Introduction to Environmental Product Declarations (EPD)
Sustainability is no longer an option—it’s a necessity. As industries worldwide shift towards eco-friendly practices, businesses need ways to prove their environmental responsibility. Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) Certification is one of the most effective ways to demonstrate your product’s environmental impact with transparency and credibility.
Key Takeaways
By the end of this guide, you’ll understand:
✔ What EPD Certification is and why it matters – Learn how an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) helps businesses prove their sustainability.
✔ The process of getting EPD certified – Step-by-step guidance on how to obtain an EPD certificate for your products.
✔ Is EPD mandatory? – Find out if EPD certification is required in your industry or country.
✔ The benefits of EPD certification – How it boosts brand credibility, compliance, and marketability in sustainability-focused industries.
✔ EPD vs. other certifications – Understand the difference between EPD, PCF, HPD, and LCA, and when each is needed.
✔ How long an EPD is valid – The lifecycle of an EPD certification and when to renew it.
✔ How to verify and use EPDs – Ensuring your EPD meets international standards and how to use it in marketing and compliance.
Table of Contents
- Introduction to Environmental Product Declarations (EPD)
- What is an Environmental Product Declaration?
- How to Get an EPD Certificate?
- Is EPD Mandatory?
- What is the ISO Standard for Environmental Declarations?
- What Are Type 3 Environmental Declarations?
- How Long is an EPD Valid For?
- What is the EPD Process?
- What is the Difference Between LCA and EPD?
- How to Verify EPD?
- What is the Difference Between EPD and PCF?
- Who Can Create an EPD?
- Why is EPD Important?
- How Does an EPD Work?
- How is EPD Calculated?
- What Are the Benefits of Product Declaration and Environmental Certification?
- What is the Difference Between a Health Product Declaration (HPD) and EPD?
- What is the Purpose of an Environmental Product Declaration?
- FAQs
- Conclusion
What is an Environmental Product Declaration?
An Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) is a standardized document that provides scientifically validated information about the environmental impact of a product throughout its entire life cycle. It serves as an independent, third-party verified report that details a product’s environmental footprint in a transparent, comparable, and credible manner.
Unlike self-declared sustainability claims, an EPD is based on a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), which evaluates the product’s environmental performance from raw material extraction to disposal. This data-driven approach ensures accuracy and reliability, making it a valuable tool for manufacturers, regulators, and consumers alike.
Key Features of an EPD:
Third-party verified for credibility and accuracy
- Based on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodologies
- Follows internationally recognized standards such as ISO 14025 and EN 15804
- Provides objective, comparable data on environmental impact
- Accepted globally in sustainability certifications like LEED, BREEAM, and DGNB
What Information Does an EPD Contain?
An EPD includes a detailed environmental analysis of a product, covering:
- Global Warming Potential (GWP) – Measures carbon footprint
- Energy Consumption – Evaluates energy used in production and distribution
- Resource Use – Tracks raw materials, water usage, and waste generation
- Emissions to Air, Water, and Soil – Assesses pollution levels
- End-of-Life Impact – Reviews recyclability, disposal, and circular economy potential
How to Get an EPD Certificate?
- Obtaining an EPD Certificate requires following a structured process to ensure compliance with international standards and transparency in environmental reporting. Below are the key steps to acquire an EPD Certification:
Step 1: Conduct a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
- Since an EPD is based on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), the first step is performing an LCA study. This involves analyzing the entire life cycle of a product, from raw material extraction to disposal, to measure its environmental impact.
- Key aspects evaluated in an LCA:
- Energy and water consumption
- Carbon footprint (Global Warming Potential – GWP)
- Waste generation and emissions
- Environmental impact of materials used
Step 2: Develop the EPD Report
- Once the LCA is completed, the next step is compiling the findings into an EPD report. This report must follow ISO 14025 and EN 15804 guidelines to ensure global acceptance.
Step 3: Third-Party Verification
- For an EPD to be credible, it must be independently verified by an accredited third-party EPD verifier. This ensures:
- Data accuracy
- Compliance with relevant international standards
- Transparency in environmental claims
Step 4: Register the EPD with an Official Program Operator
- After verification, the EPD must be registered with an EPD program operator such as:
- The International EPD System
- UL Environment
- BRE Global
- Once published, the EPD is publicly available and can be used in marketing, compliance documentation, and sustainability reports.
