EPD Verification: A Complete Guide to Environmental Product Declarations

Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) have become increasingly important in sustainable business practices. As a standardized way to communicate the environmental performance of products, EPDs are now required or preferred in many industries, particularly construction, manufacturing, and consumer goods. This guide walks you through everything you need to know about EPD verification.

What Is an Environmental Product Declaration?

An EPD is a verified, standardized document that communicates the environmental impacts of a product throughout its life cycle. Think of it as a “nutrition label” for environmental performance—it provides transparent, comparable information based on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology.

EPDs are governed by international standards, primarily:

ISO 14025: Environmental labels and declarations — Type III environmental declarations
EN 15804: Sustainability of construction works (for building products)
ISO 21930: Sustainability in buildings and civil engineering works

Why EPDs Matter for Your Business

Market Access

Many green building certification schemes (LEED, BREEAM, DGNB) award points for products with EPDs. In some markets, EPDs are becoming mandatory for public procurement. Without them, you may find doors closing to significant business opportunities.

Competitive Differentiation

An EPD demonstrates commitment to transparency and environmental responsibility. It provides concrete, verified data that sets you apart from competitors making vague sustainability claims.

Supply Chain Requirements

Large corporations increasingly require EPDs from their suppliers as part of Scope 3 emissions reporting. Having EPDs ready positions you as a preferred supplier.

Regulatory Preparedness

With regulations like the EU’s Construction Products Regulation revision and Digital Product Passports on the horizon, EPDs provide a foundation for compliance.

The EPD Process: Step by Step

Step 1: Select a Program Operator

EPDs must be published through a recognized Program Operator. Major operators include:

The International EPD System (Sweden-based, globally recognized)
IBU (Institut Bauen und Umwelt, strong in German-speaking markets)
EPD International
UL Environment (strong in North America)

Choose an operator recognized in your target markets and industry.

Step 2: Identify the Applicable PCR

Product Category Rules (PCRs) define how the LCA must be conducted for specific product categories. The PCR specifies:

System boundaries
Data quality requirements
Impact categories to include
Allocation rules
Functional or declared unit

Your Program Operator will help identify the correct PCR. If none exists, a new PCR may need to be developed—a longer process involving stakeholder consultation.

Step 3: Conduct the Life Cycle Assessment

The LCA forms the technical foundation of your EPD. This involves:

Goal and scope definition: Clearly define what product, functional unit, and system boundaries
Life Cycle Inventory (LCI): Collect data on all inputs and outputs
Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA): Calculate environmental impacts
Interpretation: Analyze results, identify hotspots

The LCA must comply with ISO 14040/14044 and the specific PCR requirements.

Step 4: Prepare the EPD Document

Structure your EPD according to the Program Operator’s template, typically including:

Product description and identification
Functional/declared unit
System boundaries
LCA results by impact category
Additional environmental information
References and verification statement

Step 5: Third-Party Verification

This is the critical quality assurance step. An independent, accredited verifier reviews:

PCR compliance: Does the LCA follow all PCR requirements?
Data quality: Is the underlying data appropriate and well-documented?
Calculations: Are the LCA calculations correct?
Consistency: Are assumptions and methodological choices consistent?
Documentation: Is everything properly documented and traceable?

What Verifiers Look For

Understanding verification criteria helps you prepare better documentation. Key areas of scrutiny include:

Data Sources and Quality

Verifiers examine whether primary data was used where required by the PCR, whether secondary data sources are appropriate and documented, and whether data gaps were handled correctly.

System Boundary Compliance

The PCR defines what must be included. Verifiers check that all required life cycle stages are covered and that any exclusions are justified and within PCR allowances.

Allocation Procedures

When processes produce multiple products, allocation becomes necessary. Verifiers ensure allocation follows the PCR hierarchy (typically: avoid, physical relationship, economic allocation).

Sensitivity and Uncertainty

Good LCAs include analysis of how results change with different assumptions. Verifiers assess whether key sensitivities are identified and documented.

Consistency and Transparency

All assumptions, data sources, and methodological choices must be documented clearly enough that the study could be reproduced.

Common Verification Issues (and How to Avoid Them)

Insufficient Documentation

Problem: Data sources aren’t clearly documented, assumptions are unclear. Solution: Maintain detailed records from the start. Document every data point’s source, age, and geographical relevance.

PCR Non-Compliance

Problem: Missing required impact categories or life cycle stages. Solution: Create a PCR checklist and verify compliance before submission.

Inappropriate Secondary Data

Problem: Using generic data where primary data is required, or data that doesn’t match the technology/geography. Solution: Understand PCR data quality requirements. When primary data isn’t available, document why and ensure proxy data is appropriate.

Calculation Errors

Problem: Mistakes in impact calculations or unit conversions. Solution: Use established LCA software with built-in quality checks. Have calculations independently verified before submission.

The Verification Timeline

A typical EPD verification process takes 4-8 weeks, assuming:

Complete, well-documented LCA
Responsive communication with verifier
Minor clarifications only (no major revisions needed)

If significant issues are found, expect additional time for revisions and re-verification.

Costs and Investment

EPD costs vary significantly based on:

Product complexity
Data availability
PCR requirements
Program Operator fees
Verification fees

Budget for the complete process including LCA development, Program Operator registration, and verification fees. While not insignificant, EPDs typically remain valid for 5 years, spreading the investment over time.

Maintaining Your EPD

EPDs require periodic updates:

Annual check: Confirm data remains representative
Significant changes: Update if production processes change materially
Renewal: Complete re-verification before expiration

Building good data collection systems from the start makes maintenance much easier.

How QuaLCA Can Help

Navigating EPD verification can be complex, especially for first-time applicants. QuaLCA offers:

LCA development compliant with PCR requirements
Pre-verification review to identify and resolve issues before formal verification
Verification services through our accredited verifiers
EPD maintenance support for ongoing compliance

Our experience across industries means we understand both the technical requirements and practical business considerations.

Ready to start your EPD journey? Contact QuaLCA for a consultation on your specific products and markets.

Explore our quality assurance services or find answers in our FAQ.