Prepare for CPR before it becomes mandatory

While full legal enforcement is still phased, implementation has already begun, with the first product groups, including cement and lime, windows and doors, and concrete, now moving forward. The regulation is clear and fully published. The real challenge is no longer interpretation, but implementation.

“There is still time to prepare,” explains Mantijn van Leeuwen, Managing Director at Kiwa NIBE. “But once the coexistence period ends, non-compliant products will no longer be allowed on the market.”

“Companies have roughly one and a half to two years, and on top of that, there is an 18-month coexistence period. But you shouldn’t rely on that too long. After those 18 months, it becomes a hard deadline. If you are not compliant, you cannot place your products on the market.” 

There have also been recent adjustments. “For example, the CPR for concrete specifically has been delayed, which gives those companies additional time. But that doesn’t change the direction. The regulation continues to advance.”

“Data collection is still the main challenge. You can choose to work with generic data, but that will harm your results. In the end, you will need company-specific data anyway, so it is better to start with that perspective from the beginning,” outlines Mantijn. 

“Many companies simply underestimate the initial workload. Setting up your supply chain data will take at least six months. If your supply chain is complex, it can easily take longer. Data from upstream suppliers is the hardest part,” stresses Mantijn.

As EPDs become the standard for verified environmental data, the next step is making that data easier to access and use in practice.

At Kiwa NIBE, this starts with R<THINK, a software platform that enables manufacturers to create EPDs and understand the environmental impact of their products.

Building on this, “we have what we call R<THINK Share, our digital data hub. Manufacturers can upload their EPDs and share them digitally with customers, internal teams, or other stakeholders.”

This replaces traditional workflows. “We are moving away from sending PDFs by email. You share a link or provide access to a central directory.” The shift extends into design environments. Through integration with, for instance, Autodesk, EPD data can be used directly in BIM software.

“With just a few clicks, your data is available in BIM software. Customers can use it in their models and include it in their calculations. It is a big step for the industry. Every product will soon need a passport with sustainability data. Our platform already generates these declarations.”

BIM (Building Information Modeling) allows designers to work with detailed product data directly in their designs.

“Awareness is certainly growing. Over 1,000 companies have already started with R<THINK, which is a great step forward,” adds Mantijn. “At the same time, many companies are still behind in their preparation.”

Mantijn outlines clear steps. Start collecting data now. “No software can help you if you don’t have the data in place.” Engage your value chain. “You need to start conversations with your suppliers and build those connections as soon as possible.” And get a tool designed for CPR deadlines. “R<THINK is purpose-built for construction and integrates seamlessly with Kiwa’s certification process. It is intuitive and reliable, even for non-experts.”

A good example of how Kiwa NIBE supports companies can be seen in our work with VBI, a manufacturer of precast floor systems that used R<THINK to improve sustainability performance.

Mantijn concludes, “The regulation is moving at lightning speed. If you’re prepared, you’ll be fine. But you have to start. Step in, do the work, and we’ll help make sure you get your declarations in order.”