Impacts, Risks, and Opportunities (IRO) for CSRD Reporting
1 min
Level
In this article, we’ll break down what IROs are, how to identify and assess them, and what CSRD requires in terms of disclosure.
ESG / CSR
Industries
MEASURE
ACT
COMFORM
What is an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)?
Level
In today’s push for more sustainable products, earning the trust and approval of investors, customers, and stakeholders is becoming increasingly challenging. Demonstrating the environmental impact of your product is now essential - but how can your company effectively communicate this?
This is where an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) proves invaluable. An EPD provides transparent, standardised data about a product’s environmental footprint, enabling companies to showcase their commitment to sustainability and meet growing regulatory demands.
In this article, we'll cover:
What an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) is
The standards and methodologies behind EPDs
Who uses and verifies them
Whether EPDs are mandatory
How companies can create an EPD
What is an Environmental Product Declaration?
An Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) is a standardised document that provides a detailed analysis of a product's environmental impact throughout its entire life cycle. From sourcing raw materials to disposal at the end of its use, an EPD quantifies a product’s environmental footprint in a clear and transparent manner.
EPDs are closely tied to Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs), which are rigorous processes used to evaluate the environmental impact of a product across each stage of its life cycle. An EPD uses the data gathered from an LCA to present this information in a structured and standardised format, making it accessible and actionable for stakeholders.
Who Benefits from EPDs?
EPDs are especially relevant for:
Customers
Who want to understand the environmental impact of the products they purchase.
Stakeholders
Investors and partners who need transparent, verified data to assess a product’s sustainability.
In addition to these elements, EPDs often highlight opportunities for reducing a product's environmental impact. For example, they may provide recommendations for users, such as recycling options or maintenance practices that could lower the product's overall carbon footprint.
What Does an EPD Involve?
An Environmental Product Declaration typically covers key aspects of a product’s environmental performance, such as:
Energy consumption
The energy a product uses across its life cycle – for example, a smartphone’s energy use from manufacture to end of life.
Resource use
The materials used in production, including whether they are ethically sourced or renewable.
Carbon emissions
Greenhouse gas emissions generated during production, transport, use, and disposal.
Waste production
Waste generated at end of life, including impacts from recycling, incineration, or landfilling.
Close
How did Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) Evolve?
Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) emerged in the 1990s to address the growing demand for transparent and standardised information regarding the environmental impacts of products throughout their life cycles. This initiative aimed to provide consumers, businesses, and regulators with credible data to facilitate informed decision-making and promote sustainability.
Key Milestones in EPD Development:
1990s – ISO standards lay the foundations for EPDs. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) introduces key standards that underpin Environmental Product Declarations.
ISO 14025 establishes Type III environmental declarations. This standard defines the principles and procedures for creating verified, standardised EPDs.
ISO 14040 and ISO 14044 formalise Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs). These standards provide the methodological framework for assessing environmental impacts across a product’s life cycle.
1998 – Launch of the International EPD System in Sweden. One of the first global platforms to register and publish EPDs in line with ISO standards.
2000s onwards – Integration into green building programmes. EPDs become recognised within certifications such as LEED and BREEAM, reinforcing their role in sustainable construction and product comparison.
What Types of Environmental Declarations are There?
Environmental declarations are categorised into three types, each serving distinct purposes:
ISO 14024
Type I environmental labels
Voluntary, third-party programmes that award a label based on multiple criteria. They indicate overall environmental preferability within a specific product category, considering life cycle impacts.
ISO 14021
Type II self-declared claims
Environmental claims made directly by manufacturers, importers, or distributors - without independent third-party certification. Claims must be accurate, verifiable, and not misleading.
ISO 14025
Type III environmental declarations
Verified declarations that provide quantified environmental data based on Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs). Typically used for B2B communication, and considered the most rigorous type due to strict rules and third-party verification.
Close
EN 15804 and TRACI 2.1
Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) must adhere to established frameworks and standards to ensure consistency, credibility, and comparability across industries and regions. Two significant frameworks that complement global standards like ISO 14025 are EN 15804 (European standard) and TRACI 2.1 (US framework). These frameworks define how the environmental impacts of products are assessed and reported.
