Less than 30% of sustainability leaders say their teams can interpret an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) confidently – despite EPDs becoming a procurement and compliance requirement in construction, manufacturing, and retail. With over 17,000 standardized EPDs published globally, companies now face steep pressure to decode formats, compare metrics, and prove impact in regulatory audits. This article breaks down real-world environmental product declaration examples, clarifies their core components, and shows how to extract actionable insights for reporting and supply chain decision-making. Here’s how your team can benchmark against industry leaders – and translate EPD data into operational advantage.
Environmental Product Declaration Examples: Structure and Core Components
Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) provide a transparent, science-based way to communicate the environmental impacts of products throughout their life cycle. With more than 17,000 EPDs published globally as of 2023, these documents have become a critical tool for supply chain managers, manufacturers, and sustainability officers who need to demonstrate compliance, meet procurement requirements, and support carbon reduction goals. EPDs transform complex life cycle data into a standardized, easy-to-understand format that makes sustainability performance visible and actionable.
Each EPD follows the ISO 14025 standard for Type III Environmental Declarations, ensuring that reports are concise, comparable, and based on robust Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) data. The most effective EPD examples use a clear template design for eco declarations that focuses on key product impacts – such as global warming potential, total energy use, water consumption, and other resource indicators – across all relevant life cycle stages (from raw material extraction to end-of-life). The layout prioritizes essential information on the first two pages, including product definition, declared unit, main impact categories, and references to compliance with relevant standards.
Every EPD, regardless of industry or product type, contains a set of core sections that allow for quick, reliable benchmarking and decision-making:
- Product identification and description
- Declared unit (the reference measure for all impacts)
- Life cycle impact assessment results (carbon footprint, energy, water, etc.)
- Data sources and quality statements
- Reference to applicable Product Category Rules (PCR)
- Validity period and review or verification status
Real Environmental Product Declaration Examples from Industry Leaders
Industry leaders rely on published environmental product declaration examples as reference points for robust documentation and sustainability compliance. These EPDs offer a clear template for communicating product impacts, helping manufacturers and supply chain managers demonstrate transparency and meet evolving procurement requirements. In construction, where nearly half the world’s raw materials are consumed and a third of all global waste is generated, using established EPDs is fundamental for project certification and market access. Databases now host tens of thousands of EPDs that contribute to LEED points, streamlining product selection and reducing compliance effort by more than 65%.
The credibility of these EPDs hinges on validation by recognized program operators. Organizations like ASTM International, UL Environment, NSF International, and Institut Bauen und Umwelt e.V. conduct third-party reviews to ensure reports are consistent, comparable, and aligned with international standards. This independent verification enables architects, procurement teams, and sustainability officers to compare products with confidence, using reliable environmental impact data across categories such as global warming potential, resource use, and water consumption.
| Product | Manufacturer | Program Operator | Main Impact Categories |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heterogeneous Sheet Flooring | Armstrong Flooring | ASTM International | Global Warming, Abiotic Depletion, Ozone Depletion |
| norament® 926 Floor Covering | Nora Systems GmbH | Institut Bauen und Umwelt e.V. | Global Warming, Acidification, Resource Use |
| Tyvek® Air & Water Barrier Systems | DuPont | UL Environment | Global Warming, Eutrophication, Energy Use |
| Architectural Paints & Coatings | PPG Architectural Finishes | NSF International | Global Warming, Smog Formation, Water Use |
| Glass-Mat Gypsum Board | Gypsum Association | ASTM International | Global Warming, Fossil Fuel Depletion, Acidification |
Key Elements in Environmental Product Declaration Examples: What to Look For
Accurate environmental product declaration examples are only as valuable as the data they present. Focusing on the right indicators allows supply chain managers, sustainability officers, and procurement teams to make meaningful product comparisons and support robust sustainability claims. The most actionable insights are found on the first two pages of an EPD – here, the declared unit, core impact metrics, and compliance references are clearly outlined. Interpreting lifecycle assessment reports with attention to these sections helps avoid greenwashing and provides measurable proof for environmental performance.
