FAQ

Nothing wrong with a little help in everyday life. Below you will find answers to most common questions received.

Please note that deviating rules and guidance in the GPI and/or applicable PCR(s) precede the rules and guidance in the FAQ.

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General FAQ

What is the role of a programme operator?

To publish a type III environmental declaration, it must be administered in the scope of a programme operator operating in accordance with ISO 14025:

Type III environmental declarations are subject to the administration of a programme operator, such as a company or a group of companies, industrial sector or trade association, public authorities or agencies, or an independent scientific body or other organisation.]

The tasks of a programme operator, as described in detail in ISO 14025, are many and require constant maintenance.

A programme operator may be started by any organisation, but choosing an existing programme gives the credibility of a third party and of recognition of an existing brand such as The International EPD® System.

How does Environdec, EPD International and the International EPD System relate to each other?

EPD International AB, a limited company in Sweden, is the programme operator of a programme for type III environmental declarations (“EPD”) called the International EPD® System. The website of the programme is www.environdec.com.

How does the International EPD System relate to EN 15804?

EN 15804 refers to the European standard EN 15804:2012+A2:2019, “Sustainability of construction works - Environmental product declarations - Core rules for the product category of construction products”. This standard was developed to function as a “Core PCR” to harmonize environmental declarations across programme operators. The European standard is complementary to ISO 14025, which provides rules on how to operate a programme for type III environmental declarations.

The International EPD® System is actively working towards complying with this standard, through the General Programme Instructions and the relevant PCRs. As the International EPD® System has both a geographical scope and scope of product categories that is larger than construction products in Europe, the compliance with the standard is defined on a case-to-case basis for PCRs. EPDs and PCRs for construction products shall state their compliance or non-compliance with EN 15804.

There are three types of PCRs currently available for construction products:

  • PCR 2019:14 for Construction products. This document is the main option for EPDs compliant with the present version of EN 15804 (EN 15804:2012+A2:2019). Using this document, any construction product may be declared using a declared unit and any system boundaries except “cradle to grave and module D”. A complementary PCR (c-PCR) shall be used if a functional unit is to be used. Under a transition period, ending 2020-09-01, PCR 2012:01 may instead be used, which complies with the old version of EN 15804 (EN 15804:2012+A1:2013).

  • Stand-alone PCRs, compliant with EN 15804. PCRs that are independent from PCR 2019:14 or PCR 2012:01, but aligned with EN 15804.

  • Stand-alone PCRs, NOT compliant with EN 15804. This is often legacy PCRs intended to be updated or de-registered after they have expired.

The International EPD® System is a founding member of the ECO Platform to collaborate with other programme operators for alignment with EN 15804. The system also has mutual recognition agreement with the IBU and AENOR EPD systems for construction products in Germany and Spain, where EPDs of these programmes are accepted mutually without further verification. With an additional registration fee, the owner of such an EPD may carry the logotype of both programmes.

How does the International EPD System relate to the EU Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) Initiative?

Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) is a European methodology for calculating the life cycle environmental impact of products. It is inspired by, but does not aim to be fully compliant with, among others, the international standards for

Life Cycle Assessment (ISO 14040/14044) and

Type III environmental declarations (ISO 14025).

PEF is one part of the "Single market for Green products" recommendation by the European Commission released in April 2013, which shares much of the same vision as the International EPD® System: enabling verified, transparent and comparable information about the life-cycle environmental impact of products. The intended application and communication format of PEF remains to be decided.

The PEF was in a pilot phase between 2013-2018, where twelve so-called PEFCR documents were finalized, with rules for conducting PEF studies of different product categories. Also, various aspects of the methodology and format of communication were investigated. The Secretariat and members of the Technical Committee participated in different ways in the pilot phase to ensure that knowledge developed during the long history and extensive PCR library of the International EPD® System were taken into account in this testing and revision of the draft methodology..

Following the pilot phase, the transition phase runs 2018-2021, where five more PEFCR documents will be developed, for another five product categories. Also, the European Commission will take stakeholder feedback on what European policies may benefit from the work done until now. During the transition phase, the International EPD® System will provide input when possible to contribute to harmonization and to help broaden the use of environmental declarations on an international market. To prepare for any upcoming policies, companies could start assessing the life cycle environmental impact of their products, and EPD serve as a tool to communicate the results.

For harmonization between PEF with existing developments for construction products, the EN 15804 standard was revised in 2019 – the new version is more aligned with, but does not fully comply with, PEF. Where there are potential synergies between existing PCRs and the finalized PEFCRs, the PCR moderators and PCR committees are encouraged to contact the Secretariat to discuss the next steps.

For further questions, please contact the Secretariat via info@environdec.com.

More information about PEF is also available on the European Commission website: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/eussd/smgp/index.htm.

Is the EPD database available in a machine-readable format for import into my software/tool/database?

Incorporating data from EPDs into software platforms is currently ongoing discussion internationally.

For EPDs compliant with EN 15804, the International EPD® system allows the publication of a machine-readable LCA dataset in parallel to the EPD.

If an EPD owner wishes, the International EPD® system allow the publication of a machine-readable LCI dataset in parallel to the EPD. Such data sets are available on the individual EPD page and may be produced in multiple of the available formats currently available on the market. For machine-readable LCA datasets, the International EPD® system recommends following the format solutions that are compatible with the International EPD® system data hub and formats following developments from the InData working group.

Questions or suggestions on how the International EPD® system may enable or facilitate the use of EPDs may be sent to the Secretariat.

What opportunities are there for LCA consultants to work with the International EPD System?

The International EPD® System offers many opportunities for LCA and sustainability consultants. They may assist companies or trade associations in preparing the LCA study underlying an EPD as well as creating the EPD document based on the LCA study. If there is not a PCR document available, a consultant may assist by taking on the coordinating role of PCR Moderator.

For experts with review experience, there is also the possibility to apply to become a recognized individual verifier in the programme. Verifiers work independently in seeking out assignments and get listed on this page: http://environdec.com/en/Creating-EPDs/List-of-verifiers/

As a service to companies and consultancies to find each other, the International EPD System offers a list of LCA consultants on this page: http://environdec.com/en/Creating-EPDs/List-of-LCA-consultants/ Please note that the listing shall not be misidentified as an endorsement or recommendation of these consultancies by the International EPD® System over other consultancy companies nor the use of in-house experts.