🏗️ EN 15804 (EU)
Defines the core rules for creating EPDs for construction products and services in Europe.
Aligned with ISO 14025 and based on full life cycle stages - from raw material extraction to end of life.
Covers key impact categories such as Global Warming Potential (GWP), ozone depletion, and acidification.
Mandatory for construction product EPDs in the EU under the Construction Products Regulation (CPR).
💡 Example: A European concrete manufacturer must use EN 15804 to ensure EU-wide recognition.
🇺🇸 TRACI 2.1 (US)
A US environmental impact assessment framework developed by the EPA for LCAs and EPDs.
Reflects region-specific North American conditions and environmental priorities.
Includes impact categories such as smog formation, eutrophication, human health, and fossil fuel depletion.
Widely used for construction product EPDs and green building certifications like LEED.
💡 Example: A US flooring manufacturer uses TRACI 2.1 to align with regional standards and LEED criteria.
Both EN 15804 and TRACI 2.1 complement ISO 14025 by providing regional and sector-specific guidelines for EPD development.
Who Accredits Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs)?
Unlike Type I and II labels and claims, Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), must be verified and accredited by recognised systems or EPD program operators to ensure credibility and compliance with international standards. Simpler forms of environmental declarations, such as Type II claims, may be self-declared but still require accuracy and verifiability.
Verified EPD: Key Accreditation Bodies:
🌍
International EPD System
A globally recognised EPD programme aligned with ISO 14025 and EN 15804. It enables companies to register and publish verified EPDs in a public database.
🏗️
UL Environment
A US-based certification body specialising in EPDs for building materials and consumer goods, with strong alignment to LEED requirements.
🇬🇧
BRE Global
A UK-based organisation that certifies EPDs mainly for construction products, supporting compliance with BREEAM and EN 15804.
🧪
NSF International
Provides EPD certification across construction, manufacturing, and consumer products, ensuring compliance with international standards.
How EPD Accreditation Works:
The EPD verification process typically involves the following steps:
🔍
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
A detailed assessment of a product’s environmental impacts across its full life cycle - from raw material extraction to end of life.
✅
Third-party verification
Independent experts review and verify LCA data to ensure accuracy, transparency, and compliance with international standards.
📢
Registration and publication
Once verified, the EPD is registered with an accredited programme and published in a public database for stakeholder access.
Why Accreditation Matters:
Accreditation ensures that EPDs are credible, standardised, and globally recognised. This is critical for:
🤝
Build trust
Strengthens credibility with stakeholders and consumers through transparent, verified information.
📜
Ensure compliance
Supports regulatory requirements and eligibility for green building certifications.
📊
Substantiate sustainability claims
Provides robust, verified data to support sustainability claims and reduce greenwashing risk.
By adhering to accredited systems, EPDs maintain their integrity and serve as reliable tools for environmental transparency.
What are Environmental Impact Categories?
Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) provide a standardised way to measure and communicate a product’s environmental impact across various stages of its life cycle. EPDs typically include a range of impact indicators, which quantify different environmental effects. These indicators help stakeholders understand the full extent of a product’s sustainability profile.
| Impact indicator | What it measures | Example application |
|---|---|---|
|
🌍 Global Warming Potential (GWP)
|
Quantifies greenhouse gas emissions to show a product’s contribution to climate change. |
Example: CO₂e emissions from steel production used in construction.
|
|
🛡️ Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP)
|
Assesses emissions that contribute to depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer. |
Example: Impacts of refrigerant emissions from cooling systems.
|
|
🌧️ Acidification Potential (AP)
|
Measures emissions that can lead to acid rain and damage ecosystems and buildings. |
Example: SO₂ emissions from manufacturing processes.
|
|
🌊 Eutrophication Potential (EP)
|
Tracks nutrient pollution that can cause algae growth and degrade water quality. |
Example: Nitrogen runoff linked to agricultural production.
|
|
🌫️ Photochemical Ozone Creation Potential (POCP)
|
Evaluates emissions that contribute to ground-level ozone and smog. |
Example: VOC emissions from paints and coatings.
