Understanding what an EPD is and the growing need for carbon transparency in construction materials

Buildings are a major contributor to global carbon emissions, accounting for 39% of the total, with materials and construction processes alone responsible for 11%. Despite the critical need for transparency around the carbon footprint of building materials, and pressure from significant regulations like the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), the adoption of environmental product declarations (EPDs) has been hindered by a lack of understanding about the process. This article explores the function of EPDs, their application, and why they are increasingly crucial for the construction industry.

Defining EPDs

An environmental product declaration (EPD) is a standardized document that details the environmental impact of a product throughout its life-cycle. In construction, EPDs serve as tools for life-cycle assessments (LCAs), facilitating the comparison and selection of materials based on their environmental performance. Typically valid for five years, an EPD is developed following standards including ISO 14040/14044, ISO 14025, EN 15804, or ISO 21930, and can contribute to earning LCA and EPD credits in green building certifications like LEED and BREEAM.

Why EPDs matter

Customer requirements

Several factors impact the growing demand for manufacturers to demonstrate their materials’ embodied carbon. Clients are increasingly making sustainable purchasing decisions in line with their own organizational decarbonization goals. EPDs empower architects, engineers, and designers to evaluate and choose materials that align with their sustainability objectives, and facilitate more informed decision-making.

Regulatory requirements

Although regulatory requirements around construction materials aren’t in an advanced state — and vary between regions — there are developing regulations within the industry that are driving an increased focus on carbon transparency.

Staying competitive

As pressure from sustainability-conscious clients increases, and development of regulations moves forward, the inclusion of product carbon transparency with tools like EPDs is no longer a ‘nice to have.’ To remain competitive in the market, manufacturers must be showcasing their carbon impact. EPDs enable product differentiation, enhance competitive advantage, and increase the likelihood of securing contracts and fostering customer loyalty. With public procurement in the EU and EEA mandating EPDs for product evaluation, and various national regulations encouraging their use, EPDs are becoming a necessity rather than a mere enhancement.

The EPD creation journey

One widely-recognized blocker to the adoption of EPDs is the lack of understanding about the creation process, and concern over the complexity. With tools like One Click LCA’s EPD Generator, the process is straightforward, fast, and clear.

The journey to create an EPD involves several steps:

1. Data gathering: Collect comprehensive data on raw materials, resource usage, and waste generation.
2. Life-cycle assessment: Perform an LCA that adheres to the chosen Product Category Rules (PCR).
3. Reporting: Develop a detailed background report that accompanies the EPD, elucidating the methodologies and standards applied.
4. Verification: Obtain independent third-party verification to ensure the EPD's accuracy and compliance.
5. Publication: Following verification, the EPD is published, making the data publicly accessible.

Leveraging EPDs with One Click LCA

One Click LCA aids manufacturers globally in assessing and documenting the carbon footprint of their products through user-friendly EPD tools, tailored to a variety of product categories. By streamlining the EPD process, One Click LCA helps businesses enhance their market presence and adapt to an increasingly eco-conscious marketplace.

For more insights or to schedule a demo of our EPD Generator tools, click here.

Find out more:

• One Click LCA EPD Generator
• Case study: Ibstock Brick
• Case study: Hydrotec