Step 5: Maintain and Update the EPD
- EPDs typically have a validity of five years. Businesses must update their LCA data and renew their certification if significant changes occur in their product or manufacturing processes.
- By following these steps, businesses can obtain an EPD Certification, ensuring their products meet sustainability benchmarks and gain a competitive advantage in eco-conscious markets.
Is EPD Mandatory?
The requirement for EPD Certification varies by industry, region, and market regulations. While EPDs are not legally mandatory in most industries, they are increasingly becoming a requirement for green procurement, sustainability reporting, and regulatory compliance.
Industries Where EPDs Are Required or Recommended
- Construction & Building Materials – Many green building certifications (LEED, BREEAM, DGNB) require EPDs for materials like cement, steel, and insulation.
- Manufacturing & Industrial Goods – Companies supplying to environmentally-conscious markets must provide EPDs to meet sustainability procurement standards.
- Automotive & Transportation – Regulatory bodies are encouraging EPDs for vehicle components and materials to track carbon emissions.
- Consumer Goods & Packaging – Businesses committed to reducing environmental impact use EPDs to enhance transparency.
EPD Requirements in Different Regions
- European Union (EU) – Many countries, including Sweden, Germany, and France, require EPDs for government projects.
- United States – While not federally required, EPDs are widely used in LEED-certified projects.
- Middle East & Asia – Growing adoption in green building standards, particularly in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and China.
Are EPDs Becoming a Legal Requirement?
Although EPDs are not yet universally mandatory, regulations worldwide are shifting towards requiring environmental transparency. Companies that proactively obtain EPD Certification position themselves ahead of potential future regulatory requirements.
What is the ISO Standard for Environmental Declarations?
The ISO Standard for Environmental Product Declarations is ISO 14025, which sets the principles and procedures for developing Type III environmental declarations. This standard ensures that EPDs are:
- Reliable and verifiable through third-party validation.
- Transparent and comparable across similar product categories.
- Based on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) for full product impact analysis.
For construction products, the EN 15804 standard complements ISO 14025, defining additional rules and requirements for EPD development.
These standards help industries maintain uniformity and credibility in sustainability reporting, making it easier for businesses and regulators to assess environmental performance.
What Are Type 3 Environmental Declarations?
Type III Environmental Declarations, also known as EPDs, provide a comprehensive, standardized way to report a product’s environmental impact. These declarations follow ISO 14025 and require:
- Detailed LCA-based data covering all life cycle stages.
- Independent third-party verification to ensure credibility.
- Transparency and comparability for stakeholders.
Unlike Type I and Type II environmental labels, which focus on specific environmental benefits or self-declared claims, Type III declarations offer full environmental transparency without subjective claims.
Industries such as construction, manufacturing, and automotive frequently use Type III declarations to comply with sustainability regulations and support green building certifications.
How Long is an EPD Valid For?
An Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) is typically valid for five years from the date of publication. After this period, companies must:
- Review and update the EPD to reflect any changes in manufacturing processes or environmental impact.
- Conduct a new Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) if significant modifications have been made.
- Renew third-party verification to maintain credibility and compliance.
Failing to update an EPD may lead to loss of certification, affecting the product’s acceptance in sustainability-driven markets.
What is the EPD Process?
The EPD process involves multiple steps to ensure that the data presented is accurate, verified, and compliant with international standards. The process includes:
- Conducting a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) – Gathering environmental data from raw materials to disposal.
- Preparing the EPD Report – Documenting the findings in accordance with ISO 14025 and EN 15804.
- Third-Party Verification – Independent validation of the EPD to ensure transparency and credibility.
- Registering the EPD – Submitting the verified document to an official program operator.
- Publishing the EPD – Making the certified document publicly available for stakeholders.
Maintaining and Updating the EPD – Reviewing and renewing the declaration every five years or after significant changes in production.
What is the Difference Between LCA and EPD?