The EPD International Secretariat is available to support LCA practitioners with data and descriptions of the EPD and PCR processes, EPD applications and their benefits upon request.

Shall audits within a process certification always be performed on site and shall sampling follow the same sampling model as for 14001?

It is recommended to at least assess one plant (maximum two) per year, assuring to cover all the product categories within the scope during the validation period of the process certification. The audit is preferably performed on-site but not required. It is also important to consider management system audits from other certification bodies that were performed on the plant during the specific year (i.e. ISO 14001, ISO 9001 or ISO 50001).

Which type of organization can be accredited according to the EPD process certification?

The EPD process certification shall be applied for organizations that classify as EPD owner.

How many sample checks need to be done within a process certification?

It is required to perform at least one sample check per year per product category within the scope of process certification; in case several manufacturing plants are involved for every product category, the suggestion is to sample every year a different plant.

What is the definition of a "construction product"?

The recent focus on EPDs for construction products in Europe has led to the problem of defining the scope of what constitutes a "construction product". This poses a problem for PCR and EPD product categories as the UN CPC classification is material-centric instead of focusing on the sector in which the product is used.

As the standard EN 15804 provides limited guidance on this definition, the best reference is the European construction product regulation that states:

"construction product’ means any product or kit which is produced and placed on the market for incorporation in a permanent manner in construction works or parts thereof and the performance of which has an effect on the performance of the construction works with respect to the basic requirements for construction works"

Non-permanent products in construction works or products that do not have any effect on the performance of the construction work are thus not included in the definition.

There is no exhaustive list of what products are covered by this definition. All products that are covered by a harmonized standard according to the construction product regulation (or the earlier construction product directive) are, however, considered as construction products: http://ec.europa.eu/growth/sectors/construction/product-regulation/harmonised-standards_en

As it is unwise for different interpretations to exist of what constitutes a construction product, the International EPD System is expecting guidance to be made available via the ECO Platform or the CEN/TC 350 working group, who are responsible for the standard EN 15804.

EPD FAQ

What is an EPD?

An EPD (Environmental Product Declaration) is a verified and registered document that communicates transparent and comparable information about the life-cycle environmental impact of products.

Having an EPD for a product does not imply that the declared product is environmentally superior to alternatives — it is simply a transparent declaration of the life-cycle environmental impact.

An EPD is created and registered in the framework of a programme based on ISO 14025, such as the International EPD® System.

How long does it take to create an EPD?

Developing and publishing an EPD in The International EPD® System consists of the following steps:

  • Find or create relevant PCR document for the product category
  • Perform LCA study based on PCR
  • Compiling environmental information into the EPD reporting format
  • Verification
  • Registration and publication

The two most time-consuming steps are to create a PCR (if not already available) and to perform the underlying LCA study. Developing a PCR in an open and transparent process normally takes between 5-12 months. Conducting an LCA study in accordance with the PCR may take anywhere between 1-12 months depending on the availability of data and the amount of LCA work that has been done in the company to date. If a PCR is being developed, the LCA study may be carried out in parallel to drafting the document.

It is recommended to make contact with a potential verifier early on in the process so that this step may start as soon as the LCA study is done and the information compiled into the EPD reporting format.

After verification is completed, registration by the Secretariat upon receiving the complete documentation normally takes 1-3 working days. The Secretariat may assist with Helpdesk and pre-booking of an EPD registration number throughout the process.

What is the cost of developing an EPD?

The International EPD® System has two types of fees: registration fee (one-time fee, which includes future updates) and an annual fee paid per organisation.

In addition to these fees, the total cost of an EPD also includes:

  • Performing the underlying Life Cycle Assessment in accordance with the PCR
  • Compiling the data into the EPD reporting format
  • Verification by an accredited certification body or a recognized individual verifier If there are no valid product category rules (PCR) for the product to be declared, these need to be developed.
What is the fee for updating an already registered EPD?

There is no fee for updating already-registered EPDs for EPD registrations via the EPD International Secretariat. This is included in the annual fee.

For EPD registrations in countries where registration is done via a fully aligned regional programme (currently: Australia, Brazil, Chile, India, Mexico, New Zealand, Russia, Souteast Asia and Turkey), please check their website for up-to-date details.

Is there a template available for creating EPDs?

Yes, a voluntary EPD template is available under Resources. The current template is only for non-construction products.

The use of the template is voluntary, as companies are free to use their own branding in the EPD.

Is there a fee to publish an EPD in multiple languages?

No, publishing an EPD in multiple languages is included in the registration fee for EPD registrations via the EPD International Secretariat.

For EPD registrations in countries where registration is done via a fully aligned regional programme (currently: Australia, Brazil, Chile, India, Mexico, New Zealand, Russia, Souteast Asia and Turkey), please check their website for up-to-date details.

What are the dates to be displayed on an EPD?

The Secretariat recommends the following three dates to be displayed in an EPD:

  • "Publication date" (sometimes referred to as "issue date" or "registration date"). This date is set as the date when the company submit the EPD registration. In case the documentation is incomplete or contains errors, the publication date on the EPD should be updated to correspond to the date of the final resubmission for registration. This date remains the same even with later updates of the EPD.

  • "Revision date". In case of a new version of an already-published EPD, this date should be set corresponding to the date when the updated EPD is submitted for publication. It should not be included in case of a first EPD edition.

  • "Validity date". This date is set during verification as normally +5 years (depending on rules in PCR) from the finalization of verification/date of the verification report.

What is the validity of an EPD?

An EPD is valid from completion of the last step of the EPD process (Registration & publication) until a final validity date, which is declared in the EPD.

The EPD validity is normally five years. An expired EPD can still be published to give environmental information for products still in use, but may not been used in marketing.

Regardless of the validity, a published EPD shall be updated during its validity if one of the environmental indicators has worsened for more than 10% compared with the data currently published.

May several similar products be included in the same EPD?

Rules for including multiple similar products in the same EPD can be found in Section 9.3 of the General Programme Instructions. These rules are also listed below, with some specifications and changes that will be implemented in the next update of the GPI, to be released in 2024.

Note that a specific PCR may include deviations or specifications to these rules. Further, some PCRs are based an old version of the General Programme Instructions (version 3.01 or older) in which the rules may be different from the current version - we still recommend following the current version, as all PCRs will be updated according to this.