|
|
🛢️ Abiotic Resource Depletion (fossil fuels)
|
Examines depletion of finite energy resources such as oil, gas, and coal. |
Example: Fossil energy required to produce plastic packaging.
|
|
💧 Water use
|
Measures freshwater consumption across the product’s life cycle. |
Example: Water used during textile production.
|
|
🌿 Land use
|
Assesses land area impacted, including habitat disruption and land-use change. |
Example: Land-use change linked to agriculture or extraction.
|
|
🫁 Human health impacts
|
Evaluates potential impacts on human health from pollutants or hazardous substances. |
Example: Particulate matter emissions affecting local air quality.
|
|
♻️ Waste generation
|
Quantifies waste produced at different life cycle stages, including end-of-life. |
Example: Construction waste generated from building materials.
|
What Are the Benefits of an Environmental Product Declaration?
An Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) is a powerful tool that helps companies navigate the growing demand for sustainable practices. By providing standardised and transparent data on a product’s environmental impact, an EPD can bestow the following advantages:
🌿
Greater sustainability
EPDs highlight a product’s impacts across its life cycle, helping companies identify hotspots and set practical targets to reduce emissions and waste over time.
🤝
Transparency and trust
Verified, standardised data helps build credibility with customers, investors, and partners - especially when sustainability claims need to be backed by evidence.
🔗
Supply chain efficiency
EPD insights make it easier to work with suppliers on lower-impact materials, manufacturing, and logistics - improving the footprint of the full value chain.
🧠
Better decisions
EPD results support smarter choices - from improving energy efficiency to reducing water use and selecting materials with lower environmental impacts.
📣
Marketing advantages
EPDs provide credible, third-party-verified information to support product communications and reduce greenwashing risk in sustainability marketing.
🛡️
Compliance support
Even when EPDs aren’t strictly mandatory, they can support compliance with procurement requirements, regulations, and green building certifications.
By adopting an EPD, companies can enhance their brand image, improve supply chain management, and align their operations with sustainability goals, ultimately boosting business efficiency and performance.
Close
Is an Environmental Product Declaration Mandatory?
While Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) are not universally required by law, certain regions and countries are increasingly integrating EPDs into regulatory frameworks. These efforts reflect a growing recognition of EPDs as essential tools for sustainability, transparency, and compliance with environmental goals.
EPDs in the UK, the US, and the EU: Regulatory Landscape
Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) are increasingly integrated into sustainability regulations and frameworks across the UK, the US, and the EU. While not universally mandatory, their adoption is driven by specific regional requirements, voluntary green certifications, and global sustainability goals.
🇬🇧 EPDs in the UK
Primarily used in the construction sector and supported by green building schemes such as BREEAM.
Mandatory use: Not legally required across all industries, but increasingly important for net-zero construction and infrastructure projects.
Public procurement projects often prioritise materials with EPDs to meet sustainability targets.
The UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) promotes EPDs as part of sustainable construction best practice.
Green building certifications: BREEAM awards credits for products with verified EPDs aligned with EN 15804.
💡 Example: HS2 integrates EPDs into procurement to reduce the environmental impact of construction materials.
🇺🇸 EPDs in the US
Increasingly used to meet state and federal sustainability requirements, particularly in construction.
Mandatory use: The Buy Clean California Act requires EPDs for materials such as steel, glass, and concrete in state-funded projects.
The Federal Sustainability Plan encourages federal agencies to prioritise low-carbon materials supported by EPDs.
Green building certifications: LEED relies heavily on EPDs for credits related to materials and resources.
Incentives: The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) provides financial incentives for using sustainable construction materials.
💡 Example: The Empire State Building retrofit used EPDs to select LEED-aligned, lower-carbon materials.
🇪🇺 EPDs in the EU
The EU is a global leader in EPD adoption, driven by the European Green Deal and circular economy objectives.
Mandatory use: The Construction Products Regulation (CPR) requires EPDs for certain construction materials, in line with EN 15804.
The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) links EPDs to imported goods, requiring verified declarations for access to the EU market.