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) |
| 2. A scientific method for assessing environmental impacts |
| 3. Internal study, often confidential |
| 4. Covers specific impact categories |
| 5. Used for internal decision-making |
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) |
| 2. A verified report summarizing LCA results |
| 3. Publicly available document |
| 4. Comprehensive disclosure across all impact areas |
| 5. Used for regulatory compliance and certification |
While LCA provides the data, an EPD translates it into a standardized, verifiable format for public use.
How to Verify EPD?
To ensure the credibility of an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD), it must undergo third-party verification by an accredited organization. The verification process includes:
- Assessing the accuracy of the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) data.
- Confirming compliance with ISO 14025 and EN 15804.
- Ensuring transparency and reproducibility of environmental claims.
- Approving the EPD for registration and public availability.
Once verified, the EPD is listed in an official database, allowing stakeholders to access credible, science-backed environmental data.
What is the Difference Between EPD and PCF?
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) |
| Covers multiple environmental impact categories |
| Based on full Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) |
| Verified and standardized according to ISO 14025 |
| Includes material use, energy, water, and emissions |
| Used for compliance, marketing, and sustainability goals |
Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) |
| Focuses only on carbon emissions |
| Measures only greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions |
| Uses methods from ISO 14067 |
| Focuses solely on carbon footprint |
| Often used for carbon neutrality assessments |
While EPD gives a holistic view of a product’s environmental impact, PCF focuses solely on carbon footprint, making them complementary tools for businesses pursuing sustainability reporting and carbon reduction strategies.
Who Can Create an EPD?
An EPD can be created by any company or organization that wants to provide transparent and credible environmental information about its products. This includes:
- Manufacturers – Companies producing goods such as construction materials, electronics, packaging, and consumer products.
- Raw Material Suppliers – Businesses supplying raw materials that are components of other products.
- Product Designers & Engineers – Organizations working on sustainable product innovations and development.
- Sustainability Consultants – Experts who conduct Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) and prepare EPD documentation for businesses.
- Trade Associations & Industry Groups – Sectors that require standardized environmental reporting for industry-wide sustainability efforts.
EPDs help these stakeholders gain credibility, meet regulatory requirements, and align with global sustainability initiatives.
Why is EPD Important?
Ensures Transparency and Credibility
EPDs provide fact-based, third-party verified environmental data, eliminating greenwashing and ensuring stakeholders receive reliable sustainability information.
Supports Compliance with Green Building Standards
For industries like construction and manufacturing, EPDs help products qualify for LEED, BREEAM, and DGNB certifications, making them a requirement for eco-friendly building projects.
Enhances Corporate Sustainability Goals
Companies integrating EPDs into their business models can:
- Reduce environmental footprint by analyzing life cycle impacts.
- Improve supply chain sustainability.
- Meet investor and consumer demand for greener products.
Competitive Advantage in Green Markets
Consumers and businesses are prioritizing sustainable products. EPDs help companies:
- Differentiate themselves in sustainability-driven industries.
- Gain preference in government and corporate procurement policies.
Global Recognition and Compliance
- EPDs are accepted worldwide and often required by government agencies and regulatory bodies, ensuring businesses remain competitive in international markets.
How Does an EPD Work?
An Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) works by documenting and verifying the full environmental impact of a product. It follows a structured process to ensure credibility, transparency, and compliance with international standards.
Step 1: Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
- The process starts with conducting an LCA study, analyzing the product’s environmental impact across all life cycle stages.
- This includes raw material extraction, production, transportation, usage, and disposal.
Step 2: EPD Report Development
- Data from the LCA is compiled into an EPD document, following ISO 14025 and EN 15804 guidelines.
Step 3: Third-Party Verification
- An independent verifier reviews the EPD to ensure accuracy and compliance.
Step 4: Registration and Publication
- After verification, the EPD is registered with an official program operator and made publicly available.
This structured workflow ensures that an EPD provides fact-based, standardized environmental data that businesses and consumers can rely on.
How is EPD Calculated?
The calculation of an EPD is based on a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), which measures multiple environmental impact categories. The key steps in EPD calculation include:
Data Collection
- Gathering information on raw materials, energy use, emissions, and transportation.
Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA)
- Using LCA methodology, the environmental impact is quantified for categories such as:
- Global warming potential (CO₂ emissions)
- Water and energy consumption
- Waste generation
- Air and water pollution
Standardized Calculation Models
- The results are processed using standardized LCA databases and models, ensuring consistency.
