This guide helps you determine if an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) is valid for inclusion in the One Click LCA database. This will tell you if the EPD is usable for your Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) calculations.
Only valid Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) that meet certain quality standards can be added to the database. Product certifications or data that do not meet the EPD standard requirements are not eligible for inclusion. This ensures consistency and accuracy in the environmental data used.
What is an EPD?
EPDs are reports that communicate the environmental impacts of a product throughout its life cycle. They are based on LCA calculations and follow these standards:
ISO 14040 and ISO 14044: General LCA principles and requirements.
EN 15804: European standard specifically for construction products.
ISO 14025: International standard for EPDs.
Before you start:
Search the One Click LCA database. Most EPDs are already included. You can search by:
Product name (e.g., "EPS foam insulation")
EPD number (if available)
EPD number without language suffix, e.g. 'EPD-MPA-20140025-CAG1-EN', remove -EN
Manufacturer name
EPD program name- EPD registration number for the most accurate results.
Double-check registration numbers and names for typos or inaccuracies.
Optional: Search using the Materials Compass If a resource cannot be found, verify that it has been added to your company’s data list and ensure you are logged into the correct account associated with your company.
This tool, within the One Click LCA software, provides comprehensive information on all EPDs, including the standard used, which can help determine its suitability for your needs. Additionally, confirm that you are accessing the database from the correct account to ensure visibility of resources associated with your company.
Is the EPD valid?
If you don't find the EPD in the database, check these points to see if it's eligible:
Methodology: The used methodology will determine which users can see it in the database. The EPD often states what it is based on, or you can identify it by the environmental indicators and units reported.
EPDs in Europe will use either PEF or CML
EPDs in North America will use TRACI
Validity Date and Data Quality: EPDs are typically valid for 3-5 years and must adhere to current data quality standards. Check the first page or general information section for the validity period and ensure the data aligns with the required quality benchmarks.
External Verification: Ensure the EPD has been independently verified. This is usually indicated in the general information section.
Life Cycle Stages: The EPD must report emissions for different life cycle stages, at minimum stages A1-A3 (raw material extraction to manufacturing). It's okay if stages A1-A3 are combined, but they cannot be combined with later stages (B, C, and D).
Project-Specific EPDs: These EPDs are for products used in a single project and should be added as private data points to your company account, not the main database.6. Documentation Level: Only Mid Level EPD reports, which provide a detailed breakdown of Global Warming Potential (GWP) across lifecycle stages, are accepted. Basic reports and certificates lacking detailed lifecycle analysis are insufficient for database inclusion.
Assessor Verification: The EPD must include comprehensive assessor credentials, ensuring verifiability. Submissions with unverifiable assessor details will not meet database quality standards.
Submitting an EPD: Common Reasons for Rejection
Lack of identifiable assessor information. Entries must clearly state who validated or assessed the data.
Expired EPDs or those outside their validity period cannot be included.
Improper documentation types such as simple certificates lacking lifecycle analysis breakdowns.
Tips for Successful Submissions
Always verify the assessor's identity and ensure that their details are included in the documentation.
Double-check that your EPD adheres to quality standards with all necessary lifecycle breakdowns.
Confirm the validity and type before submitting, as non-applicable documents (e.g., basic certificates) will be rejected.
If the EPD meets all the criteria, simply login to Materials Compass, click "Add product," and upload your documents.