International EPD System

The International EPD System (IES) is a globally recognised programme for Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), providing a standardised and transparent framework for reporting environmental performance in accordance with ISO 14025 and EN 15804.

Through independently verified life cycle data, IES enables businesses, public organisations, and consumers to make informed and sustainability-driven decisions based on credible and comparable information.

As one of the world's leading EPD programmes, IES supports organisations in publishing third-party verified environmental data that promotes life cycle transparency and encourages more sustainable choices. With coverage across a broad range of product categories, the programme plays an important role in harmonising and digitalising environmental performance data, making it more accessible, comparable, and actionable across global markets.

IES services are available to organisations worldwide through an extensive network of licensees and local representatives. This global network provides market-specific expertise and local support for EPD development across regions including North America, Latin America, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).

The International EPD System is operated by EPD International AB, a Swedish limited company headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, acting as the programme operator and Secretariat of the IES.

As programme operator, EPD International AB is responsible for the administration, governance, coordination, and continuous technical development of the programme, including stakeholder engagement and participation in the development of international standards and methodologies.

Programme Structure

The programme is governed by the Board of Directors and supported by the Secretariat, which manages day-to-day operations and ensures the efficient delivery of services globally. In selected markets, customer support and market development activities are delivered through collocation centres and licensed partners.

Independent technical and strategic guidance is provided through the Technical Committee (TC) and the International Advisory Board (IAB). The Technical Committee provides expertise on technical and methodological matters, including the review and approval of Product Category Rules (PCRs) and independent verifiers, while the International Advisory Board contributes strategic and market perspectives to support the continued global relevance and growth of the programme.

Ownership and Governance

IES is operated by EPD International AB, a wholly owned subsidiary of IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute, an independent, non-profit research organisation jointly established by the Swedish Government and Swedish industry.

Founded in 1998, the International EPD System is the world's first and longest-running EPD programme and the original developer of the Environmental Product Declaration concept and the Product Category Rules (PCRs) that form the foundation of modern EPDs.

EPD International AB, together with IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute, holds the intellectual property rights to the methodologies, programme documentation, and brand assets developed under the International EPD System, including the General Programme Instructions (GPI), Product Category Rules (PCRs), and programme logotypes.

Impartiality

Maintaining impartiality is a fundamental principle of all validation and verification activities. Established procedures are in place to manage potential conflicts of interest and ensure objective and transparent decision-making. All employees and external contributors involved in programme activities are required to comply with a Code of Conduct that promotes independence, integrity, and professional responsibility.