EPD (Environmental Product Declaration) is a document that provides a detailed explanation of a product’s environmental impacts, prepared in accordance with international standards. This document analyses and transparently presents the environmental effects of a product throughout its life cycle from raw material extraction to production, use, and disposal. EPD certificates are prepared in compliance with standards such as ISO 14025 and EN 15804.
How Can I Find the Companies that Have EPD Certificates? Do My Competitors Have EPDs?
To find companies that have EPD certificates, you can access the databases of EPD organizations. EPD documents are publicly available and, published EPD certificates are openly accessible on the websites of the EPD organizations.
EPD Organizations
EPD certificates are issued by independent and accredited organizations that manage the analysis of a product’s environmental impacts and the certification process.
EPD International is the most widely used global EPD system. However, there are also many other EPD programs which are given below:
- FDES (FR)
- EPD Norge (NO)
- IBU (DE)
- UL Environment (USA)
- PEPecopassport (FR)
- EPD Hub
- RTS EPD (FI)
- EPD Italy
- EPD Danmark
- SM Transparency Report (US)+
- BRE EN 15804 EPD (UK)
- MRPI (NE)
- Kiwa-Ecobility Experts
- ITB (POL)
- NSF (EN 15804) (USA)+
- GlobalEPD (ESP)
- EPD Belge (BEL)+
- EPD Ireland
- EAA EPD (Aluminium)+
- Global Green Tag (AUS)
- SCS Global (USA)+
- DAPHabitat (PRT)
- IFT Rosenheim (DE)
- Smart EPD+
- Tata Steel EPD+
- Bau EPD (AUT)
- P3 Optima (US)+
- ZAG (SVN)+
- DAPcons (ESP)
- Cemsuisse+
- Cembureau+
- SUGB (CH)
- EPD China
How Much Do EPD Certificates Cost?
EPD certificate fees are primarily divided into application and consultancy costs and vary based on the following factors:
- Product Complexity: Complexity of life cycle assessment (LCA) increases the costs.
- Certification Body: Different organizations have varying pricing policies. Verification and certification fees may differ based on the number of applications, company size, and region.
- Product Category Rules (PCR): The availability of a suitable PCR or the need to developing PCR affects the costs and processing time.
- Consultancy Services: EPD and LCA consultancy services vary by consultant and expert.
How to Apply EPD Certificate?
EPD certificate application steps:
- Product Selection: Identify the product for EPD certificate.
- Product Category Rules (PCR): Select the appropriate PCR for the product or develop PCR if there is not relevant.
- Life Cycle Assessment (LCA): Analyse the environmental impacts of product throughout its life cycle, considering the criteria specified in the PCR.
- Documentation & Application: Prepare the required documents for the EPD and submit for application.
- Review & Approval: The EPD organization reviews and approves the certificate.
- Publication: The EPD certificate is published in the database of the EPD program after review and approval.
What Are Product Category Rules (PCR)?
Product Category Rules (PCR) define the guidelines for preparing an EPD for a specific product category. The PCR includes details on how environmental impacts should be calculated, what data should be collected, and how it should be reported. PCRs are product group specific and are usually prepared by industry representatives or relevant organizations. To obtain an EPD certificate, a PCR must either exist for the relevant product category or a new one must be developed.
