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Dextra Group increased efficiency and accuracy of EPD creation with One Click LCA's tools
"Every project using One Click LCA was successful. In one instance, thanks to the software, we were the first rebar coupler manufacturer to publish an EPD, which really confirmed our position as market leaders. We pioneered the path to sustainability, as our competitors have not published certified EPDs yet."
—Vincent Dubois, QHSE Systems Division Manager at Dextra Group
Dextra Group is a leading manufacturer and distributor of engineered steel and construction products. Founded in 1983 in Bangkok, Thailand, the privately owned group has three factories in Asia (Thailand, India, and China) and employs over 1,000 people across the globe.
Dextra's commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals is driven by several factors: increasing customer demands related to sustainability, national regulations that limit the carbon footprint of imported goods, and a growing awareness of the need to reduce its environmental impact due to global warming.
"In this context, the UN Sustainable Development Goals provide us with overall global objectives," said Vincent Dubois, QHSE Systems Division Manager at Dextra Group. "To translate those objectives into tangible targets at the factory level, we follow the standards outlined by the International Finance Corporation, that give precise targets, for example, for water, air, or soil pollution."
Dextra's sustainability strategy shapes the entire product life cycle
What role do EPDs play in the company's sustainability strategy?
Environmental product declarations (EPDs) play a critical role by providing transparent data on our products' environmental impacts, which we share with our stakeholders. When we started our Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy, the first step was to measure our carbon emissions, but there was a lot of unverified and inaccurate data out there, which was overwhelming. However, with EPDs, which are governed by EN and ISO standards, there is a structured approach to arriving at verified and accurate carbon emissions data. This information drives continuous improvement efforts and strengthens stakeholder engagement by demonstrating our commitment to environmental responsibility.
Before using One Click LCA, what were some of the biggest obstacles you faced in creating EPDs?
Initially, we relied on consultants to guide us through the EPD creation process. While the consultants provided valuable support and training, the cost of their services was not affordable given that we have thousands of references and products in our catalog. Consequently, we had to develop EPD generation skills internally and validate solutions and processes, offering us full autonomy.
Quick, accurate, and cost-effective: How Dextra uses One Click LCA to streamline environmental product reporting
What are some of the main benefits of using our tools, such as the EPD Generator?
Using One Click LCA has been transformative for our team's processes and outcomes. First, it has significantly increased the efficiency of our environmental reporting efforts. By automating the process of generating EPDs, we save substantial time and resources that were previously dedicated to manual data analysis. Moreover, the software has improved the accuracy and reliability of our environmental assessments. The standardized methodology and built-in calculations ensure consistency across all our EPDs, providing stakeholders with credible and transparent information about our product's environmental impact.
"One notable example is how One Click LCA helped us overcome the challenge of data management and organization. Previously, collating and organizing data for EPDs was a complex and time-consuming task. Now, the software helps us streamline data collection and automatically performs life cycle assessments in an easy-to-read manner, allowing us to focus more on interpreting results and implementing sustainable practices."
—Vincent Dubois, QHSE Systems Division Manager at Dextra Group
Why did you decide to use One Click LCA’s tools for EPD creation?
We found out about One Click LCA through the recommendation of one of our customers, who had used it in their project. As I mentioned earlier, we were looking forward to reducing the cost of consultation services and soon realized that we needed to invest in a solution that gave us full autonomy over the publishing of EPDs. After evaluating the software's features and prices, we found it very suitable.
With One Click LCA, our team was thoroughly trained in creating an EPD, from data collection and LCA modeling to publishing an EPD. Not only can we now create an EPD autonomously, but we also save costs associated with EPD creation. We have every reason to use One Click LCA.
Delivering credible EPDs to stakeholders with ease
How do you currently use the One Click LCA software in your projects?
We have recently published EPDs for many of our products, including Bar systems, GEOTEC products, and Sonitec with the help of One Click LCA, and our experience with the software has been quite impactful. The software is now a fundamental tool that's seamlessly integrated into our workflow for data collection, LCA modeling, and the development of EPDs. It has not only streamlined our processes but also provided valuable insights that raise the team's awareness of our impact on the environment and support our sustainability initiatives. Using One Click LCA has significantly enhanced our ability to transparently demonstrate the environmental credentials of our products.
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Can you share an example of a successful project or new business/tender won as a result of the EPDs?
Every project using One Click LCA was successful. In one instance, thanks to the software, we were the first rebar coupler manufacturer to publish an EPD, which really confirmed our position as market leaders. We pioneered the path to sustainability, as our competitors have not published certified EPDs yet.
Another example is the Oxagon project in Saudi Arabia. Thanks to One Click LCA, we were able to fulfill the requirements to provide EPDs for our products and become a reliable supplier for the ongoing project. Having EPDs in the construction sector is really a must-have since construction is a major contributor to global warming.
The increasing role of EPDs for construction manufacturers
How do you see the role of EPDs evolving in the industry in the next couple of years?
From my point of view, the role of EPDs is poised to expand significantly in the construction industry, both globally and particularly within Asia. Driven by increasing sustainability awareness, EPDs are becoming essential tools for transparently assessing and communicating the environmental impacts of construction products. They are a powerful tool to prevent greenwashing.
Globally, EPDs will be integral to shaping sustainable practices and meeting regulatory requirements. Manufacturers will face higher expectations to disclose comprehensive environmental data through standardized EPDs. In Asia, EPDs will play a key role in promoting sustainable construction practices amid rapid urbanization. They will facilitate informed decision-making, support green building certifications, and drive market transformation towards eco-friendly materials and processes. Key trends include expanding EPD databases, integrating EPDs into digital platforms like BIM systems, and leveraging EPDs as market differentiators based on consumer demand for transparency.
“EPDs serve as the cornerstone of sustainable development strategies by driving progress towards environmentally friendly products and processes. They empower organizations to meet sustainability challenges and demonstrate commitment to environmental stewardship.”
— Tanyarade Nateweera, ESG Supervisor at Dextra Group