Each EPD is developed using data gathered over a consistent 12-month period, following strict Product Category Rules (PCRs) that standardize the method and boundaries for assessment. PCRs ensure that every environmental product declaration example within a category can be compared on a like-for-like basis. This standardization is essential for benchmarking, regulatory compliance, and procurement decisions. Understanding the assessment timeframe and relevant PCR is crucial for interpreting environmental metrics effectively and confirming that impact assessments reflect real-world production conditions.
- Global warming potential (GWP) across the product life cycle
- Declared unit (the product quantity impacts are based on)
- Reference to the specific Product Category Rule (PCR) applied
- Assessment period for the underlying data (typically 12 months)
- Main resource use and emissions figures (energy, water, pollutant outputs)
Industry Standards and Best Practices Reflected in Environmental Product Declaration Examples
Environmental Product Declarations must adhere to global standards to be recognized and trusted across supply chains. ISO 14025 sets the foundation for all Type III EPDs, providing a consistent framework for certificate standard practices and compliance with international reporting rules. Specific Product Category Rules (PCRs) define how each product type is assessed, ensuring that environmental impacts are measured and reported in a way that supports fair benchmarking and direct comparison between similar products. This standardization is essential for manufacturers aiming to meet global standards for product certification and align with rigorous procurement criteria.
Third-party verification is not optional – it is a core requirement for credible reporting and acceptance in voluntary and mandatory certification schemes, such as LEED. Independent reviewers validate the EPD methodology, data quality, and calculation accuracy, safeguarding against conflicts of interest and unsubstantiated claims. Once verified, EPDs are registered and published in accessible databases, making them available for procurement teams, regulators, and stakeholders. Most EPDs are valid for five years, after which a review or renewal is required to reflect updated data or regulatory changes.
- Follow ISO 14025 and relevant PCRs for your product category
- Use accredited third-party verifiers to review all EPD data and processes
- Publish EPDs in recognized, searchable databases to support transparency and compliance
How to Use Environmental Product Declaration Examples for Your Business and Supply Chain
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) examples offer measurable advantages for businesses focused on transparent reporting and supply chain transparency. Companies that incorporate EPDs into procurement and reporting processes can demonstrate compliance with sustainability regulations, improve access to certified green markets, and strengthen stakeholder trust. Procurement teams increasingly require standardized environmental documentation, making EPDs a strategic asset for supplier selection, risk mitigation, and communicating product performance to customers and investors.
Integrating EPD data with software streamlines assessment, benchmarking, and reporting across the supply chain. Automated report generation techniques enable direct integration of EPDs into financial and sustainability accounting platforms, reducing manual effort and the risk of errors. By leveraging EPD databases and specialized sustainability reporting software, supply chain managers can benchmark products, track progress toward decarbonization targets, and ensure ongoing compliance with evolving standards.
- Benchmark product performance and identify low-impact alternatives for procurement decisions
- Integrate EPD data into sustainability and financial accounting for transparent reporting
- Automate EPD generation and updates using software tools for efficiency and accuracy
- Use EPD databases to track, compare, and report on supply chain-wide progress toward sustainability goals
Step-by-Step Guide to Creating an Environmental Product Declaration Based on Leading Examples
A successful Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) begins with a clear, structured process designed to maximize data accuracy and efficiency. Using digital solutions and certificate documentation templates accelerates each stage, from lifecycle assessment methodology overview to final publication. Manufacturers who combine robust data management tools for eco reports with expert consulting support can efficiently meet strict certificate application process requirements – saving time, minimizing risk, and improving credibility in the eyes of procurement officers and regulators.
Third-party verification is mandatory for EPDs that meet the highest industry standards. Independent review ensures that all lifecycle data and calculations are consistent with Product Category Rules (PCRs) and international protocols. This step protects against errors, gives stakeholders confidence, and is required for EPDs to be published in recognized databases. After initial approval, ongoing updates are essential for keeping your EPDs current – especially as energy mixes, supply chains, or regulations evolve.
- Choose an accredited EPD Program Operator who will guide the certification process.
- Define your product and select the relevant Product Category Rules (PCRs) to establish assessment boundaries.
- Gather detailed life cycle data over a 12-month period – covering raw materials, energy, emissions, waste, and transport.