Green building certifications: BREEAM, HQE, and DGNB integrate EPDs into their sustainability criteria.
Product Environmental Footprint (PEF): Encourages the use of EPDs to harmonise and improve product environmental performance across sectors.
💡 Example: Projects like the Grand Paris Express use EPDs to meet EU sustainability targets and reduce construction-related emissions.
What Are Some Examples of EPD-Driven Initiatives?
EPDs are playing an increasingly critical role in driving sustainability across industries and regions. They are being actively used in various programs and regulations to foster transparency and environmental responsibility.
Examples of EPD Applications:
🏗️
Green building certifications
LEED and BREEAM use EPDs to award credits for lower-impact materials - helping projects meet stricter sustainability criteria.
🔗
Supply chain optimisation
Companies use EPDs to collaborate with suppliers, reduce emissions, and improve environmental performance across the value chain.
🇫🇮🇸🇪
Nordic construction standards
Finland and Sweden integrate EPDs into construction guidelines to lower the Global Warming Potential (GWP) of materials in major projects.
🌍
Global regulatory efforts
Initiatives such as the EU’s Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) and the US Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) encourage EPD use to cut embodied carbon.
These examples underscore the growing influence of EPDs in advancing sustainability goals. Companies that proactively adopt EPDs are not only aligning with regulatory requirements but are also positioning themselves as leaders in transparent and responsible business practices.
Industry-Specific Applications of EPDs
Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) have broad applications across various industries, helping companies assess and disclose the environmental impacts of their products. Below are examples of how different sectors leverage EPDs to drive sustainability, enhance transparency, and meet regulatory requirements:
| Industry | Role of EPDs | Example | Key impact |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Construction
LEED • BREEAM
|
Enable architects, builders, and developers to compare materials and select lower-impact options - supporting certification requirements. |
Pyroguard: Published verified EPDs for fire-resistant glass to demonstrate performance and build trust.
|
Supports compliance and strengthens credibility in sustainable building projects. |
|
Manufacturing
Product transparency
|
Provide credible, comparable data on product environmental performance - supporting transparency and meeting stricter expectations. |
ABB: Uses EPDs to disclose product footprints and align with global environmental requirements.
|
Builds stakeholder trust and supports competitiveness in regulated markets. |
|
Consumer goods
Packaging • use phase
|
Offer clearer visibility on product impacts - from materials and packaging to energy use - meeting rising consumer expectations. |
IKEA: Uses EPD-style assessments to improve product sustainability and support climate-focused targets.
|
Strengthens brand confidence and aligns with market and policy trends. |
|
Electronics
Energy • end of life
|
Quantify impacts like energy use, resource intensity, and end-of-life outcomes - informing design improvements and eco-label alignment. |
Samsung: Uses EPD/LCA data to assess device footprints and support efficiency improvements.
|
Drives product innovation and improves appeal to eco-conscious buyers. |
|
Automotive
Materials • components
|
Assess impacts of materials and components to improve life cycle performance and support emissions-related reporting and targets. |
Volvo Cars: Uses environmental declarations to assess materials and production impacts within supply chain strategies.
|
Supports transparency and progress toward lower-impact mobility solutions. |
From construction to electronics, EPDs empower companies to make informed decisions, comply with regulations, and build trust with customers and stakeholders. By integrating EPDs into their operations, businesses across all sectors can reduce their environmental impact, improve transparency, and gain a competitive edge in the sustainability-driven marketplace.
EPDs in Action: Case Studies
Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) are driving sustainability initiatives across various industries. Below are two compelling examples highlighting their role in reducing emissions and improving transparency.
🇫🇮 Case study: Finland (construction)
Context: EPDs aren’t strictly mandatory, but are strongly encouraged to support sustainability goals and align with EU construction requirements.
What happened: A bitumen waterproofing membrane was reassessed using EPD methodology - the estimated GWP shifted from 0.40 to 0.48 kg CO₂e/kg.
💡 Takeaway: More accurate data supports better material choices and helps reduce emissions at scale across construction projects.
