An Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) is a standardized type III eco-label that communicates the environmental performance of a product throughout its life cycle. It provides transparent information based on a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), detailing the environmental impacts associated with a product's production, use, and disposal, without disclosing any confidential data.
EPDs are commonly used in various industries to promote sustainable practices, secure market access, and improve downstream environmental performance.
On average, 67% of the environmental impact of chemicals is attributed to upstream Scope 3 emissions within the value chain. As a result, the overall impact of a chemical product is largely influenced by its ingredients. Utilizing specific data or Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for these ingredients enhances the quality of the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and often reduces the environmental impact.
When a chemical is accompanied by an EPD, it enables customers to assess the environmental impact of their products more accurately. This not only helps suppliers strengthen their market position but also supports sustainability claims. In summary, EPDs play a crucial role in enhancing transparency and accountability in the chemical industry.
In March 2024, the European Parliament approved the revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), which mandates that a comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of a building must be conducted before issuing a building permit, starting in 2028.
For well-insulated buildings, the environmental impact is primarily determined by the Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) of the building materials used, which drives the high demand for EPDs in construction products. Similar legislation is already in effect in France under RE2020, in the Netherlands under the MPG, in Denmark, and in Brussels (Belgium).
Building Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) are performed by architects and engineering firms using specialized LCA tools, such as, DGNB, TOTEM DuboCalc, Elodie, Generis and etc.... Using these tools, architects can specify the quantities of building materials needed, which are linked to either generic data from databases or specific Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) published within a linked EPD program. This allows manufacturers to promote their products through specific EPDs published in the associated EPD program.
The specification market for building materials is increasingly determined by these LCA tools, which are connected to national EPD programs, highlighting the importance of publishing under the appropriate EPD framework.
Unfortunately, each EPD program interprets the EN15804+A2 standard differently, which can lead to varying EPD declarations across countries, affecting market visibility and increasing the time and costs invested.
However, the LCA Quadrant Tool developed by Enperas enables users to select from these different methodologies without altering their primary data or model, allowing for the quick sharing of EPDs based on market demands.
