Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs): What They Are, Benefits, and How to Create One

In a world increasingly aware of the importance of sustainability, Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) have become an essential tool for assessing and communicating the environmental impact of products and services.

What is an EPDs?

An EPD is a type III eco-label based on the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of a product or service throughout its value chain—from raw material extraction to end-of-life.
It is developed according to Product Category Rules (PCR). PCRs assess groups of products with similar functions under common criteria, enabling comparisons. This means that if different EPDs are based on the same PCRs, they are comparable.
The requirements for EPDs are defined in ISO 14025, which also includes verification by an accredited body.

What are eco-labels?

Eco-labels are indicators attached to products or services that help consumers identify whether a product meets certain environmental standards.
In recent years, more and more products and services have adopted them. Eco-labels are classified as follows:

• Type I Eco-labels: Labels indicating low environmental impact, regulated by ISO 14024. For example, the EU Ecolabel.
• Type II Eco-labels: Self-declared environmental claims that do not require third-party certification. For example, claims about CO₂ emissions during production.
• Type III Eco-labels: Labels based on quantified environmental data, verified by an accredited third party. For example, Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs).

These labels offer an opportunity for differentiation and demonstrate social and environmental responsibility.

Advantages and Benefits of EPDs

EPDs are useful for creating ecosystems of sustainable product design and development. Currently, they are voluntary, but it is likely they will become mandatory in the future.
They allow consumers, companies, and public bodies to make purchasing decisions based on credible and comparable sustainability information.
EPDs are positively valued in public procurement processes. Additionally, they contribute points toward sustainable building certifications (LEED, BREEAM, DGNB, Verde).
The UNE-EN 15804 standard on sustainability in construction explains how to create EPDs. It is a key pillar in sustainable construction, focusing on reducing the environmental impact of construction products.

I Want to Create an EPDs for My Product — What Steps Should I Follow?

Creating an EPD involves 5 steps:

1. Choose a Product Category Rule (PCR). If no PCR exists for a product group, a new one can be developed.
2. Conduct a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to quantify the product or service’s environmental impacts.
3. Compile the information into the EPD format. There are guides to help structure the document.
4. Verification by an accredited body. A report is issued confirming compliance with ISO 14025 requirements.
5. Register and publish the EPD.

The estimated time to complete an EPD is between 2 to 12 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can the same company that conducts the LCA also verify it?
  No. The LCA must be verified by an external, accredited organization.
• I have calculated my product’s carbon footprint. Is that enough for an EPD?
  No. A carbon footprint alone is not sufficient. An EPD requires a full LCA that includes multiple environmental impact categories beyond just carbon emissions.