Several sets of results are not allowed to be declared in the same EPD. However, similar products from a single or several manufacturing sites covered by the same PCR and manufactured by the same company with the same major steps in the core processes may be grouped and thereby included in the same EPD. For such an EPD, there are three options:

  • For each indicator, declare the average results of the included products. This average shall be weighted according to the production volumes of the included products, if relevant. In this option, the average content shall be declared in the content declaration.

  • Declare the results of one of the included products – a representative product. The choice of the representative product shall be justified in the EPD, using, where applicable, statistical parameters. For example, the choice may be based on production volumes. In this option, the content of the representative product shall be declared in the content declaration.

  • For each indicator, declare the highest result of the included products (i.e., the results of a “worst-case product”, which may be the results of one or several of the included products). In this option, the content declaration shall include the lowest amounts of recycled and biogenic content of the included products and their packaging, respectively, and the information on environmental and hazardous properties of substances shall reflect the highest share and most hazardous such substances contained in the any of the included products.

The first two options are only possible if none of the declared environmental performance indicator results (or only environmental impact indicator results, for some PCRs) differ by more than 10% between any of the included products. The third option is possible also if variations are larger than 10%. Note that, however, all three options are possible for EPDs following version 1.3.X or later of PCR 2019:14 Construction products, if justified, the variations are declared in the EPD, and the EPD does not claim complaince with ISO 21930, the

The option chosen shall be clearly described in the EPD.

In addition to above options, sector EPDs are possible. See more in Chapter 9.3.2 of the GPI and the applicable PCR.

If the PCR is based on an old version of the GPI (version 3.01 or older), the EPD may include several products/product groups even if above requirements are not fulfilled, but then the results of each product/product group shall be separately declared. If the PCR is based on the current version of the GPI (version 4.0 or later), the EPD shall include no more than one set of results (but for certain life-cycle stages, several sets of results may be declared; see applicable PCR). This change of rules was done to improve machine-readability of EPDs and thereby facilitate digitalisation of the EPD system. To enable this change, the cost per EPD registrations was reduced significantly as of 1st January 2021. Even if older versions of the GPI allow the declaration of results for several products/product groups, we recommend you to declare no more than one product or average/representative product per EPD – to be prepared for a more digital future.

Note that you are not allowed to include a conversion factor in the EPD for the purpose of converting the declared results into results for products not covered by the EPD. The EPD is for a specific product or product group, and only the EPD content of that product/product group has been verified and may be considered EPD information. You may, however, include a conversion factor for other purposes, see the answer to the question "May conversion factors be included in the EPD?".

What is the maximum file of an EPD?

We recommend that the EPD document is maximum 10 MB. PDF files can often be made smaller when saving from the layout application or by resaving the finalized PDF file.

Where can I find EPD documents?

EPDs are published by a programme operator following the ISO 14025 standard. All EPDs via the International EPD® System are published and freely accessible via our search portal. Since the start, more than 1800 EPDs have been published in the International EPD® System from organizations all around the world.

Besides the International EPD® System, EPDs can also be published by other programme operators and the EPDs should be available via their respective website. There are current and past initiatives to allow searching across the databases of multiple programme operators, such as the InData working group.

Are the LCA results of an EPD available in a data format for import into LCA software?

The standard output format of an EPD is a PDF document containing the information as mandated by the General Programme Instructions and the relevant Product Category Rules. This information consists of indicator results from the LCA study, but also other verified quantitative and qualitative information about the product, the company and the environmental impact. An EPD is thus more than the LCI/LCA indicators, but they form an important sub-set of the EPD.

EPD owners are welcome to publish the LCA/LCI information in parallel with the EPD at www.environdec.com or elsewhere for import into LCA software such as GaBi, SimaPro or openLCA.

What are the most important applications of an EPD?

An EPD provides relevant and verified information to meet the various communication needs. This may be relevant within the supply-chain and for end-products both in the private and public sector, as well as for more general purposes in information activities and marketing.

The potential uses and application include:

  • Green public procurement (GPP)
  • Environmental management systems (EMS)
  • Ecodesign
  • Business-to-business communication
  • Business-to-consumer communication
  • Building assessment schemes
How can EPDs be used in building rating and assessment schemes (e.g. BREEAM or LEED)?

The interest for environmental declarations in building rating systems and certification schemes has increased in the last few years. This may be due to recognition of EPD benefits such as the life cycle approach, the transparent disclosure of relevant impact categories and the independent verification.

LEED by the US Green Building Council (USGBC) is one of the schemes that have come the furthest in giving benefits for projects where EPDs are available to encourage the use of products with life-cycle information. In LEED v4 introduced in November 2013, two "points" are possible for projects that have product-specific declarations such as EPDs available and that demonstrates an impact reduction compared to an industry average. More information is available on the USGBC site: http://www.usgbc.org/credits/new-construction-core-and-shell-schools-new-construction-retail-new-construction-healthca-22

BREEAM has several national implementations where the requirements are somewhat different. Normally, only pre-approved national databases of LCA information are accepted. Please contact your local BREEAM national scheme operator for more information: http://www.breeam.org/

There are also other national and international building rating and assessment schemes that may or may not accept EPDs as part of their scope.

The International EPD® System is based on ISO 14025 (environmental declarations) and EN 15804 for applicable EPDs and PCRs. As a founding member of ECO Platform, the system works on harmonization efforts for EPDs for construction products across Europe. The International EPD® System is allowed to give the right to use the ECO Platform logotype on EN 15804-compliant EPDs for construction products during registration.

How can EPDs be used in public procurement?

There are three main methods on how to use EPDs in public procurement:

1. To obtain environmental information on the product. To get information on the environmental impact from the goods and serviced being procured can be seen as the first step in greening the procurement activities. Knowledge about the impact of the subject matter is vital in order to be able to put down relevant GPP criteria in the tendering documents. EPDs can therefore give very useful input to GPP, either in the market analysis or as a first step in greening the GPP.

Information obtained from the EPDs can also serve as environmental information to different stakeholders.

2. As verification on environmental requirements in the tendering documents. As the EPDs contain information on the products environmental impact in a life cycle perspective, the EPD can be used to verify compliance provided that the environmental requirements put in the tendering documents is information that can be found in an EPD. Examples on such requirements are:

  • the contents of hazardous materials and substances in the product
  • environmental requirements on the production of the product
  • energy consumption when using the product.

