ISO 14025 is an international standard that provides a framework for Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), ensuring their reliability, transparency, and comparability. This standard is directly related to Type III Environmental Declarations, commonly known as EPDs.
Relationship Between ISO 14025 and EPDs
Definition of Type III Environmental Declarations (EPDs):
- ISO 14025 classifies EPDs under Type III Environmental Declarations, requiring the presentation of a product’s environmental impacts in a measurable and verifiable format.
- Type III declarations are based on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA).
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA):
- According to ISO 14025, information presented in EPDs must be derived from an LCA conducted in accordance with ISO 14040 and ISO 14044 standards.
- LCA evaluates a product’s environmental impacts from raw material extraction to disposal.
Product Category Rules (PCR):
- ISO 14025 mandates the use of Product Category Rules (PCR) in EPD preparation.
- PCR standardizes how environmental impacts for specific product groups are assessed and reported.
Independent Verification:
- To ensure the credibility and neutrality of an EPD, ISO 14025 requires third-party verification.
- Independent verification guarantees compliance with international standards.
Comparability and Transparency:
- ISO 14025 ensures that EPDs allow for comparability among products within the same category.
- The transparency principle requires that EPDs be publicly available and accessible.
International Recognition:
- ISO 14025 facilitates the global acceptance and standardization of EPDs.
- This is particularly important for international projects and green building certifications such as LEED and BREEAM.
Contributions of ISO 14025 to the EPD Preparation Process
✔ Standardization: Provides a structured approach for creating, verifying, and publishing EPDs.
✔ Reliability and Accuracy: Enhances EPD credibility through verification processes and an LCA-based approach.
✔ Market Advantage: ISO 14025-compliant EPDs help products gain preference in internationally recognized projects.
Conclusion
ISO 14025 is the key standard that ensures EPDs are reliable, transparent, and comparable. By following this framework, EPDs become powerful tools for sustainability initiatives and global market acceptance.