The EPD Explained - By Wojciech Brożyna - MD of Aluprof UK
/By Wojciech Brożyna - MD of Aluprof UK
The EPD, a declaration made by a supplier that sits on a level playing field so specifiers can make decisions based on the life cycle of similar products and their impact on our planet, is particularly related to carbon emissions. Type III Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) are produced based on EN 15804+A2 and then verified in accordance with ISO 14025 by an independent external auditor. Produced in a common format, the declarations are easier to compare across different suppliers. An EPD is valid for a five year period and is recognised across the globe.
The EPD is produced from a Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) which looks at a product life cycle through five stages which are: production, construction, the use stage, end-of-life and the potential for reuse, recovery or recycling. These are defined as Product Category Rules (PCRs) are specific to each product category and are always based on the ISO 14025 standard for Type III Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs). By enabling these standard PCRs products and materials can be compared side by side. The five stages of PCRs are referred to by letter and further broken down into sub-factors, which are:
The production & construction stages (A1-A5) show the impacts of the raw material supply, transport to the production facilities, the manufacturing stage, the impacts of transport to the site and product installation.
The use stage (B1-B7) covers the environmental impact for the period that the product is in use. This includes any likely emissions in use, product maintenance, expected repair or scheduled replacement and any operational energy use and water use such as in cleaning.
The end-of-life stage (C1-C4) considers the impact of de-construction, transport to waste processing including any recovery or disposal processes.
Material reuse, recovery or recycling stage (D), sometimes referred to as ‘Module D’ offers data on the ability of the material to have a second life. Some second lives can be as a lower quality material or indeed in the case of metals, can be recycled back into the same quality material, in the case of aluminium, recycled almost indefinitely.
The availability of this data in the form of an EPD has a two-fold impact, it further focuses suppliers to continue to reduce carbon emissions as the data becomes ‘public’ about their products and, as previously stated, allows specifiers to make choices about similar manufacturers products and products made from alternative materials.
To define how the product data is collected for a specific type of product, key components of the EPD and LCA, is yet another three-letter acronym: the Product Category Rules (PCRs). These rules define how the data is collected for a specific type of product. When these parameters are followed, independent reviewers can achieve consistent results, which allows specifiers to compare different products. PCRs are developed and administered by a program operator, generally standards organisations across the globe. PCRs are required for the completion of Type III EPDs as defined by ISO 14025.
On producing an EPD the LCA of a product (or service) is reviewed by the independent assessor and a Global Warming Potential (GWP) figure is produced and entered into the declaration. It may seem obvious, given the GWP figure, the best option is just to select a product/material with the lowest result which is best for the planet. Not necessarily, as a change in material may affect both the design and impact of other materials in the construction. GWPs that are reviewed across similar materials and products from various providers would be the best approach.
In the case of facades, it is important to review the whole-building level impacts. A comparison from suppliers can made be by completing a ‘Building LCA’ which will provide the building’s life-cycle impacts cradle to grave. By comparing the products’ environmental impact for the lifetime of the building into which facades are to be installed and the conditions that the building requires, will offer the best outputs to help make an informed decision.
Whilst EPDs are valid for five years, Aluprof are continuously reviewing their LCAs and where necessary review and update their EPDs which are freely available on the company's website. Project managers are available to explain the contents of the company's EPDs and complete specification support is available direct from Aluprof UK Installation in the UK and Ireland is undertaken by national facade companies with fully trained installers. Further information on systems and their specification are available through the company’s website at aluprof.co.uk or directly from their UK head office in Altrincham or from their London office at the Building Design Centre by phoning +44 (0) 161 941 4005.