3. To reward the environmentally best product. Information in EPDs within the same product group and based on the same PCR can also be used to compare products from an environmental point of view and also to reward the environmentally best product. This must be done according what is allowed in the legislation and the reward criteria must be transparent and non-discriminatory.

How do I leave feedback or complaints on an EPD or other document?

For our quality management it is very important that the Secretariat get information if there are any irregularities with EPDs, PCR or other published documents. To file a complaint, send an e-mail to the Secretariat: info@environdec.com.

To handle the complaint we need information about name, registration number, etc. of the document complained of. The complaint also must be clear in what way the document not meets the requirements in GPI, ISO 14025, EN 15804 or other steering document.

Anonymous complaints are not considered.

How do I recognize an EPD conformant with ISO 14025 and/or EN 15804?

An EPD is a type III environmental declaration according to ISO 14025 or EN 15804. However, on the market there are other documents that could be mistaken for being type III environmental declarations, but rather should be seen as self-declarations or the results from LCA studies. Such documents are lacking some important characteristics of EPDs that are conformant with the standards.

Here are three important things to look for when reading a document claiming to be an EPD, with or without a reference to ISO 14025 or EN 15804:

  1. Reference to an EPD programme According to ISO 14025 and EN 15804, the EPD shall refer to the EPD programme under which it has been registered. The EPD programme operator is responsible for making sure that its documentation fulfills the requirements in the standards. The programme operator has many duties to fulfill, and is intended to ensure transparency and credibility in the declarations. As the programme operator shall maintain a public register over all registered EPDs it is also easy to check the validity of the EPD by visiting the website of the program operator or by contacting the operator.

  2. Reference to product category rules (PCR) The EPD shall also refer the PCR-document that has been used for the EPD development. The programme operator is responsible for that the PCR is developed according to the ISO standard. The PCR document ensures that the EPDs within the same product category are developed and presented in the same way and also gives information on the methods used in the life cycle assessment. The programme operator shall maintain a record over the PCR documents developed within the programme.

  3. Information on the verification The EPD shall have information on the verification process. Most EPD programmes requires a third party verification and the EPD shall contain information on the name of the verifier, which can either be a person or organisation. The EPD shall also give information on the validity date.

Is the EPD database available in a machine-readable format for import into my software/tool/database?

Incorporating data from EPDs into software platforms is currently ongoing discussion internationally.

For EPDs compliant with EN 15804, the International EPD® system allows the publication of a machine-readable LCA dataset in parallel to the EPD.

If an EPD owner wishes, the International EPD® system allow the publication of a machine-readable LCI dataset in parallel to the EPD. Such data sets are available on the individual EPD page and may be produced in multiple of the available formats currently available on the market. For machine-readable LCA datasets, the International EPD® system recommends following the format solutions that are compatible with the International EPD® system data hub and formats following developments from the InData working group.

Questions or suggestions on how the International EPD® system may enable or facilitate the use of EPDs may be sent to the Secretariat.

What considerations must be made when making claims based on EPDs?

Environmental claims are under hard scrutiny to ensure that consumers are not misled. The ISO standards in the 14020-series gives guidance focusing on things like the correctness of information (not being misleading), using scientific methods, using the life cycle perspective, transparency and including all relevant environmental aspects.

The contents in the EPD must be in line with the requirements and guidelines in ISO 14020. Any environmental claims based on the EPD is recommended to meet the requirements in ISO 14021 and national legislation and best available practices in the markets in which it will be used. The international standard ISO 14021 states that only environmental claims that can be supported by up-to-date and documented facts may be used. Vague claims about a product such as "environmentally friendly" should be avoided.

What is a climate declaration?

A Climate Declaration is single-issue declaration focused on the carbon footprint of the product. The emissions of greenhouse gases of a product are reported in kg CO2 equivalents from the different life cycle stages of the product.

Climate Declarations may be published based on a registered EPD, or if the full information about the other types of environmental impact of the product is available upon request. The Climate declaration shall give information on how to obtain information on the full environmental impact from the declared product.

What is the difference between an EPD and an environmental label?

Environmental declarations and environmental labels are tools that serve similar purposes but provide complementary information, depending on the purpose and target audience of the information. Both are voluntary instruments based on international standards and independent verification.

An EPD provides verified, objective and detailed information about the life cycle environmental impact of a product. Having a certified EPD does not imply any environmental advantage of the product itself, only that the presented information has been verified to comply with the rules set out in the General Programme Instructions and the relevant Product Category Rules. The reference standards are ISO 14025 for the management of a programme for type III environmental declarations and ISO 14040/14044 for the procedure to carry out a life cycle assessment (LCA).

An environmental label (type I) according to ISO 14024 is a third-party verified demonstration that the product fulfils certain environmental criteria as defined by the programme owner. The design of the programme is normally such that only a certain share of the market will fulfil these requirements, and thus intend to drive the market into a direction with a lower environmental impact.

What possibilities are there to make an "EPD tool" to create EPDs in a more cost-efficient way?

Different stakeholders currently refer to slightly different things when referring to the use of "EPD tools". The International EPD® System has several options for cost-effective EPDs:

The International EPD® System does not currently offer any way to create a fully automated EPD tool, from which the output may be published directly as an EPD. The reason is that such an approach would not have any verification in the way the tool has been used nor on the data input to the tool.

A company is very welcome to create and use an internal or external tool to use in carrying out an LCA. Such a tool needs no approval from the programme to be used, and the results and the EPDs based on the results are verified in the same way as though the calculations had been done in dedicated LCA software (SimaPro, GaBi, etc.).

The International EPD® System also offers these possibilities that are similar to what is referred to as "EPD tools" by some stakeholders:

  • A company may use an internal LCA tool as part of its EPD Process Certification. When using a tool together with a certified process or routines for making an EPD, this replaces external verification of each EPD.

  • An industry association may develop a pre-verified EPD tool to be used by its members. Such a tool would simplify LCA calculations as the tool would be verified to produce correct results based on a correct input. The resulting EPD would, however, still need to be verified.

Please contact the Secretariat at info@environdec.com for more information.

Who can help my company perform a life cycle assessment?

