An EPD primer.
What is an Environmental Product Declaration?
EPDs (Environmental Product Declarations) are third-party reports that transparently document a product’s environmental impact during its lifetime. EPDs are used across industries to show regulatory compliance as well as progress toward voluntary climate goals. Manufacturing companies that pursue EPDs:
Attract new customers
Access new domestic and international markets
Boost to net revenue
EPDs for manufactured products across industries
Construction: The building industry contributes about 40% of the total carbon emissions toward global warming, with a large percentage of those coming from the lifecycle and embodied carbon of fabricated parts. In response, EPDs are now standard in construction projects and requirements of CALGreen and LEED v5.
A+D & Lighting Design: Architects are signing onto the AIA 2030 Commitment and relying on products with EPDs to quantify and reduce the total carbon value of their completed projects.
Learn more about the role of EPDs in architecture, design, and lighting
Healthcare: The supply chain and embodied carbon account for 70-80% of the healthcare sector’s greenhouse gas emissions. Through efforts like the Health Sector CARES Pledge and the Health Care Climate Challenge, hospitals are implementing procurement policies that reduce their carbon footprint and promote human health.
Learn more about the role of EPDs in medical and health services
Mechanical, Electrical, & Plumbing: MEP contributions to embodied carbon can be as high as 50% in commercial building and retrofit projects. Structural Engineers and Mechanical Engineers are committing to reduce embodied carbon in their work by signing onto the SE 2050 and MEP 2040 pledges.
Packaging: Meet packaging mandates—earn EPDs that address SB regulations and global export needs. From plastics to compostables, we help packaging manufacturers develop EPDs that support compliance with California legislation, carbon disclosures, and international import/export programs like CBAM.
EPDs benefit manufacturers
EPDs maximize your bottom line
Save money by improving resource and waste management
Boost sales and marketing by aligning strategies across internal teams
Increase your visibility with a place on preferred supplier rosters
A competitive edge in domestic and international markets
Do business in “Buy Clean” states require or favor companies with EPDs
(CA, CO, MD, MN, NJ, NY, OR, and WA)Keep CBAM taxes low on goods imported to the European Union
ZC Sustainability can help!
ZC Sustainability works with manufacturers to compile all the necessary data for the analysis—raw materials, energy, and waste in the manufacturing process. Working with a qualified Program Operator to ensure relevant standards for the analysis are followed, the EPD is efficiently verified and published. Your EPD includes:
A product life cycle analysis
Third-Party Certification (Type III)
Conformance with EPD requirements under ISO 21930 and EN 15804 standards with a minimum cradle to gate scope (Modules A1-A3, Product Stage)
Connect with us for more information.