Report Preparation
- The calculated impact values are documented in the EPD following ISO 14025 and EN 15804 guidelines.
Through this process, an EPD provides a science-backed, standardized representation of a product’s sustainability profile.
What Are the Benefits of Product Declaration and Environmental Certification?
EPDs and environmental certifications provide numerous benefits for businesses, regulators, and consumers.
Increased Market Competitiveness
- Businesses with EPDs gain a competitive edge by meeting sustainability demands from customers and investors.
Compliance with Green Building Standards
- Many green certification programs, such as LEED and BREEAM, require EPDs for compliance.
Regulatory Compliance and Risk Reduction
- Environmental certifications help companies meet government sustainability regulations and avoid penalties.
Transparency and Trust
- Third-party verified EPDs enhance credibility, preventing misleading sustainability claims (greenwashing).
Supply Chain Sustainability
- EPDs allow manufacturers to evaluate and improve their supply chain’s environmental impact.
By leveraging EPDs and environmental certifications, businesses can enhance sustainability, increase profitability, and build long-term consumer trust.
What is the Difference Between a Health Product Declaration (HPD) and EPD?
While both Health Product Declarations (HPDs) and Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) provide product transparency, they focus on different aspects of sustainability.
Health Product Declaration (HPD) |
Focuses on human health impacts |
Reports material ingredients and their potential hazards |
Based on the HPD Open Standard |
Used for green building certification (e.g., WELL, LEED) |
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) |
Focuses on environmental impact |
Reports life cycle environmental impact |
Based on ISO 14025 and EN 15804 |
Required for sustainability compliance (e.g., LEED, BREEAM) |
What is the Purpose of an Environmental Product Declaration?
An EPD serves as a comprehensive sustainability document that provides objective, verifiable data about a product’s environmental impact. Its primary purposes include:
Supporting Informed Decision-Making
- Enables businesses, architects, and procurement teams to make sustainable choices by comparing product impacts.
Compliance with Green Certifications
- Required for sustainability standards such as LEED, BREEAM, and DGNB.
Enhancing Market Credibility
- Demonstrates a company’s commitment to environmental responsibility and transparency.
Meeting Regulatory Requirements
- Helps manufacturers comply with government sustainability policies and industry regulations.
Promoting Sustainable Innovation
- Encourages businesses to develop eco-friendly products with lower environmental footprints.
By providing quantifiable sustainability data, EPDs help companies align with global environmental goals and gain a competitive edge in eco-conscious markets.
FAQ,s
What industries require EPD certification?
EPD certification is commonly required in industries where sustainability and transparency play a critical role. Some key sectors that benefit from EPDs include:
- Construction & Building Materials – Green building programs like LEED and BREEAM require EPDs for materials such as cement, steel, and insulation.
- Manufacturing & Industrial Goods – Companies producing electronics, packaging, and furniture often obtain EPDs to meet procurement and sustainability requirements.
- Automotive & Transportation – Vehicle manufacturers use EPDs to report carbon emissions and material sourcing.
- Consumer Goods & Retail – Brands producing clothing, food, and home goods use EPDs to appeal to eco-conscious consumers.
How much does it cost to get an EPD certification?
The cost of obtaining an EPD certification depends on factors such as:
- Complexity of the product – More components and materials increase assessment costs.
- Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) study fees – Conducting an LCA is a prerequisite for EPD certification.
- Third-party verification costs – EPDs must be reviewed by an independent verifier.
- Registration fees – Costs associated with publishing and maintaining the EPD in a public database.
What is the difference between EPD and LEED certification?
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) | LEED Certification |
| Focuses on a product’s environmental impact | Focuses on the entire building’s sustainability |
| Used to analyze and compare products | Used to certify green buildings |
| Based on ISO 14025 and EN 15804 | Based on U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) guidelines |
| Required for compliance in some LEED credits | Awards points for using EPD-certified products |
An EPD is a product-level declaration, whereas LEED is a building-level certification that recognizes sustainability efforts in construction projects.
How long does it take to get an EPD certificate?
