EPD (Environmental Product Declaration) documents are prepared to evaluate and present environmental performance transparently and systematically. These documents are based on the following internationally recognized standards:
1. ISO 14025
- Scope: The international standard that defines the fundamental framework for EPDs.
- What it provides:
- Presents the environmental performance of products transparently using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA).
- Ensures comparability of environmental data.
- Includes requirements such as verification and third-party review.
- Category: Type III Environmental Declarations (based on measurable and verifiable data).
2. EN 15804
- Scope: A European standard specifically designed for construction materials and building products.
- What it provides:
- Establishes a framework for evaluating the environmental impacts of products in the construction sector.
- Defines how LCA should be applied and which environmental indicators must be reported (e.g., GWP – Global Warming Potential, AP – Acidification Potential).
- Offers a standardized approach for building products within the European Union.
- Category: Aligned with the European Construction Products Regulation.
3. ISO 14040 & ISO 14044
- ISO 14040: Defines general principles and framework for Life Cycle Assessment (LCA).
- ISO 14044: Provides detailed methodologies and application requirements for conducting LCA.
- What they provide:
- Establishes the rules and methods for preparing LCA analysis used in EPDs.
- Guides the measurement of a product’s environmental impact throughout its life cycle.
4. Product Category Rules (PCR)
- Scope: A set of rules and methods for preparing an EPD for a specific product category.
- What it provides:
- Defines environmental performance requirements for each product category.
- Developed in alignment with EN 15804 or ISO 14025.
- Enhances comparability between products.
5. ISO 21930
- Scope: The international standard for EPDs in the building and construction sector.
- What it provides:
- Establishes a methodological approach for documenting the environmental performance of construction materials.
- Aligns with EN 15804 while offering a global perspective.
6. Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) & Carbon Footprint Standards
- GRI: A corporate sustainability reporting framework that supports EPD preparation.
- Carbon Footprint Standards: ISO 14067 and other carbon footprint measurement standards can be included in EPDs.
Summary
EPD documents are primarily based on ISO 14025 and EN 15804, which establish the foundation for measuring, reporting, and ensuring the comparability of environmental performance. For construction materials, EN 15804 and ISO 21930 provide more specialized guidance. PCR further refines standardization by specifying requirements for each product category.