An EPD declaration is a document which can be used effectively for both business to business or business to consumer communication. Internationally recognised, it can be very useful, especially in certain sectors (e.g. construction) because for example it contributes to obtaining credits in specific certification programmes (e.g. LEED) or is recognised evidence in Green Public Procurements and Minimal Environmental Criteria.

With the aim of providing clear, comparable and credible information, an EPD is drafted in accordance with the ISO Standards of reference and Product Category Rules (PCR). PCR are developed by the interest parties in coordination with Programme Operators (in Italy the only currently active is EPD Italy while the best known on a European level is Environdec) and contain specific methodological rules and requirements for different product categories.

So what steps are necessary in order to obtain and publish an EPD certification?

1. Carry out an LCA including a detailed report in line with  UNI ISO 14040 and 14044 and the requirements of the PCR;

2. Draft the Environmental Product Declaration in compliance with the format required by the Programme Operator and UNI EN ISO 14025;

3. Submit the LCA and EPD for verification by an independent third party recognised by the Programme Operator;

4. Register and publish the Declaration on the web portal of the Programme Operator in order to be able to use the specific label.