Exploring Sector-Specific Benefits of EPDs

In today's competitive and eco-conscious market, Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) have become essential tools for businesses seeking to showcase their environmental responsibility.

EPDs provide detailed information about the environmental impacts of products, from raw material extraction to disposal. While EPDs are universal in concept, businesses can tailor their application to meet different industries' unique demands and regulatory requirements.

This blog will explore how EPDs can be customised for the construction, automotive, and textiles industries, offering insights to help businesses leverage these declarations effectively.

Understanding the Basics of EPDs

Before diving into industry-specific applications, let's briefly revisit what EPDs are. EPDs are standardised documents that communicate the environmental performance of a product. They are based on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and adhere to international standards like ISO 14025. EPDs provide transparency and comparability, making them valuable for businesses, consumers, and regulators.

EPDs in the Construction Industry

Meeting Regulatory Requirements

The construction industry faces stringent environmental regulations to reduce carbon footprints and promote sustainability. EPDs play a crucial role in complying with these regulations.

Life-cycle carbon limits for brand new buildings are set to become mandatory in a number of countries. For example, in the UK (under the London Plan) and in Finland (as part of its Low-Carbon Construction Roadmap).

Around 70% to 80% of international and European green building standards offer credits for the use of construction materials covered by an EPD.

Many green building certification programs, such as LEED and BREEAM, require EPDs as part of their assessment criteria. By obtaining EPDs, construction companies can demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and improve their chances of getting certified and reaping the benefits of credits available through the various building standards.

Tailoring EPDs for Construction

Customer research conducted by Saint-Gobain, found that 76% of construction product clients want suppliers to be transparent about the environmental impacts of their products.

And an EPD can help facilitate this.

Construction materials like cement, steel, and insulation have significant environmental impacts. Having an EPD for these materials involves providing detailed information on global warming potential, water usage, and waste generation.

Additionally, considering regional regulation variations and environmental impacts can make these EPDs more relevant. For example, an EPD for European concrete might focus more on carbon emissions. At the same time, one in water-scarce regions might highlight water consumption.

Having an EPD for your product ensures it will feature in the construction sector environmental databases.

EPDs in the Automotive Industry

Navigating Regulatory Landscapes

The automotive industry is constantly looking to reduce emissions and improve fuel efficiency. EPDs help manufacturers navigate complex regulatory landscapes by providing transparent environmental data.

The EU regulations require detailed reporting on vehicle emissions and resource usage. EPDs can serve as a comprehensive source of this information, facilitating compliance and developing greener vehicles.

Customising EPDs for Automotive Products

Automotive EPDs must cover various components, from metals and plastics to electronics and batteries. Each component has its own environmental footprint, and a tailored EPD can highlight these differences. For example, an EPD for an electric vehicle battery might focus on sourcing rare earth metals and end-of-life recycling, addressing both regulatory requirements and consumer concerns about sustainability.

EPDs in the Textiles Industry

Addressing Consumer and Regulatory Demands

The textile industry is one of the major polluters in the world and is continuously scrutinised for its environmental impact. In particular, by consumers and regulators who demand improved transparency.

EPDs can help textile manufacturers meet these demands by providing detailed insights into their products' lifecycle impacts. This transparency is particularly important for gaining certifications like the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and meeting the requirements of ecolabels such as the EU Ecolabel.

EPDs support green claims made about the environmental impact of textile products, and they make the manufacturing process more transparent and accessible for consumers and regulators.

Developing Industry-Specific EPDs

Tailoring EPDs for textiles involves focusing on water usage, chemical treatments, and energy consumption during production. For instance, an EPD for organic cotton may emphasise the reduction in pesticide use and water savings compared to conventional cotton. Additionally, addressing the impact of dyeing and finishing processes can provide a more comprehensive picture of the product's environmental footprint.

Enhance sustainability progress with EPDs

Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) offer a powerful way for businesses across various industries to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and regulatory compliance.

By tailoring EPDs to address the specific demands and regulations of sectors like construction, automotive, and textiles, companies can enhance their environmental credibility and help future proof their business by meeting the evolving expectations of regulators and consumers.

As the importance of sustainability continues to grow, leveraging the power of customised EPDs will be crucial for businesses aiming to stay ahead in their respective markets.

By understanding and capitalising on the benefits of industry-specific EPDs, businesses can improve their environmental performance and gain a competitive edge in today's eco-conscious market.