🏢 Case study: Kingspan Group
Context: Kingspan uses EPDs and LCAs to disclose impacts and strengthen transparency for construction products.
How EPDs help: Identify design improvements, work with suppliers to reduce impacts, and meet market demands (e.g., LEED and BREEAM).
💡 Takeaway: Verified product data can support innovation, compliance, and stronger positioning in sustainability-focused markets.
How Can Your Company Obtain an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)?
Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) are vital tools for demonstrating transparency and commitment to sustainability. If your company is considering obtaining an EPD, here’s a practical guide that walks you through the process:
1
Understand the purpose of an EPD
- What it offers: A life cycle view of your product’s environmental impacts.
- Why it’s valuable: Builds trust, supports compliance, and aligns with sustainability goals.
- What to prepare: Time, resources, and reliable data.
💡 Key tip: Define your goal early (compliance, stakeholder trust, or competitive advantage).
2
Assemble your team and resources
- Internal team: Sustainability, product, and supply chain leads to gather and analyse data.
- External partners: Third-party verifiers, LCA consultants, or programme operators.
- Tools: LCA and data management software to streamline collection and reporting.
💡 Consider this: If you already use a carbon management platform, it can simplify data gathering for an EPD.
3
Map your product’s life cycle
Define your system boundaries - which life cycle stages are included (so results are meaningful and comparable).
- Raw materials: Origin and environmental impacts of inputs.
- Manufacturing: Energy use, emissions, and waste from production.
- Distribution: Packaging and transport impacts.
- Use phase: Energy and resources consumed during use.
- End of life: Disposal, recycling, and waste outcomes.
💡 Actionable insight: Create a visual life cycle map to spot hotspots and prioritise data collection.
4
Collect and validate data
- Primary data: From your own operations and supply chain where possible.
- Secondary data: Databases and benchmarks where primary data isn’t available.
- Data gaps: Identify early and fill with credible estimates where needed.
💡 Pro tip: Use standard formats aligned with ISO requirements (e.g., ISO 14025 and ISO 15804).
5
Develop your EPD
- Follow PCRs: Product Category Rules define what must be included for your product type.
- Draft the EPD: Impacts, life cycle stages, and end-of-life guidance (where relevant).
- Third-party review: Submit to an accredited verifier for validation.
Checklist:
- Environmental performance metrics
- Life cycle stage breakdowns
- Verification and certification details
6
Register and share your EPD
- Register: Publish with a recognised programme operator (e.g., International EPD System).
- Make it accessible: Share via public databases and with customers, suppliers, and regulators.
💡 Maximise impact: Use your EPD in product communications to show transparent, verified performance data.
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Even with the best intentions, companies can encounter obstacles while obtaining an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD). Below is a table outlining the most common challenges and actionable solutions to address them.
Data complexity
Collecting life cycle data across materials, production, and end of life can quickly get overwhelming.
Tap to see solutions
Solutions
- Start with a pilot product to keep scope manageable.
- Use LCA software to centralise and structure data.
- Standardise supplier data-sharing processes.
High costs
LCAs, consultants, and third-party verification can require significant investment.
Tap to see solutions
Solutions
- Share costs through industry initiatives or partnerships.
- Explore grants or sustainability funding programmes.
- Prioritise high-impact products to maximise ROI.
Regulatory uncertainty
Requirements can vary by region and evolve over time, making compliance harder to track.
Tap to see solutions
Solutions
- Monitor updates to key standards (e.g., CPR, ISO).
- Work with programme operators who know local rules.
- Build flexibility into your approach for future changes.
Resource limitations
Smaller teams may lack the expertise, tools, or bandwidth to complete an EPD efficiently.
Tap to see solutions
Solutions
- Outsource to LCA experts or accredited verifiers.
- Use PCR templates and operator guidance to streamline.
- Build internal capability over time through training.
Supply chain data gaps
Supplier data can be incomplete, inconsistent, or slow to obtain - especially in multi-tier chains.
Tap to see solutions
Solutions
- Use secondary data (e.g., Ecoinvent) where needed.
- Launch supplier engagement to improve data quality.
