What Is an EPD? A Simple Guide for Green Buildings
An Environmental Product Declaration, or EPD, is like a nutrition label for a building product. Instead of calories, it shows the product's environmental impact, such as carbon released while making it.
Why do EPDs exist?
Green claims are easy to make and hard to check. An EPD solves this by following set rules and, in the best cases, being checked by an independent expert. It lets you compare products fairly.
What is inside an EPD?
An EPD is based on a Life Cycle Assessment, or LCA. It usually covers:
- Climate impact (greenhouse gases)
- Use of energy and water
- Waste produced
- The stages measured, often from raw material to the factory gate It follows international standards such as EN 15804 and ISO 14025.
Who uses EPDs?
- Architects and designers to compare materials.
- Green building schemes such as LEED, which give credit for products with proper EPDs.
- Companies that report on sustainability, who need evidence from suppliers.
EPD or LCA: what is the difference?
An LCA is the study. An EPD is the published, standardised summary, normally checked by a third party. A company can do its own LCA, but that is only an estimate until it is verified.
Where does BIOME stand?
We want to be direct. BIOME does not yet hold an EPD. What we have is:
- Third-party test reports for strength, fire and sound.
- An internal LCA estimate of about 158 kg of CO2e per cubic metre of BIOMEBOARD™, covering raw material, transport and manufacturing. That estimate has not been verified by an outside body. An EPD is the next step we want to pursue.
Why does this matter to you?
Many green building credits ask for an EPD, not a company estimate. If your project needs those credits, check with your consultant what they will accept for our board today. Our data may help with design stage and narrative, but an EPD would be stronger.
What to ask when someone says "we have an EPD"
- Is it for this exact product, or a generic average?
- Who verified it?
- Which life cycle stages does it cover?
- Is it still valid?
- Does it match the board I am buying?
What an EPD does not tell you
It does not say whether a product is safe, strong or fire rated. You still need test reports for those.
FAQs
What is an EPD in simple words?
A verified report card for a product's environmental impact.
Is an EPD the same as a certification?
No. It reports numbers. It does not say a product is good or bad.
Does BIOMEBOARD™ have an EPD?
Not yet.
Why does an EPD matter for LEED or IGBC?
Many material credits need verified product data.
How long does an EPD last?
Usually about five years, then it should be updated.
Can I use an internal LCA number instead?
For early design talks, yes, as long as it is called an estimate. For credits and reports, an EPD is stronger.
Need our test reports and LCA summary? Request them.