What is it?
An Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) is a standardized document that communicates the environmental impact of a product or service based on its lifecycle assessment (LCA). It provides transparent and comparable information about the life-cycle environmental impact of products and helps in promoting a sustainable marketplace.
How does it work?
An EPD is created using a specific set of rules known as Product Category Rules (PCRs). These rules define how to conduct a life cycle assessment for a particular product category. The life cycle assessment measures the environmental impacts of a product from raw material extraction through production, distribution, use, and disposal or recycling. The results are then compiled into a standardized EPD document that is independently verified and registered with an EPD program operator.
Real-World Impact
For example, a manufacturer of a piece of furniture may use an EPD to show the environmental impact of that furniture over its entire life cycle. This could include the carbon emissions from sourcing the materials, manufacturing the furniture, transporting it to the retailer, and eventually disposing of or recycling it. This EPD can then be used by consumers, architects, or building contractors to make more informed purchasing decisions and select products with lower environmental impacts.
How to Get Started
To get started with creating an EPD, the first step is to define the product category and find or develop the appropriate PCR. Then, conduct a life cycle assessment following the PCR rules. The next step is to compile the results into an EPD document that includes all the necessary information in a standard format. This document then needs to be independently verified by a third party to ensure it is accurate and reliable. Finally, the EPD needs to be registered with an EPD program operator who makes it publicly available.
Get the Empress Edge
Understanding and using EPDs can provide a competitive advantage in the marketplace, particularly in industries where sustainability is a key concern. For manufacturers, EPDs can help identify opportunities to reduce environmental impacts and cost in their supply chain. For architects and builders, EPDs can aid in achieving green building certification, such as LEED. For consumers, EPDs provide transparent information to make more informed, environmentally responsible purchasing decisions.