An Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) is a standardized report that communicates the environmental impact of a product throughout its life cycle. It provides transparent, third-party verified information about a product’s environmental footprint, including metrics such as greenhouse gas emissions, energy use, resource consumption, and waste generation. These impacts are typically calculated using a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), which evaluates environmental effects from raw material extraction through manufacturing, distribution, use, and end-of-life.
Organizations pursue EPDs to provide credible environmental information to customers, regulators, and other stakeholders. In some industries—such as construction, building materials, and infrastructure—EPDs may be required to meet green building standards, participate in public procurement programs, or qualify for sustainability certifications. Increasingly, buyers request EPDs as part of supplier transparency initiatives or to support their own carbon accounting and sustainability reporting.
EPD Production
EPDs are not one-size-fits-all. Depending on the program operator under which an EPD is registered, a unique set of standards and methodologies applies. Additionally, EPDs are developed according to product category rules (PCRs), which define how environmental data should be calculated and reported for specific types of products. Because each product category has its own PCR, the scope, metrics, and reporting structure of an EPD can vary depending on the product being evaluated.
To ensure credibility and comparability, EPDs must follow the program operator’s methodologies as well as internationally recognized standards, such as ISO 14025 and related LCA standards like ISO 14040 and ISO 14044. Before publication, an EPD undergoes an independent third-party review to confirm that the methodology, data, and results comply with the applicable PCR and standards.
Once verified, the EPD is published on an official EPD registry maintained by the program operator. These public databases allow customers, specifiers, and sustainability professionals to easily locate and compare environmental information for products across manufacturers.
What Are the Advantages of Having an EPD?
Developing an EPD can provide several benefits for organizations seeking to demonstrate environmental transparency and leadership.
First, an EPD offers credible, standardized environmental data that customers and stakeholders can trust. Because the declaration is based on internationally recognized methodologies and independently verified, it provides a reliable way to communicate product sustainability performance.
Second, EPDs can support market access and competitive positioning. Many architects, designers, and procurement teams prefer or require products with verified environmental disclosures. In sectors such as construction, EPDs can contribute to certification programs like green building rating systems and may help products qualify for sustainability-focused purchasing criteria.
An EPD can also serve as a valuable internal tool. The life cycle analysis used to develop the declaration often highlights opportunities to reduce emissions, improve material efficiency, or optimize manufacturing processes.
Organizations should consider pursuing an EPD if they are looking to increase transparency, meet customer or regulatory requirements, strengthen sustainability credentials, or better understand the environmental impact of their products.
What Are the Advantages of Having an EPD?
Developing an EPD can provide several benefits for organizations seeking to demonstrate environmental transparency and leadership.
First, an EPD offers credible, standardized environmental data that customers and stakeholders can trust. Because the declaration is based on internationally recognized methodologies and independently verified, it provides a reliable way to communicate product sustainability performance.
Second, EPDs can support market access and competitive positioning. Many architects, designers, and procurement teams prefer or require products with verified environmental disclosures. In sectors such as construction, EPDs can contribute to certification programs like green building rating systems and may help products qualify for sustainability-focused purchasing criteria.
An EPD can also serve as a valuable internal tool. The life cycle analysis used to develop the declaration often highlights opportunities to reduce emissions, improve material efficiency, or optimize manufacturing processes.
Organizations should consider pursuing an EPD if they are looking to increase transparency, meet customer or regulatory requirements, strengthen sustainability credentials, or better understand the environmental impact of their products.
What Do You Need to Develop an EPD?
Developing an EPD requires several key inputs, tools, and areas of expertise.
Firstly, companies must provide detailed product data, including a comprehensive bill of materials (BOM) and information about manufacturing processes, energy use, packaging, transportation, and end-of-life assumptions. Accurate and complete data is essential for producing reliable environmental results.
A foundational requirement is a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) conducted according to international standards. This analysis must often be performed using robust, ISO-compliant LCA software capable of modeling complex supply chains and environmental impacts, like EcoImpact COMPASS.
Lastly, organizations also benefit from consulting support from experienced EPD professionals. Specialists can help interpret product category rules, structure the LCA correctly, prepare the EPD documentation, and coordinate the independent verification process. Trayak’s experts can assist you with certifying your EPD.
With the right combination of data, tools, and expertise, organizations can successfully develop an EPD that communicates their product’s environmental performance in a transparent and credible way.