Performing a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) in accordance with the relevant Product Category Rules (PCR) is one of the largest tasks in the process to create an EPD. If such expertise is not available in-house, a consultant is often employed to assist and work with the company to collect the relevant data, model the product life cycle and calculate the results.

In its role as the programme operator according to ISO 14025, the Secretariat does not recommend any specific company or person for you to perform the Life Cycle Assessment.

As a service to companies and consultancies to more easily find each other, we have prepared a list of potential consultancies to consider under Resources.

In order to find the most suitable LCA practitioner for a specific project, it is recommended that companies ask for tenders from several potential candidates.

Are all EPDs compliant with EN 15804?

No, the European standard EN 15804:2012+A1:2013, “Sustainability of construction works - Environmental product declarations - Core rules for the product category of construction products” is limited to construction products. It is thus not applicable or used for EPDs of for example food and beverages.

For many key aspects, however, the International EPD® System has aligned with the standard for all product categories. This includes a five year validity of all EPD (instead of the previous three years ) and the main environmental indicators.

How do I link an EPD from my company website?

A manufaturer may link to their EPD in the International EPD System by using the format https://www.environdec.com/Detail/epdXXXX, where XXXX is replaced by the digits of the registration number.

Example: The EPD S-P-01234 is available via https://www.environdec.com/Detail/epd1234.

Linking directly to the PDF file should not be done as such a link may break at any time. Use of the website is subject to the General terms of use.

There is also an automatically-generated QR code on each EPD page that may be used to provide a link to the EPD page.

What is the requirement for comparability of EPDs?

The requirements for comparability of EPDs are set in Section 6.7.2 of ISO 14025. They involve the two EPDs covering the same product category, LCA methodology, environmental, indicators, additional environmental information, life cycle stages covered, EPD validity, etc.

Achieving these requirements is most easily met by two EPD registered based on the same Product Category Rules developed based on the general LCA methodology in the same EPD programme. Other EPDs may also fulfil these requirements, but this puts additional requirements on the reader of the EPD to understand if the information is comparable or not.

For construction products, Section 5.3 of EN 15804 sets additional requirements for comparability, e.g. that the EPD shall be cover the full life cycle and be in the building context to provide a tool of comparison.

What is a pre-certified EPD?

A pre-certified EPD allows you to publish environmental information for a product that is covered by a PCR under development, in case the PCR is for a new product category. Pre-certification is not applicable for a product category in the event of an existing PCR (valid or expired).

A pre-certified EPD shall be based on the current version of the General Programme Instructions and be valid for at maximum one year. After this, the pre-certified EPD shall be updated based on the published PCR.

Read more about pre-certified EPDs in Section 6.1.1 of the General Programme Instructions.

What is dual registration of EPDs?

When two EPD programmes have a Mutural Recognition Agreement (MRA) on EPDs, an EPD published in one programme (using the GPI and PCR of that programme) may be dually registered in the other programme, for increased market recognition and international harmonization of EPD rules.

This means that the logotypes of both programmes are added to the cover page of the EPD, that the EPD has two registration numbers (one for each programme), and that the EPD is visible in the EPD libraries of both programmes.

Read here for more information about the dual registrations possible in the International EPD System and the involved fees.

PCR FAQ

What is a PCR?

Product Category Rules (PCR) provide rules for how to develop an EPD for a specific product category, including instructions for the underlying life cycle assessment (LCA) and other content of the EPD.

PCRs are developed in the framework of a programme operating in accordance with ISO 14025, such as the International EPD® System.

How do I find and access existing PCRs?

All PCRs of the International EPD® System are listed in the PCR Library. For downloading a PCR, you must register and log in to the EPD Portal. Once logged in, click on the PCR library symbol on the top banner. This will bring you to the PCR library, now including documents. The Secretariat may assist you in finding the correct PCR. If you are uncertain on the applicability of a specific PCR, you may also contact the PCR Moderator.

How is a PCR developed?

The PCR development process is briefly described here and in more detail in Section 5 of the General Programme Instructions. All templates needed for the development process are available here.

Existing PCRs available at www.environdec.com shall be considered before starting the development of a new PCR to avoid overlaps in scope. Existing PCRs that cover a part of the life cycle of the product in question, such as agricultural products for processed food items, should be referenced for harmonisation across product categories and in supply chains.

Existing PCRs available in other programmes shall also be considered before developing a new PCR. Our work on global PCR harmonization include mutual recognition agreements (MRA) with other program operators and the PCR Partnership Programme (PPP).

How do I leave feedback or comment on a PCR?

During the PCR development process, there is an open consultation during which any interested party is welcome to provide comments. The open consultation is further described in Section 5.3 of the General Programme Instructions.

Also otherwise during PCR development, or during the PCR validity period, any stakeholder is welcome to provide comments on the PCR by contacting the PCR Moderator or the Secretariat by e-mail.

Who develops a PCR?

The PCR development shall be done in an internationally accepted manner based on an open, transparent, and participatory process either by:

  • companies and organisations in co-operation with other parties, such as trade associations and interest organisations,

  • institutions involving LCA/EPD experts in close cooperation with companies or trade associations and interest organisations, or

  • single companies or organisations in the event they have the necessary in-house competence or choose to engage outside LCA/EPD experts.

PCR development is done by a PCR Committee, coordinated by a PCR Moderator. The PCR Moderator is appointed by the programme operator based on an application, which is submitted to the Secretariat as part of the PCR Development Checklist. The PCR Moderator should have good project management skills, familiarity with EPDs and the industry/product category, and at least basic understanding of LCA. The PCR Committee should be balanced and include as many interested parties as possible from the geographical scope of the PCR, for example representatives from different companies and trade associations, to ensure broad acceptance and high quality of the final PCR.

The programme operator shall maintain the copyright of the document to ensure that it is possible to publish, update when necessary, and make available to all organisations to develop and register EPDs. Stakeholders participating in PCR development, either as part of the PCR Committee or by commenting during the open consultation, should be acknowledged in the final document and in the PCR Library at www.environdec.com.

What is the procedure for approving a PCR?

The final draft PCR shall be reviewed by the Technical Committee functioning as the PCR review panel, supported by the Secretariat. The review shall address:

  • whether the choices regarding LCA-based content (system boundary, allocation rules, environmental performance indicators etc,) and other content of the EPD are made according to the General Programme Instructions,

  • whether the PCR development process has been done according to the General Programme Instructions, and

  • how the PCR Moderator and PCR Committee have handled feedback received during the open consultation.

