Life cycle

Environmental Product Declarations (EPD) according to EN 15804 / EN 50693

Sustainability efforts are becoming increasingly important. Companies are faced with the challenge of understanding the environmental impact of their products in order to be able to communicate this information. Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) are an effective tool for this purpose.

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What is an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)?

An Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) is a standardized document verified by independent third parties that transparently presents the environmental impact of a product throughout its entire life cycle. EPDs reveal potential for optimization and support companies in making sustainable decisions. With our services, we help you meet these requirements and achieve your goals.

Why do you need a life cycle assessment?

Regulatory requirements (EU & Germany)

CPR 2024 (Construction Products Regulation):

  • Mandatory GWP information for prioritized construction products from 2026
  • EPDs according to EN 15804 are the recognized format for digital product passports (DPP)
  • Integration into combined declarations of performance and conformity

CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting):

  • Companies must report Scope 3 emissions
  • EPDs quantify product-related emissions in the supply chain

Public tenders:

  • More and more are requiring sustainability certificates (BNB, QNG)
  • EPDs as proof of ecological quality
Market access and competitive advantages
  • Building certification: DGNB, LEED, and BREEAM require EPDs for points in life cycle assessment criteria
  • Specification: Architects and planners only specify products with EPDs
  • Tenders: No EPD = automatic exclusion from sustainable construction projects
  • Distributors: Wholesalers are increasingly demanding environmental certificates
Transparency and Product Optimization
  • Hotspot identification: Which life cycle phases have the highest environmental impact?
  • Product comparisons: Variant comparisons for material substitution
  • Supplier management: Transparency regarding upstream emissions
  • Marketing: Greenwashing-proof communication through verified data

Benefits at a glance

An EPD provides concrete support in:

  • Project awards
  • Product comparisons
  • Sustainability communication
  • Supply chain & construction certifications

We offer environmental product declarations based on two recognized standards, depending on the type of product:

  • EN 15804: For construction products in accordance with the requirements of the construction sector and the Construction Products Regulation (CPR)
  • EN 50693: For electrical and electronic products in accordance with the specific requirements of this sector

This ensures that your EPD complies with both industry standards and legal requirements – regardless of whether you are active in the construction or electrical sector.

 

Not sure which standard is relevant for your product? Contact us – we will be happy to advise you and work with you to find the right solution.

Contact us at: de.nachhaltigkeit@kiwa.com

The EPD process with Kiwa:

6 steps in 3-4 months

    Product & Target Definition

    For which product variants or groups should an EPD be created? What will the EPD be used for (CPR compliance, DGNB specification, tenders, marketing, etc.)?

    PCR testing / preparation

    A check is performed to determine whether a suitable PCR is available; if not, one is created by the Kiwa-Ecobility Experts program operator.

    Data Collection

    The necessary data (material composition, transport, energy consumption, etc.) is collected with the support of Kiwa on site or online.

    LCA calculation & EPD creation

    The environmental impact of the products is calculated as part of the life cycle assessment (LCA). Subsequently, the standard-compliant documents, i.e., the EPD and a detailed background report, which does not have to be published, are created.

    Verification by an independent third party

    The documents and calculations are checked for compliance with standards, completeness, and comprehensibility as part of the independent verification process.

    Publication & Registration

    The EPD is valid for 5 years (after which it must be updated and re-verified) and is published in various databases via the Kiwa-Ecobility Experts program.

Frequently asked questions about Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs)

Do I have to do an LCA for every product?

Not necessarily. But if you want to communicate environmental impacts transparently or meet regulatory requirements, an LCA is often required or strongly recommended.

Do I need an LCA or is a carbon footprint sufficient?

The carbon footprint (PCF = Product Carbon Footprint) focuses only on climate impact (GWP = Global Warming Potential). A complete LCA assesses all environmental impacts (acidification, resource consumption, etc.). An LCA in accordance with EN 15804 is required for EPDs and CPR compliance.

What is the difference between LCA and EPD?

LCA = Method for calculating environmental impacts
EPD = Standardized document for communicating LCA results (according to EN 15804 or EN 50693)

How often does an LCA need to be updated?

For EPDs: Every 5 years or in the event of significant changes (production processes, raw materials). For internal purposes: As needed or when new product variants are introduced.

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