EPDs: Beyond concrete and into MEP

Did you know that MEP (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing) can contribute up to 50% of embodied carbon in commercial buildings and retrofits across a building’s lifetime?

Over recent years, global initiatives have been implemented to recognise, highlight and tackle the carbon contributions from the MEP sector.

• The Carbon Leadership Forum launched MEP 2040 Challenge to advocate for and achieve net zero embodied carbon by 2040
• CIBSE TM65 methodology was released to estimate components’ environmental impact
• The EU Climate Law increased the EU’s 2030 emissions reductions target from 40% to at least 55%

Despite the push toward better visibility and accuracy of the carbon impact of MEP systems, the number of organisations creating and publishing Environmental product Declarations (EPDs) remains low. The complex make-up of components and the lack of easily-accessible data have made it difficult to measure embodied carbon accurately.

Why does this need to change?

An accurate sustainability assessment within construction is only possible with the inclusion of the MEP components. While estimations of MEP carbon impact have become commonplace as the focus shines on construction, it is now known that MEP components account for a significant proportion of total CO2 emissions over a building’s life cycle. The growing focus on MEP’s carbon contribution means that EPDs are gaining traction as a critical element in design considerations.

What you’ll hear about:

• Global MEP sustainability trends.
• The importance of EPDs to Daikin, and the wider MEP industry.
• Overcoming the common challenges and blockers.
• How One Click LCA is supporting the move to better MEP carbon transparency with the MEP Carbon Tool, EPD Generator, and product data.