Environmental product declarations (EPDs) are the building blocks of life-cycle assessments, providing standardized environmental impact data for each construction product in a building. This article synthesizes key insights from a recent webinar between One Click LCA and Trimble, detailing strategies for optimizing EPD creation and streamlining LCA workflows, particularly in less conventional products such as pre-fabricated concrete components.
LCA is a standardized methodology for quantifying the environmental impacts of products or systems throughout their life cycle. In construction, LCA encompasses stages from raw material extraction, manufacturing, transportation, construction, use, and end-of-life processes.
EPDs are verified documents that report the environmental impacts of construction products based on LCA. They serve multiple purposes, including aiding building designers in selecting sustainable materials, supporting regulatory compliance, and enhancing marketing efforts by demonstrating lower environmental impacts compared to benchmarks.
The demand for EPDs is fueled by regulatory requirements and market incentives.
Regulations in various countries, such as the EU's Green Deal and the Buy Clean Act in the USA, mandate the use of products with EPDs to meet sustainability criteria. Building certification schemes like LEED and BREEAM also award credits for the use of products with EPDs, further driving their adoption.
Trimble offers a suite of tools that integrate seamlessly with One Click LCA, facilitating efficient LCA processes.
Tekla Structural Designer
This tool is ideal for early-stage structural analysis and design, supporting various standards and enabling easy export of material data for LCA.
Trimble's integrations with One Click LCA streamline the LCA process by automating data transfer and ensuring data accuracy. This integration allows for early-stage design iterations, enabling stakeholders to make informed decisions that significantly reduce the embodied carbon of projects.
Three practical scenarios were discussed in the webinar:
Tekla Structural Designer
Structural engineers can export material takeoffs directly to One Click LCA, facilitating early-stage carbon impact assessments.
The future of EPDs and LCAs in construction is shaped by increasing regulatory demands and the need for sustainable practices.
Anticipated regulatory frameworks will mandate LCAs for all new building projects, driving higher demand for EPDs, especially those demonstrating low environmental impacts. The challenge lies in ensuring data accuracy and reliability, which is critical for effective LCA and EPD creation.
Optimizing EPD creation and streamlining LCA workflows are crucial for advancing sustainability in the construction industry. The integration of Trimble's tools with One Click LCA exemplifies how technology can enhance efficiency and accuracy in LCA processes. As regulations tighten and market demands grow, the adoption of these integrated workflows will be essential for achieving net-zero targets and fostering sustainable construction practices.