Why Should Architects and Builders Opt for EPD-Verified Products?
Discover how Environmental Product Declarations allow for informed, sustainable choices. Learn why EPD-certified materials are key to reducing environmental impact in construction.
As sustainability continues to shape the future of construction, architects and builders are increasingly focusing on how the materials they use impact the environment. One of the most effective tools for making informed decisions is an EPD certification.
Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) provide transparent and reliable data on a product's ecological footprint, helping professionals select materials that align with their sustainability goals. This article explores the importance of opting for EPD-certified products and their benefits to architects, builders, and stakeholders committed to sustainable building practices.
What is an EPD Certification?
An Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) is a standardised document that offers a comprehensive overview of a product’s life cycle environmental impacts. It covers various stages, including raw material extraction, manufacturing, transportation, use, and disposal. EPD certification adheres to international standards such as ISO 14025 and EN 15804, ensuring accuracy and consistency across different industries.
EPDs can cover different life cycle perspectives, such as cradle-to-gate that evaluates the product from raw material extraction through to the factory gate or cradle-to-grave that extends to the product’s disposal or end-of-life stage.
At the core of an EPD certification is the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), which evaluates a product's environmental impact over its entire life cycle. This detailed analysis provides architects and builders with transparent, independently verified data, empowering them to make more sustainable choices when selecting materials.
How is an EPD Created?
Creating an EPD involves three key processes:
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Life Cycle Analysis (LCA): The creation of an EPD begins with a comprehensive lifecycle analysis, evaluating a product’s environmental impact from raw material extraction through to its end-of-life disposal. This analysis highlights areas for potential improvement and provides a clear understanding of the product’s sustainability footprint.
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Third-Party Verification: To guarantee the credibility and reliability of the data, EPDs undergo rigorous third-party verification. This independent review ensures that the product complies with international standards and that the data presented is both accurate and trustworthy.
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Publishing in Public Databases: After verification, the EPD is made publicly accessible in recognised databases. This allows designers, architects, and sustainability consultants to easily access up-to-date, verified environmental information, empowering them to make informed decisions when selecting materials for their projects.
Key Benefits of EPD Certification
Opting for EPD-certified products brings significant advantages to architects, builders, and construction professionals.
1. Contributing to Green Building Certifications
Using EPD-certified products can help construction projects earn points in green building certifications such as LEED, BREEAM, WELL, and DGNB. By choosing these products, architects and builders can ensure their projects meet the sustainability criteria required for eco-friendly certifications, ultimately contributing to the project’s environmental goals and helping to create greener buildings.
2. Enhances Transparency and Credibility
EPD-certified products provide precise, independently verified data regarding a product's environmental impact. This transparency allows architects, builders, and stakeholders to make more informed decisions about material selection, fostering trust and credibility in the construction process.
For architects and builders, using EPD-certified products demonstrates a commitment to sustainability, which can help build confidence among clients and differentiate businesses in a competitive market.
3. Facilitates Regulatory Compliance
As global environmental regulations become stricter, EPD-certified products ensure compliance with international standards, including the EU Green Deal and Circular Economy policies.
Manufacturers and builders can rely on these products to meet evolving sustainability requirements, helping avoid legal complications and align with global environmental targets. This allows projects to stay ahead of regulatory changes, ensuring long-term compliance.
4. Aids Sustainable Procurement
EPD certification empowers procurement teams to select environmentally responsible materials with confidence. By opting for EPD-certified products, builders and architects ensure their material choices align with sustainability goals, supporting the broader movement towards a more sustainable supply chain.
Additionally, favouring certified products can help reduce a project's environmental footprint, contributing to a more eco-conscious construction industry.
Vetrotech’s Commitment to EPD Certification
At Vetrotech, sustainability is at the heart of our operations. We integrate EPD-certified products into our glass solutions to support architects and builders in their efforts to create environmentally responsible buildings. Our products undergo rigorous third-party verification to ensure they meet the highest environmental impact assessment standards.
Vetrotech’s fire-resistant and high-security glass solutions, including Vetrotech's fire-resistant and bullet-resistant glass, are EPD-certified, demonstrating our commitment to safety and sustainability.
Driving Sustainability Through EPD Certification
EPD certification plays a pivotal role in sustainable construction practices. By opting for EPD-certified products, architects and builders can ensure that their projects meet high environmental standards, gain credibility, and remain compliant with evolving regulations. Vetrotech’s dedication to offering EPD-certified solutions reflects our commitment to building a more sustainable future through responsible materials and innovative products.