Communication barriers
It can be hard to get buy-in if stakeholders don’t understand the value or process.
Tap to see solutions
Solutions
- Create simple internal materials that explain the “why”.
- Use case studies or benchmarks to show benefits.
Obtaining an EPD is a comprehensive process, but it’s also an opportunity to strengthen your brand’s sustainability credentials. By following this guide, your company can create a credible, impactful EPD that aligns with global standards and resonates with stakeholders.
Close
Environmental Product Declaration FAQs:
How long is an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) valid for?
Most EPDs are valid for five years, after which they must be reviewed and updated. An update may also be required earlier if there are significant changes to the product, manufacturing process, energy mix, or underlying data used in the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA).
Can one EPD cover multiple products?
Yes – in some cases. Collective, generic, or “worst-case” EPDs can cover a family of similar products, provided they follow the relevant Product Category Rules (PCRs). However, product-specific EPDs offer greater accuracy and credibility, especially for procurement and certification purposes.
Are EPDs consumer-facing documents?
EPDs are primarily designed for business-to-business (B2B) communication, such as procurement, construction, and regulatory reporting. That said, many companies make EPDs publicly available to support transparency and sustainability claims for customers and investors.
What is the difference between an EPD and a carbon footprint label?
An EPD provides a multi-impact, life-cycle-based assessment, covering a wide range of environmental indicators (not just carbon). A carbon footprint label focuses solely on greenhouse gas emissions, often without the same level of standardisation, system boundaries, or third-party verification.
How Greenly Can Help
Save Time & Reduce Costs
Leverage AI automation & direct integrations to generate thousands of LCAs at a fraction of the cost, while accessing the Greenly Sustainability Suite.
📂 Upload your BOM & get a regulatory-compliant template. 90% of the LCA process automated.
🔌 Plug-and-play integrations (ERP, PLM, eCommerce)
🔗 Connected with the Sustainability Suite for corporate alignment
✅ Compliance (ISO 14040.44, ISO 14067, EPD, FDES, PEP) + 1-click audit-grade reporting generation
Make Eco-Design Your Everyday Tool
Our intuitive, no-code platform empowers product managers to run impact calculations, test design changes, and simulate low-carbon substitutions.
🏗️ Build a strong reference framework to apply consistently across your portfolio.
♾️ Generate unlimited LCAs for your entire product portfolio.
📑 Choose any LCA type (ISO, EPD, FDES, Service, etc.) and our platform will guide you through every step..
🔍 Granular analyses (materials, components, processes) with data visualisations.
🔄 Multi-scenarios: duplicate LCAs, adjust factors & compare.
Precision & Reliability with Science-Backed Data
Our LCAs are based on ISO-aligned methodology and reference databases, ensuring compliance with the strictest regulatory standards.
📐 ISO-aligned methodology (14040.44 & 14067)
📚 300k+ Emission Factors (Ecoinvent, IEA, Agrobalyse, EPD, PEF, etc.)
✍️ Create & use your own custom emission factors
🤝 Supplier-specific factors via self-service LCA modules
📊 Multi-criteria analyses aligned with EPD / FDES / PEP
Become Your Own LCA Expert
Our platform is designed to make every user more confident in LCA and eco-design.
🎥 Online training: learn how LCAs work & understand regulations (EPD, FDES, PEP…)
✅ Automated verification & quality control (no manual cross-checks)
💬 Expert support & guidance: 8.5/10 CSAT, 17-min avg. response time
Sources: Share this article
Subscribe to the CSO Connect Newsletter
We care about your data in our privacy policy.
More articles
View all
What are the 3 Pillars of Corporate Sustainability?
1 min
Level
In this article, we'll explore what the 3 pillars of corporate responsibility are, why they're important, and how businesses can turn them into practical action.
What is Lean Management?
1 min
Level
In this article, we’ll explain what lean management is, the five principles, and how your company can get started with lean management.
10 Reasons to Track a Corporate Carbon Footprint
1 min
Level
In this article, we’ll explain what a corporate carbon footprint is, why it’s important, how it is measured, and reasons why your company should track it too.
