epD

EPD stands for Environmental Product Declaration. It is a standardized, publicly available document that communicates verifiable information about the environmental performance of a product across its life cycle, based on a life cycle assessment (LCA). An EPD is not a product label or a certification; it is a transparent report issued in accordance with predefined rules and typically verified by a qualified third party.

The international framework for EPDs centers on ISO 14025 and ISO 14040/44, with Product Category Rules (PCR) specifying how data are collected and reported. In Europe, EN 15804 is widely used for construction products. EPDs present results for a declared unit and may cover modules such as A1-A3, A4-A5, B1-B5, C1-C4 and D, addressing production, transportation, installation, use, end-of-life, and potential benefits beyond the system boundary.

Contents commonly include a product description, declared unit, manufacturer, LCA methodology, PCR used, data sources, system boundaries, assumptions, and a critical-review statement. Environmental impact indicators reported typically include global warming potential, ozone depletion, acidification, eutrophication, photochemical ozone creation, and resource and water use, among others.

Uses and limitations: EPDs support green-building certifications, procurement decisions, and supply chain transparency. They are not direct performance claims. Comparisons between EPDs should be made only when they share the same PCR and scope, as differences in methodology or boundaries can affect results.

See also Life cycle assessment, Product Category Rule, Environmental labeling.