2025. The new rules lower the CO2e limit value for different building types. Environmental product declarations (EPDs) provide transparent information about a material's environmental performance, facilitating the selection of low-carbon materials and the supporting reduction of embodied carbon in buildings. The new regulations underscore the importance of using low-carbon construction materials to help reduce embodied emissions in a building. 

With the increasing importance of EPDs, One Click LCA has entered a partnership with Branchekataloget, an organization for heating, ventilation, and sanitation companies, to enhance the accessibility of EPD production to Branchekatalogets members.

This article and webinar recording explores the creation process of EPDs, drawing insights from industry experts Jakob Husted, Carbon Expert at One Click LCA, and Gry Middtun, Chief Advisor at Branchekataloget.

Why EPDs?

As the construction and manufacturing sectors face intensifying scrutiny over their heavy carbon emissions, EPDs have transitioned from optional credentials to essential components of product documentation. This shift is driven by:

1. Stringent EU directives on environmental reporting
2. Escalating client demand for transparent environmental performance
3. Industry-wide push towards lower carbon emissions
4. Increasing integration of life-cycle assessment (LCA) in project planning

EPDs are crucial for organizations across the supply chain, from SMEs to multinational corporations. The partnership between One Click LCA and Branchekataloget significantly supports organizations of all sizes by simplifying the process of producing high-quality EPDs without heavy financial strain. 

Navigating the EPD creation process

1. Program operator selection

The journey begins with choosing a reputable program operator, such as EPD International. This decision is critical as it influences the declaration's credibility and international recognition.

2. Comprehensive data aggregation

The cornerstone of an accurate EPD is robust data. This phase involves:

• Detailed mapping of material inputs
• Documentation of production processes and energy consumption
• Transportation and logistics data
• End-of-life scenarios and recycling potential

Jakob Husted emphasizes the importance of accessing a diverse data ecosystem, including:

• Supplier-specific EPDs
• Industry-average datasets
• Proprietary production data

This multi-faceted approach ensures a holistic representation of the product's environmental impact.

3. Leveraging advanced software solutions

To manage the complexity of EPD creation, platforms like One Click LCA offer sophisticated modeling capabilities:

• Pre-configured product templates aligned with industry standards
• Integration interfaces for existing corporate datasets
• Automated report generation compliant with ISO 14025 and EN 15804

These tools simplify the EPD process, enabling organizations to navigate the data-intensive requirements efficiently.

4. Third-party verification

Despite the automation of data processing, third-party verification remains a non-negotiable step. This process:

• Ensures compliance with ISO 14040 and 14044 standards
• Validates the integrity of input data and calculation methodologies
• Enhances the credibility and market acceptance of the EPD

Continuous learning and integration

Ongoing education and support

The dynamic and evolving nature of environmental standards necessitates continuous learning. One Click LCA provides:

• Comprehensive onboarding programs for all EPD tools
• Regular software update training
• Expert consultations on complex modeling scenarios
• Articles, guides, and webinars

This ongoing support is crucial for maintaining the relevance and accuracy of EPDs over time.

Strategic integration of EPD data

Forward-thinking organizations are moving beyond viewing EPDs as standalone documents. The integration of EPD data into broader business intelligence systems offers several advantages:

• Informed decision-making in product development cycles
• Enhanced ability to meet project-specific environmental targets
• Streamlined responses to tender requirements
• Continued improvement of a product’s environmental performance

Future trajectories and competitive advantages of EPDs

As the construction and manufacturing sectors continue to evolve, the strategic value of EPDs is set to increase. Key trends include:

1. Harmonization of standards: Efforts to create globally recognized EPD formats will simplify international trade and comparability.
2. Real-time EPD updates: Advancements in IoT and data analytics may enable dynamic EPDs that reflect real-time changes in production processes.
3. Integration with building information modeling (BIM): EPD data will likely become a standard attribute in BIM objects, allowing for more sophisticated environmental analysis at the building level.
4. Blockchain for EPD verification: Emerging technologies may offer new paradigms for ensuring the authenticity and traceability of environmental claims.

Importance of collaborations to move sustainability reporting forward

Mastering the creation and use of EPDs is rapidly becoming a core competency for professionals in the construction and manufacturing sectors. By embracing advanced tools, prioritizing data accuracy, and integrating EPD insights into broader business strategies, organizations can not only meet regulatory requirements but also position themselves at the forefront of the sustainability movement.

The collaboration between technology providers like One Click LCA and industry bodies such as Branchekataloget demonstrates the kind of cross-sector partnerships that will drive innovation in this space. As we move towards a more environmentally conscious built environment, the ability to produce, interpret, and act upon EPD data will be a contributing factor in organizational success.