Even the most ordinary objects can have a large environmental impact. For example, manufacturing a simple notepad! First, we need raw materials from a specific location and then proceed to transport them into the factory. During the manufacturing process, we consume electricity and water, among other power sources- and therefore generate waste. Last but not least, we have to transport this good into a sales point, get the customer to buy it, use it, and hopefully, recycle it.
Companies are now taking vital steps to reduce the environmental impact throughout the product lifecycles. But, what mechanism can they use to ensure stakeholders that the information about the product lifecycle is transparent and valid? An Environmental Product Declaration (EPD).
WHAT IS AN ENVIRONMENTAL PRODUCT DECLARATION (EPD)?
An EDP is a valid, accurate, and non-deceptive communication that describes the environmental impact of products and their overall use.
The information collected by the EPD should be divided into modules that allow a simple organization and expression of the data collected throughout the product life cycle. Furthermore, all of the data in these module must be consistent, replicable, and comparable.
The process to obtain an EPD consists of 6 phases. Our certification technicians are trained to offer the elaboration of the EPD, which is carried out in the first four phases:
- Applicable regulations verification
- Data collection
- Life cycle analysis
- EPD Draft
Subsequently, the EPD must be verified by an independent third party and finally published and registered by the program operator. We can help you through the whole process.
EPDs are governed by specific Product Category Rules (PCR). Construction products and services must comply with UNE-EN 15804:2012+A2:2020 and ISO 14025 standards.
WHY EPDs MATTER:
Environmental product declarations are currently voluntary. However, a environmental conscience gains a newfound importance, industry experts predict that it will soon be mandatory for all types of products.
In public works, for example, EDPs are still an extra requisite. But they are mandatory when it comes to obtaining sustainable building certification such as LEED, BREEAM, GREEN, among others.
EDP BENEFITS
Even if they are still not a widespread requisite, EDPs can offer a variety of different benefits.
- Becoming a preferred product or service provider due to your environmentally friendly policy.
- Gaining recognition as an innovative brand due to environmental impact awareness
- Leading as a referent in environmental management.
- Preparing for future imposed legislation on products and services (either voluntary or mandatory).
- Reducing a product's environmental impact.
- You’ll continuously improve a product’s environmental impact.
- Access to BREEAM, LEED, and GREEN certifications.