All data in our database undergoes a rigorous ten-point verification using a process that has been reviewed by the Building Research Establishment (BRE). If the data fails this verification process it will be rejected.
How do we deal with ineligible EPDs?
When we come across an EPD with ineligible results, or missing data, we unfortunately cannot allow the EPD to be used in One Click LCA under normal circumstances. We still include the EPD in our database, however since it is not eligible for normal use, we display a warning when you search for the EPD number.
The warning tells you one of two options:
When the EPD has a minor error, you have to confirm you want to use the EPD. As it does not pass our quality check, we advice against using this option when aiming to get certification credits.
When the EPD has a serious error, you will not be allowed to use the EPD and it will be blocked completely.
A warning, as shown below, is displayed when the resource fails the verification, however it could still be used in certain situations.
Similarly, another warning is displayed when the resource fails the ten-point verification, as shown below, and is ineligible for use in any tool and therefore will be blocked.
Possible reasons why an EPD is ineligible and a warning is displayed
EPD's life cycle stages not separated - Resource will be blocked
For most certifications you will require emissions separated by life-cycle stage. If an EPD reports grouped phases (e.g., combined A1–D) instead of separate stages (e.g., A1–A3, A4), the tool cannot allocate impacts to specific stages. This limitation may result in blocked or zero emissions in calculations, as the data cannot be accurately processed for life-cycle analysis.
EPD has no mass conversion factor - Resource will be blocked
Missing mass or relevant conversion factors prevent the tool from converting between functional units, which can lead to zero or missing emission values in user calculations. This makes it impossible to use such resources effectively in environmental assessments.
EPD has no or incorrect ODP results - Resource will be displayed with a warning
If an EPD is missing mandatory indicator results, like Ozone Depletion Potential, we will add a warning to the resource. There is virtually no situation in which an EPD would have zero ODP emissions, however if the rest of the EPD has data which is viable the resource can be used with caution and should be avoided in calculations for certification purposes.
EPD is not related to construction - Resource will be blocked
E.g. an EPD for pasta sauce. It does not belong in a whole building LCA assessment, which means we block use of the resource.
EPD only has EN 15804+A2 results - Resource will be blocked in most tools
While EN 15804+A2 is the new mandatory standard since July 2022, only calculation tools which support this data format will show the resource as available for use. +A2 data cannot be converted to +A1 data.
It is recommended that manufacturers publish EPDs with both A1 and A2 results until A2 has been widely adopted. Further on this subject can be found here: The difference between EN 15804+A1 and EN 15804+A2
User-Facing Implications and Troubleshooting Guidance
To ensure accurate emissions calculations in One Click LCA:
Use EPD resources that include detailed life-cycle stage results and necessary conversion factors.
Verify the quality and compatibility of EPD data before using it in calculations.
Troubleshooting Tips
If emissions appear incorrect, double-check that all required inputs are provided.
For EPD resources showing zero emissions, review the data for missing indicators, grouped life-cycle stages, or absent conversion factors.
Avoid using incomplete or incompatible EPDs, especially for certification purposes.
By following these guidelines, users can minimize errors and ensure reliable emissions calculations in their projects.