Introduction of Environmental Product Declarations at Airvent

More on EPDs

01 – The Basics of EPD

Lifecycle Stages – EPD evaluates a product's lifecycle in three main stages:

• A1-A3 (Production Phase): Raw material extraction, transportation, manufacturing.
• B Phase (Usage Phase): Product operation, maintenance.
• C Phase (End-of-Life Phase): Demolition, waste management, recycling.

Optional

• A4-A5 Phases: Transportation and installation.
• D Phase: Recycling potential.

Environmental Impacts

EPDs typically quantify the following:

• Carbon dioxide emissions (CO₂-equivalent).
• Energy consumption (renewable and non-renewable energy).
• Water usage.
• Potential pollution, such as ozone depletion or acidification.

02 - Steps to Create an EPD

1. Select Product Category Rules (PCR): The foundation of the EPD is a set of rules specific to the product category (e.g., construction materials under EN 15804).
2. Data Collection: Record raw material and energy usage, manufacturing processes, and transportation data.
3. Perform Lifecycle Assessment (LCA): Analyze environmental impacts using computer modeling based on ISO 14040 and 14044 standards.
4. Compile EPD Documentation: Organize the data into a standardized template, including all calculated values.
5. Independent Verification: An accredited third party verifies the EPD to ensure data credibility.
6. Publication: Publish the EPD on an official platform (e.g., national or international EPD registries).

03 – Why Are EPDs Important?

• Transparency: Enables objective comparison of products from an environmental perspective.
• Sustainability Strategies: Assists companies in reducing their ecological footprint.
• Construction Regulations: EPDs are increasingly vital for construction projects requiring green certifications (e.g., LEED, BREEAM).