What Are EPDs in Construction?

In today’s construction industry, where sustainability, transparency, and carbon footprint awareness are increasingly becoming critical decision factors, Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) play a pivotal role. But what exactly are EPDs in construction, and why do they matter to developers, architects, and contractors in the United Kingdom?

What is an EPD?

An Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) is a standardized document that provides quantifiable and verified information about the environmental impact of a construction product. Developed in accordance with international standards such as ISO 14025 and EN 15804, EPDs are based on a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and detail the environmental performance of a product from cradle to grave.

In essence, an EPD answers the question: “What is the environmental cost of this product?”

EPDs are not certifications of environmental excellence; rather, they are declarations of impact, enabling fair comparisons between similar products.

Why Are EPDs Important in the UK Construction Sector?

The UK construction industry is under immense pressure to reduce carbon emissions and build greener, more sustainable buildings. Several factors make EPDs increasingly relevant:

Net Zero Commitments: With the UK government’s ambitious targets for achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, construction materials are being scrutinised more than ever.
BREEAM & LEED Credits: EPDs contribute valuable points in green building rating systems like BREEAM and LEED, which are widely adopted across commercial and public projects.
Transparency in Supply Chains: Developers, particularly in London and other major cities, demand full transparency in the environmental impact of construction components.
Whole Life Carbon Assessments (WLCA): EPDs serve as critical data sources in WLCAs, which are now standard practice in many UK developments.

What Does an EPD Include?

An Environmental Product Declaration typically includes the following information:

Product description and intended use
Functional unit definition
System boundaries (cradle-to-gate, cradle-to-grave, etc.)
Environmental impact indicators (GWP, acidification, eutrophication, etc.)
Resource usage (energy, water)
Waste and emissions output
Data quality and verification process

This makes EPDs extremely useful not just for sustainability experts, but also for architects, engineers, and procurement officers.

How Are EPDs Created?

Creating an EPD involves a multi-step process usually facilitated by sustainability consultancies such as ERKE Sustainability Consultancy:

Data Collection: Gather energy, water, raw material use, emissions, and waste data from the manufacturer.
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA): Analyse the environmental impact using ISO 14040/14044 compliant methods.
EPD Documentation: Generate the EPD according to the relevant Product Category Rules (PCRs).
Verification: Independent third-party verification ensures credibility.
Registration & Publication: Publish through platforms like The International EPD System or BRE’s GreenBookLive in the UK.

Benefits of Using EPDs in Construction Projects

1. Competitive Advantage

Companies with EPDs demonstrate transparency and responsibility—qualities that procurement officers and project developers actively seek.

2. Contribution to Green Building Ratings

Materials with verified EPDs earn credits under BREEAM, LEED, and other environmental rating systems.

Learn more about how ERKE supports LEED certification in complex projects.

3. Enhanced Lifecycle Costing

EPDs help decision-makers look beyond upfront costs and consider environmental and operational impacts throughout a building’s life.

4. Compliance with Public Procurement

In the UK, public sector projects are increasingly requiring EPDs as part of sustainable procurement policies.

Challenges and Considerations

While EPDs offer numerous advantages, they also require:

Accurate Data: Data inaccuracies can lead to flawed assessments.
Cost & Time: Developing an EPD may take several months and entail consultancy fees.
Dynamic Content: EPDs may require periodic updates due to changes in manufacturing or regulations.

Despite these hurdles, the long-term value of EPDs outweighs initial investment, especially when supported by experienced sustainability consultants.

United Kingdom Regulations and Future Trends

The UK construction sector is moving steadily toward making EPDs a norm rather than a differentiator. With increasing demand for Whole Life Carbon Assessments, and government frameworks like the Construction Playbook highlighting sustainability, EPDs are expected to become a mandatory standard in large-scale projects.

Moreover, the London Plan 2021 encourages using EPDs for materials selection and requires WLC data for developments over a certain size.

For more insight into EPD integration in UK policies, see this official guidance from BRE Group.

Conclusion: Why ERKE?

At ERKE Sustainability Consultancy, we specialise in helping construction professionals develop high-quality, internationally recognised EPDs. Our UK-focused approach ensures compliance with local regulations and maximises impact in BREEAM or LEED applications.

If you’re aiming to improve your project’s environmental transparency, or looking to gain competitive advantage in tenders, an EPD could be your next strategic move.