- Use digital data management tools or templates to streamline data entry and reporting.
- Conduct a comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) following ISO 14025 and PCR requirements.
- Engage a qualified third-party verifier for detailed review and approval of your EPD.
- Publish the verified EPD in a recognized database, securing an official reference number and certificate.
- Schedule periodic reviews and updates to maintain validity, reflect changes, and support continuous improvement.
Final Words
Applying insights from both standardized frameworks and real-world environmental product declaration examples delivers greater consistency and transparency in sustainability reporting.
Well-structured EPDs not only streamline compliance but also reveal actionable metrics for improving product design and supply chain performance.
By leveraging proven EPD templates and integrating best practices for data collection, verification, and digital reporting, manufacturers position themselves for leadership in an increasingly regulated and sustainability-driven marketplace.
Using environmental product declaration examples as practical benchmarks accelerates both compliance and tangible progress toward net-zero ambitions.
FAQ
Q: What is an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) in business?
A: An Environmental Product Declaration in business is a standardized, third-party verified report that quantifies a product’s environmental impacts across its life cycle using Life Cycle Assessment data.
Q: What does an environmental product declaration look like?
A: An environmental product declaration typically follows a concise, ISO 14025-compliant format with key metrics on the first pages, including product definition, declared unit, impact assessment results, and references to Product Category Rules.
Q: What is included in an environmental product declaration?
A: An EPD includes product identification, declared unit, comprehensive impact assessment results, supporting data, reference to relevant Product Category Rules (PCR), and validity period.
Q: How to make an environmental product declaration?
A: To create an EPD, collect life cycle data over 12 months, select a program operator, perform an LCA following PCR requirements, submit for third-party verification, and publish the validated report in a recognized database.
Q: Where can businesses find environmental product declaration examples or databases?
A: Businesses can access EPD examples and downloadable reports in digital databases maintained by program operators such as UL Environment, ASTM International, and global registries for LEED-compliant products.
Q: What is an EPD certificate and how is it used?
A: An EPD certificate is a verified document demonstrating a product’s environmental performance, often required for green building certifications, public procurement, and to support sustainability claims in B2B markets.
Q: What are Type III environmental declarations?
A: Type III environmental declarations are standardized EPDs based on ISO 14025, requiring third-party verification and comparability through defined product category rules and consistent reporting metrics.
Q: How are EPDs used in construction?
A: EPDs in construction certify environmental impacts of building materials, support LEED and BREEAM compliance, and inform procurement decisions by enabling transparent product comparisons on sustainability criteria.
Q: What is an EPD report?
A: An EPD report is a formal document detailing a product’s life cycle environmental impacts using standardized LCA, meeting ISO and PCR requirements, and verified by an independent third party.
Q: What is included in EPD examples from industry leaders?
A: EPD examples from industry leaders cover product identification, main environmental impact categories, program operator information, and verification references – validated by operators like ASTM, UL Environment, and NSF.
Q: Are there EPDs for sectors beyond construction?
A: While EPDs are most common in construction, sectors such as flooring, coatings, plastics, and packaging also publish EPDs, each following sector-specific PCR guidance and verification.
Q: What is the difference between an environmental product declaration and other product certificates?
A: An EPD quantifies life cycle environmental impacts using LCA and PCRs, while other certificates may focus only on attributes like recycled content or energy efficiency, without standardized comparative data.
Q: How do Product Category Rules (PCR) influence EPDs?
A: Product Category Rules define the specific methodology, data requirements, scope, and metrics for EPDs in each product group, ensuring comparability and reliability of declaration results.
Q: What is the importance of third-party verification for EPDs?
A: Third-party verification validates accuracy and integrity of EPD data, meeting certification standards and enabling market acceptance, regulatory compliance, and qualification for green building schemes.
Q: How long are EPDs typically valid?
A: EPDs generally remain valid for five years, after which they must be reviewed and updated to reflect current data and evolving PCR requirements.
Q: How do companies use EPD examples to advance sustainability and supply chain management?
A: Companies leverage EPD examples for benchmarking, supplier evaluation, sustainability reporting, market differentiation, and meeting regulatory requirements for transparent environmental performance.
