Learn how EPD process certification and tools can make the EPD process more efficient, and explore the available tools registered in the International EPD® System
With EPD process certification, the organisation may handle the management of EPD data involved in the verification procedure by themselves and issue EPDs without a third-party verifier being involved in each case.
To simplify the process for organisations in collecting data, conducting LCAs, and developing EPDs on a large scale, the International EPD® System includes the option of EPD Process Certification. The rationale for certified process is that well-managed internal EPD routines make data collection and its conversion into EPDs more rational and less resource-intense and time-consuming.
With EPD process certification, the organisation may handle the management of EPD data involved in the verification procedure by themselves and issue EPDs without a third-party verifier being involved in each case.
An organisation that has an EPD process certification assessed and certified by an accredited certification body on a regular basis, is allowed to:
More information on EPD Process Certification is found in the General Programme Instructions (GPI)
A pre-verified tools, based on an applicable PCR(s), contains data and calculation models to simplify the EPD process. The International EPD System allows the use of pre-verified tools after verification. The application of these tools simplifies the individual EPD verification, or replaces it with an annual EPD verification (referring to Table 8, Section 8.6 in GPI 5).
A simplification of the EPD verification will reduce the time required from the EPD verifier, for a part of their job will be covered and performed, and is, thus, expected to reduce the cost for verification of an EPD.
The three types of the pre-verified tools are listed as the followings:
Pre-verified and integrated EPD tool: If a pre-verified EPD tool can ensure the integrity of all the input and output data, the individual EPD verification can be replaced with an annual EPD verification.
The process for Pre-verified Tool verification starts by submitting your initial interest. After submission, you will contact with the Secretariat to discuss your tool’s specifics . If the initial interest accepted by the EPD International, you will then choose a verifier from our pool. And once your tool is developed, it will be ready for verification.
More information on tools can be found in the General Programme Instructions (GPI).
Information on our API: API | EPD International
Valid until: 2025-06-20
Tool infoWhen the demand for more and more product/project specific EPDs grows, building in-house LCA capacity and by investing in digital tools and platforms becomes an economically interesting & sustainable option.
Manufacturers frequently respond to initial EPD requests by hiring external LCA consultants who manage the LCA and EPD process. However, a 2017 (CIRP) report indicates that the outsourcing of the EPD development costs an organisation somewhere between ten (10) and thirty (30) thousand US dollars per EPD. These (cash-out) costs include the lifecycle assessment cost, the third-party verification and the registration/publication cost. In-kind cost for data collection and preparation at the manufacturer are excluded.
There is empirical evidence that indicates that in-house development and making use of digital solutions/tools makes delivering EPDs faster and more cost-efficient, when demand for EPDs grow. And do not forget, your first EPD will always the toughest, the next ones come at lower cost and effort!