A well-known fact is that today's biggest environmental threat is the global climate crisis. Our duty is to be more conscious individuals under difficult climatic conditions. In this direction, If we have information about the effects of the products on the environment, it will be a useful step to be conscious users. EPD provides clear information about the environmental performance of the products we use.
EPD is the abbreviation of "Environmental Product Declaration" and it contains the environmental performance evaluation information of products. EPD provides values that quantitatively document the environmental performance of products, especially in the building sector. These values are obtained by the following process from the raw material to the completion of the service life of the products. Considering the high carbon footprint of the construction industry, EPD is an evaluation tool that facilitates the selection of the best sustainable product options.
How to Create an EPD Document?
The EPD is a document that is valid for usually five years. Measurement processes are made by following ISO 14040/14044, ISO 14025, EN 15804, or ISO 21930 standards. If we explain through parquet production: the measurements start from the raw material of the product, the production of wood. Afterward, data on resource consumption and process residues from the manufacturing process of the parquet are collected. In the next stage, the life cycle of the product is evaluated. Expressed as a background report, LCA confirms product lifecycle information. In doing so, EPD considers the following criteria:
Global warming
Ozone layer depletion
Acid rain
Algae formation
Smoke formation
Energy use
Emissions (Dust, Nox, CO2, SO2, TOC)
Wastes
Water consumption
After obtaining approval from a third party where these measurements are made, the EPD document is released to the public.
Why Should We Consider EPD Value?
It is up to the person to consider the EPD during the use of the products or in the preference stage in architectural projects, but it is our responsibility to be aware of environmental conditions. In this direction, the EPD value of the products you will include in the projects contains information that can help shape the design phase of the project. For example, when choosing the parquet flooring for your home, you can choose by taking into account the EPD information. With an EPD certificate, you can have information about parquet by examining the environmental values of the product that is among your options. You can use more sustainable flooring in your home, by making more environmentally conscious choices.
The EPD is substantial for sustainable architectural projects that value the future. The EPD document shows and proves the environmental performance values of compliance with European Union standards products. It is a useful tool for sustainable buildings to receive certification. It is recognized by US-based LEED, Germany-based DGNB, Australian-based GBCA, and UK-based BREEAM green building certificates, and is a useful tool for sustainable buildings to receive certification.
When legally purchasing a product, the EPD is used to assess the carbon footprint of the products in EU and EEA countries. This shows that EPD also offers commercial privileges. A product with the EPD certificate will stand out by showing its difference in the market.
In our article series informative topics about wood, we have included "EPD" which is an important evaluation tool for parquets produced with natural materials. You can visit www.dendro.com.tr/en to discover our wide range of products in parquet and you can read our informative and up-to-date articles on woods.
References:
cimsa.com.tr
oneclicklca.com