The timeframe to obtain an EPD certification varies depending on several factors but generally takes 3 to 12 months. The key factors affecting the timeline include:
- Complexity of the Product – Products with multiple materials or complex supply chains take longer to assess.
- Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Duration – Conducting an LCA can take several months, depending on data availability and assessment scope.
- Third-Party Verification Process – The review, approval, and verification process adds additional time.
- Registration and Publication – Once approved, the EPD must be registered and published in an official database, which may add a few weeks.
For businesses looking to fast-track the process, pre-planning and ensuring comprehensive environmental data collection can help shorten the timeline.
Can a company have multiple EPDs for different products?
Yes, a company can have multiple EPDs for different products. Since each EPD is product-specific, companies producing multiple product categories will require separate EPDs for:
- Different Materials – A company manufacturing steel, concrete, and insulation would need an EPD for each product.
- Varied Production Processes – If manufacturing locations or energy sources differ, separate EPDs are needed.
- Product Updates – If a product undergoes significant modifications, a new or updated EPD must be issued.
Having multiple EPDs allows businesses to ensure transparency, meet regulatory requirements, and optimize sustainability strategies for each product.
Is EPD recognized globally?
Yes, Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) are internationally recognized and widely used across multiple industries and regions. Some key global standards and organizations that recognize EPDs include:
- ISO 14025 – The international standard for Type III Environmental Declarations.
- LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) – Awards points for products with EPDs in green building projects.
- BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) – Recognizes EPD-certified materials for construction and infrastructure.
- The International EPD System – A leading global program for verifying and registering EPDs.
- European Union (EU) Regulations – Many EU countries require EPDs for construction products under EN 15804.
In countries such as Sweden, Germany, France, UAE, and the United States, EPDs are widely used in public procurement policies and sustainability compliance.
How does EPD impact sustainability goals?
EPDs play a significant role in corporate sustainability strategies by:
- Providing measurable environmental data to track sustainability progress.
- Helping businesses meet carbon reduction goals through material selection and product design improvements.
- Aligning with ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) initiatives to improve corporate sustainability ratings.
- Supporting green procurement policies, enabling organizations to source sustainable materials.
Do EPDs expire, and how often do they need to be updated?
Yes, EPDs have a validity period of 5 years from the date of issuance. After this period, companies must:
- Reassess and update their EPDs if significant changes have been made in manufacturing processes or raw materials.
- Conduct a new Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to ensure the most recent environmental impact data is captured.
- Renew third-party verification to maintain compliance and transparency.
What role does Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) play in EPD certification?
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is the foundation of an EPD. It is a systematic analysis that quantifies a product’s environmental impact at each stage of its life cycle. LCA helps:
- Identify key environmental impact areas to reduce carbon emissions and resource consumption.
- Provide accurate data for EPD documentation, ensuring transparency in reporting.
- Support regulatory compliance by aligning with sustainability frameworks such as ISO 14040 and ISO 14044.
Which countries require EPD compliance for products?
Several countries have mandatory or industry-driven EPD requirements, including:
- European Union (EU) – Many EU countries require EPDs for construction products under EN 15804.
- Sweden & Germany – Strong government policies mandate EPD use in public procurement.
- France – EPDs are required under HQE (High Environmental Quality) building standards.
- United States – While not mandatory, LEED certification strongly encourages EPD adoption.
- Middle East & Asia – Countries like UAE, Saudi Arabia, and China are rapidly integrating EPDs into green building codes.
By obtaining an EPD certification, businesses ensure compliance with global sustainability standards, increasing their market competitiveness and eligibility for government-funded projects.
Conclusion
As businesses and industries move toward a more sustainable future, Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) play a crucial role in providing transparent, science-based environmental impact data. They allow manufacturers, consumers, and regulatory bodies to make informed decisions that promote eco-friendly practices and reduce environmental footprints.
By obtaining EPD certification, companies gain a competitive edge, ensure compliance with global sustainability standards, and contribute to the growing demand for environmental transparency. Whether you operate in construction, manufacturing, or consumer goods, investing in an EPD strengthens your brand reputation, supports sustainability goals, and enhances market credibility.
In an era where sustainability is a key driver of business success, embracing EPDs is not just a regulatory necessity—it’s a strategic advantage that fosters long-term growth and environmental responsibility.