If you're a manufacturer trying to navigate the world of Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) and figure out which Programme Operator (PO) to register with, you're not alone. We get this question a lot, and it's a crucial one because the right choice can significantly impact your product's market visibility and sustainability credentials.
There are about 100 POs worldwide, each with its own set of Product Category Rules (PCRs) for developing life cycle assessment analyses. This means EPDs from different POs are rarely comparable, adding another layer of complexity to your decision.
Based on our experience, we've put together a handy list to help you decide. Choosing the right PO is a strategic decision that requires considering regulations, costs, and visibility.
First, see if your country has specific regulations. Some countries, like France, Belgium, and The Netherlands, mandate that EPDs must be registered with a national PO. If you're in one of these countries, your choice is pretty straightforward.
Even if there's no national regulation, certain projects might have specific PO requirements. If you're aiming to participate in a tender, make sure to check the tender documents for any EPD specifications.
If you're not bound by specific regulations, you need to compare POs on various levels:
Cost is a major factor, especially if you need EPDs for a large number of similar products. Different POs have different definitions for product similarity, affecting the types of EPDs they offer. Here's a quick breakdown:
Grouping multiple products under one EPD can lower registration fees compared to registering multiple product-specific EPDs. Don't forget to factor in additional costs like annual membership fees, third-party verification fees, and consultancy fees. Notably, EPD Square offers a single fee for both verification and registration, with no annual membership fee.
EPDs are like brochures for your product's sustainability, so having them on a widely recognized platform is key. The largest EPD databases include INIES (France), the International EPD System (Global), EPD Norge (Norway), IBU (Germany), and UL (USA). These POs are well-regarded but often come with higher costs.
For more budget-friendly yet reputable options, consider EPD Square (Global) and Smart EPD (USA). Also, look for POs that are members of the ECO Platform, which works on standardizing regulations and facilitating international trade by eliminating barriers.
If you're still unsure and want to maximize your product's visibility across different POs while keeping costs down, look for mutual recognition agreements. These agreements allow your EPD to be published with multiple POs, which is particularly useful for businesses operating in international markets and aiming to win international agreements.
By following this list, you can make an informed choice that best showcases your product's sustainability credentials. If all fails, you can always rely on your LCA/EPD consultant to help you make the right choice.
A Civil and Environmental Engineer. Her expertise lies in leveraging advanced data analysis techniques to conduct hot spot analysis and market research.