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.
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:
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.
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.
The cornerstone of an accurate EPD is robust data. This phase involves:
Jakob Husted emphasizes the importance of accessing a diverse data ecosystem, including:
This multi-faceted approach ensures a holistic representation of the product's environmental impact.
To manage the complexity of EPD creation, platforms like One Click LCA offer sophisticated modeling capabilities:
These tools simplify the EPD process, enabling organizations to navigate the data-intensive requirements efficiently.
Despite the automation of data processing, third-party verification remains a non-negotiable step. This process:
The dynamic and evolving nature of environmental standards necessitates continuous learning. One Click LCA provides:
This ongoing support is crucial for maintaining the relevance and accuracy of EPDs over time.
Forward-thinking organizations are moving beyond viewing EPDs as standalone documents. The integration of EPD data into broader business intelligence systems offers several advantages:
As the construction and manufacturing sectors continue to evolve, the strategic value of EPDs is set to increase. Key trends include:
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.