Since July 2022, EN 15804+A2 has been the required standard for Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs). This update changed how environmental impacts are measured, which affects how we use EPD data in Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs).
Using +A2 Data in Building Assessments
Some LCA tools can use +A2 data, but not all. This is because +A2 uses different impact categories than the older +A1 standard. To ensure proper use of +A2 data, it is essential to evaluate the predominance of data standards in the project. Consider whether most of your data aligns with +A2 or +A1, and use tools consistent with the methodology for which the majority of your data is compliant.
Key Points
Compatibility: You can't combine +A1 and +A2 data in a full LCA because their impact categories don't match up. Read also: The New EN 15804 Standard: A Quick Guide (+A1 vs +A2) Use methodological consistency by aligning tools with the majority data standard present in your dataset for reliable calculations.
Limited Use: You can use +A2 data for Global Warming Potential (GWP) calculations in some tools.
Certification Schemes: Most building certifications (like LEED and BREEAM) currently require A1 data. (Note, BREEAM v7 already allows +A2 data)
Tool Compatibility: Some tools can use +A2 data, including:
Tools using 'Global Warming Potential - Fossil' only include most of our carbon tools.
Tools using all GWP indicators from EN 15804+A2 and GWP from +A1 (e.g., Level(s) life-cycle carbon)
Tools using 'Full EN 15804:A2' Environmental Indicators (e.g., Level(s) LCA According to EN15804+A2)
Future Updates: More tools will support +A2 data in the future, however, this requires changes to industry and regulatory schemes. Data Management: In scenarios where required data is not readily available, you can engage suppliers to provide updated EPD data or create private datasets for compatibility, particularly when operating across +A1 and +A2 standards.
Tools That Cannot Currently Use +A2 Data
These tools require +A1 data due to certification requirements, but future versions may support +A2.
Any current BREEAM tool up to BREEAM v7, which allows the use of either +A1 or +A2 data
Any current LEED tool
DGNB 2012-2018 tools
CEEQUAL, Envision & ISCA Infrastructure tools
Verde
Using +A2 Data in Product and EPD Assessments
One Click LCA's tools for product LCA (Pre-verified EPD Generator & EPD Hub) can calculate results according to both EN 15804+A2 and EN 15804+A1.
Learn More:
Managing EPD Data Compatibility: Strategies to harmonize EN 15804+A2 and +A1 data in tools
Differences between EN 15804+A1 and EN 15804+A2: The New EN 15804 Standard: A Quick Guide (+A1 vs +A2)
Using +A1 & +A2 data in product LCA: How Do I Use A +A1 EPD In My +A2 LCA?