The results of the review should be documented in a PCR review report and shall lead to:

  • approval of the draft PCR, without need for changes,

  • approval of the draft PCR, after comments and suggested changes have been satisfactorily addressed, or

  • further review, after comments and suggested changes have been addressed.

If further changes are requested, the PCR Moderator and PCR Committee shall ensure that the review comments and suggested changes are considered in updating the draft PCR. The PCR may need several rounds of review by the PCR review panel and revision by the PCR Moderator and PCR Committee before its final acceptance.

What is the validity of a PCR

A PCR is valid for a pre-determined period of time to ensure that it is updated at regular intervals. This period is normally four years.

An expired PCR shall not be used to develop and register new EPDs, and shall not be used to update a published EPD to give the EPD a prolonged period of validity. To be possible to use for these purposes, the expired PCR shall first be updated with a prolonged validity period.

Where can I find the latest UN CPC classification?

The online version of the United Nations Central Product Classification is unfortunately no longer available. It may be downloaded in PDF format on this page: https://unstats.un.org/unsd/classifications/unsdclassifications/.

What can I do if the PCR I want to use is not valid anymore?

We try to update our PCRs before they expire, to prolong their validity period. In case a PCR has expired, the updating process has begun, but the updated PCR has not yet been published, the validity of the expired PCR can be prolonged with at maximum 1 year. The extension of the validity period can only be done once. Contact the Secretariat if you are interested in this opportunity: pcr@environdec.com.

How long does it take to develop a new PCR?

The full process usually takes 8-10 months. Normally from initiation to start of open consultation (i.e. the preparation of the first draft): 1-3 months. Open consultation 2 months. Update of the PCR based on the Open consultation: 1-2 months. Review: 6 weeks. Final update and publication 1-2 months.

How much work is it do develop a PCR?

For PCR Moderators, the workload will depend on several factors: the experience of the moderator, how many committee members there are, how many comments are received in the open consultation and in the review, etc. In a normal process the PCR Moderator is estimated to need about two weeks of full time during the 8-10 months development period.

PCR Committee members usually spend less time than the moderator, depending for example on the level of engagement and the working procedure. The moderator and the committee may organize their work in any way they want.

What is the cost for developing a PCR?

The only costs for the development of a PCR are the costs of the time spent by the PCR Moderator, the PCR Committee members and other involved parties. The Secretariat does not pay compensation for any of these costs.

How do I submit complaints on a PCR?

For our quality management it is very important that the Secretariat gets information if there are any irregularities with EPDs, PCR or other published documents. To file a complaint, send an e-mail to the Secretariat: info@environdec.com.

To handle the complaint, we need information about name, registration number, etc. of the document complained of. The complaint also must be clear in what way the document does not meet the requirements in GPI, ISO 14025, EN 15804 or other steering documents.

Anonymous complaints are not considered.

Can I include multiple similar products in the same EPD?

Rules for including multiple similar products in the same EPD can be found in Section 9.3 of the General Programme Instructions. These rules are also listed below, with some specifications and changes that will be implemented in the next update of the GPI, to be released in 2024.

Note that a specific PCR may include deviations or specifications to these rules. Further, some PCRs are based an old version of the General Programme Instructions (version 3.01 or older) in which the rules may be different from the current version - we still recommend following the current version, as all PCRs will be updated according to this.

Several sets of results are not allowed to be declared in the same EPD. However, similar products from a single or several manufacturing sites covered by the same PCR and manufactured by the same company with the same major steps in the core processes may be grouped and thereby included in the same EPD. For such an EPD, there are three options:

  • For each indicator, declare the average results of the included products. This average shall be weighted according to the production volumes of the included products, if relevant. In this option, the average content shall be declared in the content declaration.

  • Declare the results of one of the included products – a representative product. The choice of the representative product shall be justified in the EPD, using, where applicable, statistical parameters. For example, the choice may be based on production volumes. In this option, the content of the representative product shall be declared in the content declaration.

  • For each indicator, declare the highest result of the included products (i.e., the results of a “worst-case product”, which may be the results of one or several of the included products). In this option, the content declaration shall include the lowest amounts of recycled and biogenic content of the included products and their packaging, respectively, and the information on environmental and hazardous properties of substances shall reflect the highest share and most hazardous such substances contained in the any of the included products.

The first two options are only possible if none of the declared environmental performance indicator results (or only environmental impact indicator results, for some PCRs) differ by more than 10% between any of the included products. The third option is possible also if variations are larger than 10%. Note that, however, all three options are possible for EPDs following version 1.3.X or later of PCR 2019:14 Construction products, if justified, the variations are declared in the EPD, and the EPD does not claim compliance with ISO 21930.

The option chosen shall be clearly described in the EPD.

In addition to above options, sector EPDs are possible. See more in Chapter 9.3.2 of the GPI and the applicable PCR.

If the PCR is based on an old version of the GPI (version 3.01 or older), the EPD may include several products/product groups even if above requirements are not fulfilled, but then the results of each product/product group shall be separately declared. If the PCR is based on the current version of the GPI (version 4.0 or later), the EPD shall include no more than one set of results (but for certain life-cycle stages, several sets of results may be declared; see applicable PCR). This change of rules was done to improve machine-readability of EPDs and thereby facilitate digitalisation of the EPD system. To enable this change, the cost per EPD registrations was reduced significantly as of 1st January 2021. Even if older versions of the GPI allow the declaration of results for several products/product groups, we recommend you to declare no more than one product or average/representative product per EPD – to be prepared for a more digital future.

Note that you are not allowed to include a conversion factor in the EPD for the purpose of converting the declared results into results for products not covered by the EPD. The EPD is for a specific product or product group, and only the EPD content of that product/product group has been verified and may be considered EPD information. You may, however, include a conversion factor for other purposes, see the answer to the question "May conversion factors be included in the EPD?".

May I register an EPD for a product without 1-year production data?

