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Environmental Product Declarations (EPD) and Verification

An Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) is a third-party verified document that provides transparent, fact-based, and comparable information about the environmental impacts of a product or product group. It helps companies support their sustainability communications and strengthen trust among customers and stakeholders. Additionally, it is a useful tool in product development, as it offers fact-based data for reducing environmental impacts.

EPDs are based on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), which covers the environmental impacts of a product throughout its entire life cycle—from raw material acquisition to manufacturing, transportation, use, and end-of-life treatment. The use of EPDs has increased particularly in the construction industry, where they are utilized for calculating a building’s carbon footprint. EPDs support meeting the requirements of environmental certifications (LEED, BREEAM) and enable consideration of environmental criteria in various procurement processes.

EPD project phases

EPD project phases

  • 1
    Goal and scope definition
  • 2
    Data collection
  • 3
    LCA calculation and modelling
  • 4
    Preparation of an EPD
  • 5
    Third-party verification
  • 6
    Publication
  • 7
    Updating

1. Goal and scope definition

An EPD project begins with careful definition of its goal and scope:

  • Decide which product or product group the EPD will cover.
    • Identify products for which a carbon footprint calculation or a more approximate assessment based on EPD methodology may be sufficient.
  • The EPD can also be implemented using a component-based approach, which is particularly suitable for manufacturers with highly variable products or a wide product portfolio.
    • In such cases, the data required for the EPD is generated for product components that are used across multiple products.
    • This enables efficient creation and verification of accurate product-specific EPDs even for large and diverse product portfolios.
  • Select the EPD program. Etteplan has extensive experience producing EPD documents for various programs such as EPD International (Opens in new tab), Rakennustieto (Opens in new tab), EPD-Global (Opens in new tab), IBU EPD (Opens in new tab), and PEP ecopassport (Opens in new tab).
  • Select the applicable PCR (Product Category Rules), which define, among other things, the life cycle boundaries and scenarios related to use and end-of-life.

2. Data collection

We collect input data covering the entire life cycle for the EPD, including:

  • Raw materials and their quantities
  • Energy and fuel consumption
  • Transport
  • Manufacturing processes
  • Packaging
  • Waste and side streams

We support data collection by preparing tailored data collection templates, providing guidance during data gathering, and assessing the quality of collected data. If necessary, missing data can be supplemented using our databases.

We guide the client throughout the process to ensure that available personnel resources are used as efficiently as possible.

3. LCA calculation and modelling

  • We carry out life cycle modelling and calculations in accordance with international standards and relevant PCR rules
  • We use several well-known LCA software tools
  • We calculate environmental impacts across the life cycle, such as climate change, acidification, eutrophication, energy consumption, and natural resource use.
  • System boundaries, assumptions, limitations, and results are compiled into an LCA report. The report identifies the most significant impact drivers and provides recommendations for reducing environmental impacts.
  • Our internal quality assurance process and experienced team ensure reliability and compliance even before the verification phase.

4. Preparation of the Environmental Product Declaration

We prepare the EPD document, which includes:

  • Product description and intended use
  • Raw material composition and share of recycled materials
  • System boundaries, assumptions, and limitations
  • LCA results and environmental impact indicators

We always follow the format requirements of the selected EPD program and PCR rules.

5. Third-party verification

  • An independent verifier approved by the EPD program reviews the calculations and documentation
  • If necessary, revisions are made to the EPD and LCA background report before final approval

6. Publication

The EPD is published in the EPD program database and it is typically valid for 5 years.

7. Updates Are Required When

  • The product or its manufacturing process changes significantly
  • PCR rules or calculation methods are updated
  • The EPD validity period expires and needs renewal for the next five-year period

We also update EPD documents previously prepared by other providers.

Etteplan – your expert in the EPD process

Our EPDs are based on international ISO 14025 standard and the EN 15804 standard applied to construction products. Using these standards and product category rules (PCR), we ensure consistency, comparability, and independence of the declarations.

We support our clients in all phases of the EPD process, ensuring an efficient workflow and suitable product structuring—whether for extensive product portfolios or for multiple markets.

Our expert team has strong methodological expertise and experience from hundreds of EPD projects across various industries. Would you like more information or request a quote? We will be in touch shortly!

We also provide EPD verification

We offer EPD verification services, acting as an independent expert to ensure that declarations comply with applicable standards and product category rules. We perform verifications for EPD International (Opens in new tab), Rakennustieto (Opens in new tab), and EPD-Global (Opens in new tab) programs.

Verification is an essential part of the EPD process, guaranteeing the document’s reliability and market acceptance.

Explore our other LCA services!

We also offer Life Cycle Assessment and product carbon footprint calculation. Read more from the links!

Frequently Asked Questions

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Saija Vatanen

Department Manager, LCA & Sustainability