The circular economy is an economic model that replaces the traditional “take, make, dispose” approach with a system aimed at using resources more efficiently, reducing waste, and extending product lifecycles. This approach is one of the fundamental pillars of sustainable development and is increasingly adopted across various industries. Due to its significant environmental impact, the construction sector plays a key role in implementing circular economy principles. In this context, the Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) emerges as an essential tool for achieving circular economy goals.
What is the Circular Economy?
The circular economy is a system designed to maximize resource efficiency and minimize waste generation. This model includes processes such as reuse, recycling, and recovery from the product design stage onward. By reducing material and energy losses, it decreases the demand for natural resources. The core principles of the circular economy can be summarized as follows:
- Utilizing waste as a resource,
- Extending product lifecycles,
- Encouraging reuse and recycling,
- Promoting the use of renewable energy sources.
What is an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)?
An EPD is a document that measures and transparently presents the environmental impacts of a product throughout its lifecycle. Prepared in accordance with international standards such as ISO 14025 and EN 15804, these documents serve as an important guide for material selection in the construction industry. EPDs allow the calculation and comparison of environmental performance indicators such as carbon footprint, energy consumption, and water usage.
The Integration of Circular Economy and EPD
The circular economy and EPD are two complementary approaches that support sustainability goals. While the circular economy focuses on resource reuse and waste recycling, EPDs serve as a tool to measure and report the environmental impacts of these processes. Their relationship can be highlighted in the following ways:
- Resource Efficiency and Waste Management: The circular economy enhances resource efficiency by extending product lifecycles and promoting waste recycling. EPDs scientifically assess the environmental impact of these processes, helping decision-makers take more informed actions.
- Product Design: Circular economy principles require product design that prioritizes reusable and recyclable materials. EPDs evaluate the environmental performance of these materials, contributing to the design process.
- Reducing Carbon Emissions: The use of recycled materials in the circular economy can significantly reduce carbon emissions. EPDs quantify these reductions, providing documentation for the environmental performance of projects.
Circular Economy and Green Building Certification Systems
EPDs also play a crucial role in integrating circular economy practices into green building certification systems. Certification programs such as LEED, BREEAM, and Mostadam encourage the use of materials that align with circular economy principles. The selection of EPD-certified products helps projects earn additional points, facilitating the certification process.
Conclusion
The circular economy aims to create a future where resources are used more efficiently, waste is minimized, and environmental impacts are reduced. In this process, the Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) serves as a critical tool for implementing circular economy principles. EPDs help measure the environmental impacts of products, enabling more sustainable designs and material choices.
The integration of circular economy principles and EPDs is a significant step toward a more sustainable future for both the construction sector and other industries.