In general, LCI data shall be based on data from at least 1 year of production. If such data is not available because the product has not yet been produced for 1 year, the LCI data may be based on data from a shorter time period (e.g. 3 months) provided that the data can be proved to be conservative or representative for 1-year data. In such cases, the product description shall include a disclaimer saying "Product recently on the market – LCI data is not yet based on 1 year of production" and the EPD shall be updated and re-verified when data from 1 year of production is available.

May the declaration of biobased or recycled content be based on generic data?

No.

When a product is made in whole or in part with biobased or recycled materials, the provenience of these materials shall be presented in the EPD as part of the content declaration. In case of recycled materials, it shall include both pre- and post-consumer materials according to the default rules in Section 9.5.4.1 of the GPI, but only post-consumer materials if the applicable PCR says so (see, e.g., PCR 2019:14 Construction products).

The declared share of biobased/recycled materials shall be based on the actual share of biobased/recycled material in the product (in average over the studied time period, normally 1 year of production). In other words, the share of biobased/recycled materials of, for example, global average production of the constituent materials, for example as stated in generic LCI datasets, shall not be used as the basis for the declaration of biobased/recycled content.

If the share of biobased/recycled materials is unknown, this part of the content declaration can be left out (unless otherwise required by the PCR) or it can be stated to be 0% (a conservative estimate) or unknown.

May conversion factors be included in the EPD?

Yes, conversion factors may be included for the purposes of:

(i) converting the declared results of a product group to results for specific products within the group, or

(ii) converting the declared results to results for another declared/functional unit.

For conversion factors to be possible, the results of all declared life-cycle stages/modules must scale linearly with the conversion factor.

The conversion factors must be verifiable, i.e., the underlying data for the conversion factors must be provided in the LCA report.

The conversion factors shall be included in the section Additional environmental information, although they may be referred to in the Results section.

Conversion factors can, however, not be included for the purpose of converting the declared results into results for products not covered by the EPD. The EPD is for a specific product or product group, and only the EPD content of that product/product group has been verified and may be considered EPD information.

What is specific data, selected generic data and proxy data?

As of version 4.0 of the GPI, specific data is defined as:

  • data gathered from the actual manufacturing plant where product-specific processes are carried out;
  • actual data from other parts of the life cycle traced to the product under study, for example site-specific data on the production of materials or generation of electricity provided by contracted suppliers, and transportation data on distances, means of transportation, load factor, fuel consumption, etc., of contracted transportation providers; and
  • LCI data from databases on transportation and energy ware that is combined with actual transportation and energy parameters as listed above.

This definition is also included in PCR 2019:14 Construction products as of version 1.2. Note that this is a clarification – but not a change – of the definitions in version 3.01 of the GPI or version 1.1 of PCR 2019:14.

This definition means that specific activity data that is combined with generic LCI data from databases, that is not data on transportation or energyware, cannot be considered specific, regardless of the level of representativeness of the generic data.

The GPI defines other data as generic data, divided into:

  • selected generic data: data (e.g. commercial databases and free databases) that fulfil prescribed data quality characteristics for precision, completeness, and representativeness (see Section A.4.1 in the GPI),
  • proxy data: data (e.g. commercial databases and free databases) that do not fulfil all of the data quality requirements of “selected generic data”.

PCR 2019:14, however, classifies all data that is not specific as proxy data.

Further, the GPI says that the environmental impacts associated with proxy data shall not exceed 10% of the overall environmental impact of the product system. This rule only applies for proxy data as defined in the GPI. In other words, EPDs of construction products shall use the definition of proxy data in the GPI when applying this rule, and not the definition of proxy data in PCR 2019:14.

May normalization be used in EPDs?

The results of normalization are not allowed to be reported in an EPD.

What can be declared as additional environmental information?

An EPD may declare environmental information in addition to the LCA results of the section on environmental performance results. The additional environmental information may cover various aspects of specific relevance for the product, for example:

  • the release of dangerous substances into indoor air, soil, and water during the use stage,

  • instructions for proper use of the product, e.g. to minimise energy or water consumption or to improve the durability of the product,

  • instructions for proper maintenance and service of the product, e.g. to minimise energy or water consumption or to improve the durability of the product,

  • information on key parts of the product that determine its durability,

  • information on recycling including, e.g. suitable procedures for recycling the entire product or selected parts and the potential environmental benefits gained,

  • information on a suitable method of reuse of the product (or parts of the products) and procedures for disposal as waste at the end of its life cycle,

  • information regarding disposal of the product, or inherent materials, and any other information considered necessary to minimise the product’s end-of-life impacts, and

  • information on permanent (more than 100 years) storage of biogenic carbon, either in the product, in a landfill, or as a consequence of applying carbon capture and storage (CCS) to the incineration of biogenic carbon, and how this would influence GWP-biogenic results if the GWP-biogenic indicator would allow consideration of such storage,

  • a more detailed description of an organisation’s overall environmental work, in addition to the information listed under Section 5.4.3, such as:
    - the existence of any type of organised environmental activity, and
    - information on where interested parties may find more details about the organisation’s environmental work.

Any additional environmental information declared shall be substantiated and verifiable, and be derived using appropriate methods and be specific, accurate, not misleading, and relevant to the specific product. Quantitative information is preferred over qualitative information.

The additional environmental information shall not include LCA results, with some exceptions (for construction products, see below footnote):

  • If the EPD owner wants to display results of several scenarios for use or end-of-life stages (in some PCRs denoted modules B and C), the most representative scenario (for the geographical scope of the EPD) shall be declared in the section on environmental performance results, and the other scenarios shall be declared in the section on additional environmental information.

  • If the GPI, this FAQ, or the PCR explicitly allows LCA results of alternative modelling methods to be declared, such results shall be declared in the section on additional environmental information. An example of such LCA results is the effect of considering permanent storage of biogenic carbon on GWP-biogenic results, as mentioned above.

The above means that unless the GPI, this FAQ, or the PCR allows the declaration of LCA results following an alternative modelling method, such results shall not be declared as additional environmental information. An alternative modelling method may, for example, be alternative system boundaries or an alternative allocation method.

Footnote: For EPDs following version 1.3.X or later of PCR 2019:14 Construction products, the additional environmental information shall not include LCA results at all, and the above listed exceptions may instead be included in a subsection of the environmental performance section. See the PCR for more information.

How shall the electricity market be defined?

“The market” in the hierarchy for selecting inventory data to model the electricity used, shall be defined as being the (residual or consumption) grid mix of the country where the electricity is used, with exceptions for specified countries for which sub-national electricity grid mixes shall be used: Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, India, and USA.

