What is an EPD Certificate?
The Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) is an internationally recognized environmental declaration that transparently, verified, and impartially presents the environmental impacts of a product throughout its lifecycle. This document is prepared based on ISO 14025 and the EN 15804 framework. It covers the environmental impact of the product from raw material extraction to production, usage, and disposal. The EPD certificate is a critical tool for achieving sustainability goals, ensuring compliance with green building certifications, and gaining a competitive advantage in the market.
EPD Certificate Validity Period
EPD certificates are generally valid for five years. This period is determined based on international standards to ensure the validity and reliability of the document. During these five years, the certificate remains valid as long as there are no significant changes in the product’s lifecycle, environmental performance, or market conditions.
However, early renewal may be required in the following cases:
- Significant changes in product design or manufacturing process.
- Modifications in the raw material supply chain.
- The need to comply with updated standards or new regulations.
EPD Certificate Renewal Process
When the certificate expires or if there are major product changes, the EPD must be renewed. The renewal process involves the following steps:
1. Data Update
The first step in the renewal process is collecting updated data on the product’s environmental impacts throughout its lifecycle. This includes changes in the manufacturing process, energy sources used, logistics processes, and waste management.
2. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Update
Based on the collected data, a new Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is conducted. This analysis recalculates the product’s environmental impacts, considering any new technologies or process changes.
3. Document Revision
A new EPD document is prepared based on the updated LCA results. This version includes revised and validated information compared to the previous edition.
4. Third-Party Verification
The updated EPD is reviewed and verified by an independent third-party organization. This step ensures that the document meets international standards and maintains its credibility.
5. Publication
Once the verification process is completed, the renewed EPD certificate is officially published and made available for continued use.
Why is Renewal Important?
Renewing an EPD certificate ensures that environmental performance data remain accurate and reliable. Additionally, it provides:
- Market Trust: Offers transparent and up-to-date information on a product’s environmental impact to customers and business partners.
- Regulatory Compliance: Maintains adherence to national and international standards and certification requirements.
- Sustainability Goals: Supports corporate and project-level sustainability objectives.
The Relationship Between EPD Certificates and Sustainability
EPD certificates help companies achieve their sustainability goals by transparently presenting the environmental impacts of their products. Renewed certificates serve as valuable tools for identifying environmental improvement areas and tracking progress.
Through EPD certification, companies can:
- Measure key environmental indicators such as carbon footprint, energy consumption, and waste generation.
- Develop strategies to reduce environmental impacts.
- Earn additional credits in green building projects (e.g., LEED, BREEAM) and strengthen their market position.
Regular renewal of EPD certificates ensures ongoing environmental transparency while allowing companies to maintain responsible and sustainable production policies.