Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs)
What is an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)?
An Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) is an internationally recognised method of presenting the environmental impact of a product in a transparent and comparable manner. Based on a comprehensive ecological assessment, the EPD enables companies to objectively measure and communicate their environmental performance.
The criteria for creating an EPD are strictly regulated and based on international standards. These depend on the type of declaration. In most cases, the international standards ISO 14025, 14040 and 14044 are applied and product categories (PCR) are used as a guide.
The criteria include a detailed life cycle analysis, third-party verification and regular checks to ensure that the information is credible and up to date. Environmental Product Declarations are valid for 5 years.
Why is EPD important for companies?
The importance of Environmental Product Declarations (EPD) for companies cannot be overestimated. Especially at a time when sustainable business practices and transparency with regard to environmental impacts are increasingly taking centre stage.
EPDs offer a standardised and objective method for assessing the environmental impact of products over their entire life cycle. It also enables these to be communicated transparently to customers, partners and stakeholders.
This is not only an essential step towards promoting environmental responsibility and sustainability within corporate management, but also a decisive factor in strengthening the brand image and increasing competitiveness.
All the advantages of EPDs at a glance
Our service
At PeoplePlanetProfit, we support you throughout the entire process of creating an EPD – from the initial data collection and analysis to the final document. Our expertise not only guarantees professional implementation in accordance with ISO 14025, but also individual advice to optimally address the specific needs of your company.
- Application or development of suitable product categories for your products
- Definition of the main products and system boundaries
- Utilisation of data from existing sustainability and management systems
- Definition of the life cycle
- Support with data collection and data management
- Use of LCA software such as LCA for experts (formerly GaBi) or Umberto with Ecoinvent database
- Calculation of the life cycle assessment in accordance with ISO 14040 and ISO 14044
- Preparation of background reports in accordance with required guidelines
- Creation of individualised EPDs, on request by a renowned programme provider
- Possibility to create a logo with a QR code as a marketing tool
- Provision of auditors for verification
You can find detailed information about our programme in our general programme guide and in the fee regulation.
The PPP Expert Committee (SVA) takes care of the validation of the PKR documents:
- Mr Andree Treffenfeld, Treffenfeld & Co. GmbH
- Mr Armin Hipper, Office for Sustainability & Business Ethics
- Mr Felix Matthies, PeoplePlanetProfit GmbH
Unique advantages with PPP
Working with us brings unique benefits. They not only support the creation of EPDs, but also the further implementation of more sustainable business practices. Ongoing support and training for employees are unique services that enable greater implementation success.
- Fast and efficient processing: State-of-the-art software and an experienced team guarantee rapid implementation.
- International team: Our global team is on hand to assist you with the creation of EPDs.
- Industry expertise: Our team has in-depth knowledge of sustainability and can draw on extensive experience in various industries.
- Customised solutions: Every company is unique. We therefore offer customised advice and services.
- Efficiency and time savings: We use standardised templates to help you speed up the creation process and use your resources more efficiently.
- International expertise: Our global network enables us to provide a comprehensive service, regardless of your location.
- Ongoing support: Even after the EPD has been created, we are there for you to further promote your sustainable development.
- Improved sustainability practices and a strengthened image: Improved sustainability practices can strengthen the image of the brand and the company. We help you to utilise the findings for your marketing strategy.
FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION
Want to find out more about how an EPD can drive sustainability in your organisation? Contact us today for a free initial consultation. Our team of experts look forward to working with you to develop customised solutions for your sustainability goals.
Patrick Wortner
CEO | MBA and Eng., Dipl.-Ing. (FH)
The EPD creation process
The creation of an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) makes it possible to understand and transparently present the environmental impact of a product over its entire or partial life cycle. The type of EPD and the associated requirements vary depending on the type:
- Type I (ISO 14024): Ecolabels/labels
Type I includes ecolabels that are awarded on the basis of criteria that are verified by an independent third party. These labels indicate that a product fulfils certain ecological standards.
- Type II (ISO 14021): Self-declaration
Type II refers to environmental claims that are self-declared by manufacturers, importers or distributors without the need for external verification. These self-declarations provide information on the environmental performance of a product from the perspective of the company.
- Type III (ISO 14025): Verified environmental product declaration
Type III EPDs are based on an independent verification of the environmental impacts of a product, represented by a comprehensive life cycle assessment (LCA) according to the ISO 14040/44 standards. They require compliance with Product Category Rules (PCRs) and provide a detailed and objective overview of a product’s environmental performance.
However, there are also various other legal bases and normative templates for different product or service categories. For construction products, for example, EN 15804 must also be taken into account.
Each of these EPD types plays an important role in promoting transparency and credibility with regard to the environmental impact of products. By selecting the appropriate EPD type and complying with the relevant ISO standards, companies can not only demonstrate their environmental responsibility, but also build trust with consumers and stakeholders.
The international standard ISO 14025 defines the framework for the creation, certification and publication of Type III EPDs, which enables consistent and transparent communication of the environmental performance of products and thus makes a valuable contribution to sustainable development.
ISO 14025 and its significance for environmental product declarations
An EPD in accordance with ISO 14025 is far more than just a document – it is a testimony to a company’s commitment to environmental protection and sustainability. This standard ensures that environmental declarations are comparable and reliable worldwide.
The information contained in the EPD ranges from greenhouse gas emissions to water consumption and waste generation. They provide a transparent and credible basis for environmentally conscious decisions by companies, consumers and political decision-makers.
Outlook: Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
The future of EPDs looks promising as more and more industries recognise the importance of transparent and responsible production. In a world that increasingly emphasises sustainability, EPDs are becoming an indispensable tool for companies looking to improve their environmental performance and strengthen their market position.
The continuous development of assessment methods and the increasing digitalisation of data collection and analysis will further simplify the creation of EPDs and increase their informative value.
Free initial consultation
Want to find out more about how an EPD can drive sustainability in your organisation? Contact us today for a free initial consultation. Our team of experts look forward to working with you to develop customised solutions for your sustainability goals.
Patrick Wortner
CEO | MBA and Eng., Dipl.-Ing. (FH)
Frequently asked questions
What is an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)?
An EPD is an objective and quantified representation of the environmental impact of a product, based on a comprehensive life cycle analysis, usually a life cycle assessment in accordance with ISO 14040/14044. The EPD complies with international standards, in particular ISO 14025, and provides transparent documentation of environmental performance.
How is the EPD created?
The creation of an EPD requires a detailed analysis of all environmentally relevant aspects of a product over its entire life cycle. This often involves working with specialised consultants and accredited auditors to ensure the accuracy and objectivity of the results. For all types of Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is required to quantify and transparently present the environmental impacts of a product over its entire life cycle, as required by international standards such as ISO 14025.
What added value does an EPD offer my company?
An EPD offers numerous benefits, including improving the company’s image, strengthening its market position and supporting the development of sustainable products. It facilitates communication with customers and stakeholders about the environmental performance of products and can contribute to compliance with regulatory requirements.
What role does the EPD play in the context of corporate social responsibility (CSR)?
EPDs are a key instrument in the context of CSR, as they enable companies to actively recognise and transparently communicate their responsibility towards the environment. They support a company’s sustainability goals by providing sound data that helps to improve environmental impact.
What steps need to be taken after creating an EPD?
Once finalised, companies should actively use the EPD to communicate their sustainability efforts. This can include integration into marketing strategies, publication on the company website or use as part of tenders and certification processes. It is also important to utilise the knowledge gained through the EPD for continuous improvement and innovation processes.