This specification of how the market shall be defined was added in the EPD and PCR FAQs, and in version 1.2.5 of PCR 2019:14 Construction products, in 2022-11-01. It will also be implemented in the next version of the GPI. To not interfere with ongoing EPD developments, there is a 6-month transition period ending 2023-04-30 under which other definitions of the market are accepted (but it is recommended to adhere to this specification also in the transition period).

How can I model electricity when data on the residual grid mix is not available?

In GPI version 4.0, and in many PCRs, it is said that option 4 in the electricity modelling hiearchy (electricity consumption mix on the market) shall not be used to model processes over which the manufacturer (EPD owner) has direct control. This means that unless specific electricity has been purchased (demonstrated by a Guarantee of Origin or similar), the residual grid mix has to be used (options 2 or 3 in the hiearchy). However, for some markets, the residual grid mix has not been publicly disclosed. In such cases, how to model the electricity mix depends on the PCR.

For example, as of version 1.3.2, PCR 2019:14 Construction products says that the residual mix may be conservatively estimated by subtracting renewables from the consumption mix on the market. So this is the option that shall be used for processes under the direct control of the EPD owner, in case specific electricity has not been purchased.

For older versions of PCR 2019:14 Construction products, and many other PCRs (including those that do not say anything on the matter, but which follow GPI 4.0), it is instead accepted to use option 4 also for processes over which the manufacturer has direct control (if specific electricity has not been purchased, so that option 1 is not a viable option).

Furthermore, note that the composition of the residual grid mixes on the market are available for all EU countries and a few additional European countries through the Association for Issuing Bodies (AIB) at https://www.aib-net.org/facts/european-residual-mix.

May mass balance approaches be used in an EPD?

Mass balance approaches are not allowed in the development of an EPD. Read more about our position on mass balance in Section A.4.2 of the General Programme Instructions.

May biogas certificates be used in an EPD?

No, biogas certificates is an example of a mass balance approach and as such it is not allowed in the development of an EPD. Read more about our position on mass balance in Section A.4.2 of the General Programme Instructions.

EPD Portal FAQ

How do I get in touch with a verifier?

In order to reach out to the verifiers and accreditation bodies you need to create an acocunt in the EPD portal and follow the below steps:

  1. Create an organisation for your company
  2. Create an EPD object in the company dashboard
  3. View step 1 in the EPD object and find the field for adding the verifier
  4. Click on “find more”. You will see the list of approved verifiers and if you click on each one you will find a button called “Inquire collaboration”. When you click this an e-mail will be sent to the verifier and they will reach out to respond to your query.

You can find the list of our individual verifiers as well as accredited certification bodies on our website by following the links.

How to register an EPD?

The EPD Portal is used to register EPDs. If you have not already, I welcome you to create an account on this link. Once you have created a user account you can proceed to create an organisation for your company in the portal.

When you are ready to register an EPD, you can follow the below steps starting from your company dashboard.

  1. Create a draft EPD by clicking on the “New EPD” button.

  2. Fill out all the necessary fields in steps 1 and 2, mandatory ones are marked with an explanation mark symbol. The information will be saved automatically, so you can leave the EPD editing any time. You will find the draft in your company dashboard.

  3. Once all the information is filled out it is time to send the EPD through to verification by clicking on “Start verification”. The verifier will be notified and proceed to review all the information. Once they have reviewed everything they will upload their verification report documents in step 3 and approve the EPD and you will be notified by e-mail. If you are registering an EPD using a Process Certification this step is skipped.

  4. Time to make the final registration. Go to step 4 and approve the service agreement. Once the checkbox has been checked you will be able to click on register EPD and the EPD will be sent to the EPD secretariate for final review which usually takes around 1-3 work days. The EPD will be published once the secretariate have approved it.

The above steps are demonstrated in our portal manual video which can be found here.

What is the invoicing process in the EPD portal?

Invoices are sent out through the portal as well. You can add the necessary invoicing information to your company in the company settings under the accounts tab.

We send out invoices quarterly and you will receive a notification from the system when it is time. You will first have to approve a quotation in the portal which will be visible in the dashboard in the grey box to the right. You can edit/add invoicing information such as invoicing address, PO number, reference and VAT before approving the quotation. Once approved, an invoice will be generated and sent to the invoicing address and the owner of the organisation. It will also be available for download in the portal.

You can find our pricing information following this link.

How do I list my LCA consultant company on the Environdec website?

To register as an LCA consultant in our system, feel free to register a user account in the portal. When you have logged in you will be able to create an “LCA consultant” organisation for your company in the portal. You will then be listed on our website as a developer as well as being able to be added to your clients EPDs in order for you to assist with EPD publications in the portal.

When you are ready to help a client register EPDs in the portal the process is as described below.

  • Your client, who will be the owner of the EPD, should create there own organisation in the portal.
  • When they have created an EPD object in the portal they can add you as an LCA consultant company to it. You will then be able to help them fill out all the mandatory fields for registering the EPD.

You can register as a user in the portal here: https://portal.environdec.com/register/user

How do i update my EPD in the EPD portal?

You can find information on EPD updates in section 6.5 of the General Programme Instructions.

If you are submitting an updated EPD document, please feel free to follow the below procedure:

  1. Make sure that a revision date is added to the cover page as well as a description of the differences versus pervious versions added somewhere in the document. More information on these aspects can be found in the attached file.

  2. In the portal when viewing the EPD, select the “start updating EPD” option.

  3. Remove the old document and upload the new one. Make any other necessary changes to the EPD. If this is an EPD for construction products you should also double check the machine readable data at the bottom of step 2. When you are ready to proceed, there are two options:

Click on start verification. This will allow your verifier to approve the EPD update as well as upload an updated verification report. When the EPD has been approved by the verifier you will receive a notice by e-mail that the EPD is ready for final registration. You will need to agree to the service agreement in step 4 before you can click on Register EPD. After this it will take 1-3 days for your update to be processed by the secretariat.

For purely editorial changes: Add a description of the changes in the box that will appear in the portal, then click on Register Editorial Update. The update will be sent straight to the secretariat for publishing.

Portal demonstration video

For general assistance with the portal you can find a portal video manual on this link.