What Is an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)

What Is an Environmental Product Declaration?

Environmental Product Declaration (EPDs) are increasingly becoming a normal expectation from product manufacturers and suppliers, particularly in the construction and electronics supply chains.This is partially due to the increase in PAS 2080 certification - in early 2026, there were estimated to be over 200,000 EPDs for construction products globally.

An EPD is a document that provides information about a product and its environmental impacts. It contains comparable, objective, and third-party verified data and demonstrates a manufacturer’s commitment to measuring, reducing and communicating environmental impacts. They are based on a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of the product and are regulated by ISO 14025 and EN 15804 (for construction products) / EN 50693 (for electronic products). They are typically valid for 5 years.

Cradle-to-Gate vs. Cradle-to-Grave

The LCA data can either be ‘cradle-to-gate’ or ‘cradle-to-grave’, depending on the product type and standard used. ‘Cradle-to-gate’ (life cycle modules A1-A3) covers raw material extraction and transportation, through manufacturing, and transportation to the customers premises. ‘Cradle-to-grave’ (all relevant life cycle modules) covers the entire life cycle, including the installation, use and final disposal s the product. 

How EPD Impact Data Is Measured

An EPD presents this data in a convenient, transparent and comparable manner, using environment impact per ‘declared unit’, eg for contribution to global warming this might be kg CO2e per m3 of cement; for contribution to ozone layer depletion this might be kg CFC-11e per m of copper pipe; for contribution to soil and water acidification, this could be kg SO2e per m2 of insulation material; etc. 

To be trusted and to provide assurance, EPDs should be verified by a recognized, accredited verifier.

NQA, in partnership with our parent company, Kiwa, are able to provide a complete EPD service. From identifying and helping with your EPD needs, undertaking LCA using our dedicated software package, producing the EPD, and finally to having the EPD verified, we can help your business. Contact us to find out more.