FAQ
Pre-verified tools help manufacturers in streamlining the EPD development and verification process.
When an EPD is developed using a pre-verified tool, the verifier does not need to review or confirm the LCA methodology or EPD requirements that have already been verified as part of the tool approval process. This simplifies the EPD verification process while maintaining the same quality and compliance standards.
The International EPD System offers 3 types of pre-verified tools:
Pre-verified LCA tool
Pre-verified EPD tool
Fully pre-verified EPD tool, includes API integration with the International EPD System
Pre-verified tools are particularly beneficial for organisations seeking to:
Digitalise EPD development workflow
Improve data maturity and scale scaling EPD development
Reduce the time and cost associated with the EPD development and verification
Pre-verified tools also help manufacturers prepare for evolving regulatory requirements, including the Construction Products Regulation (CPR 2024). They enable organisations to efficiently collect, calculate, and manage environmental data based on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodologies. This data can support organisations in meeting future environmental reporting requirements, including Declarations of Performance and Conformity (DoPC), Digital Product Passports (DPPs), and AVS 3+ environmental sustainability assessments under the CPR.
EPDs developed using pre-verified tools are subject to the same quality requirements as EPDs verified through individual EPD verification.
The quality and reliability of EPDs are ensured through two key processes:
Tool verification
Only approved individual verifiers or accredited certification bodies are authorised to perform verification of the pre-verified tools. The Secretariat of the International EPD System facilitates the appointment of the tool verifier, with formal approval by the Technical Committee to ensure impartiality and integrity. Appointed verifiers are trained in the applicable verification procedures before carrying out tool verification.
Tool approval
Following successful tool verification, the tool developer submits the required documentation through the application process. The Secretariat reviews the submitted documentation and conducts a live demonstration of the tool before granting approval. This comprehensive review ensures that the tool consistently generates EPDs in accordance with the applicable programme requirements. The review and approval process typically takes 1–2 weeks.
EPD International manages registered pre-verified tools through a dedicated Tool Handling Interface. The interface enables ongoing oversight of tool validity, annual verification status, applicable PCRs and c-PCRs, tool versions, supporting documentation, sampling activities, and EPD publication access. It also ensures traceability by recording which EPDs are generated by each tool version and linking every version to the relevant PCR or c-PCR.
Tool owners are notified when annual verification documents have not been submitted and when a tool is approaching its expiry date. EPD International may also perform sample checks, with the scope and frequency determined by the number of EPDs generated through the tool.
Where a deviation or non-compliance is identified, EPD International can document the issue, request corrective action, and temporarily suspend the affected tool version or its EPD publication access until the matter has been resolved and approved. All updates, approvals, communications, and decisions are recorded to provide full traceability and maintain a complete audit trail.
The costs associated with pre-verified tools include tool development and verification, which vary depending on the scope and complexity of the solution. Fully pre-verified EPD tools also require API integration with the International EPD System, which may incur additional costs. In addition, annual fees and EPD registration fees apply to EPDs developed using these tools.
Tool development cost
Development cost varies depending on the scope and complexity of the tool. Fully pre-verified EPD tools require API integration with the International EPD System, which may incur additional development cost.
Tool verification cost
Verification cost is determined by the appointed approved tool verifier or accredited certification body, and is also subject to the scope and complexity of the tool. The cost is agreed between the tool owner and the verifier, without the involvement of the Secretariat of the IES. The same applies to the annual verification required for fully pre-verified EPD tools.
Tool registration fee
There is currently no fee for tool approval or tool registration in the Internation EPD System.
API Integration fee
Please find API access on Pricing | Additional Services.
Please find registration fee and annual fee at Pricing | Publication Cost.
The International EPD System allows the use of pre-verified tools. The application of these tools simplifies the individual EPD verification or replace it with an annual check. A pre-verified tool that only generates LCA results is categorised as a pre-verified LCA tool. If the tool generates a complete EPD, including LCA results and all mandatory EPD information, it is categorised as a pre-verified EPD tool. For both tool types, the individual EPD verification can be simplified. If a pre-verified EPD tool can ensure the integrity of the input and output data, the individual EPD verification can be replaced with an annual check.
A company is very welcome to create and use an internal or external tool to use in carrying out an LCA. Such tools are not considered as pre-verified tools and does not need an approval from us as EPD programme operator 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.).
Another verification option for cost effective EPDs is EPD Process Certification, where the EPD owner handles the management of EPD data involved in the independent verification procedure by themselves and issues EPDs without a third-party verifier being involved in each case. In this option, it is also possible to incorporate a tool (not pre-verified) in the EPD process to facilitate the EPD development and speed up the process even further.
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 allows the publication of a machine-readable LCA dataset in parallel to the EPD. Such datasets are available on the individual EPD page and may be produced in several 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.
You can apply to become a Tool Verifier by completing the application form: Verifier Application – Become a Tool Verifier
In the International EPD System, an approved individual verifier may become a Tool Verifier, subject to additional approval through voting by the Technical Committee (TC) and EPD Compliance Team. We will receive all the required information through the application form, and applications are open throughout the year. Once we receive the completed form, we will proceed with the next steps.