Process Certification is part of the verification framework under the EPD Hub programme. It defines how Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) are verified and how they qualify for publication on EPD Hub.

There are two verification categories within the programme:

The role of Process Certification depends on which pathway is used.

Third-party verified EPDs are published on EPD Hub. There are two structured routes to publication:

When an EPD is generated using a fully pre-verified (end-to-end verified) tool, the entire system has already been verified. This includes the LCA methodology, datasets, calculation logic, EPD structure and locking mechanisms. In this model, the verified tool setup replaces per-EPD verification.

Before auto-publishing is enabled, at least the first three EPDs generated with the tool undergo manual third-party verification to confirm correct real-world implementation. Once these initial EPDs have been successfully verified, auto-publishing is activated and subsequent EPDs no longer require manual verification prior to publication.

When an EPD is generated using a pre-verified tool (not fully pre-verified) and is intended for publication, two elements must be verified: the tool itself and the manufacturer’s internal control system. The verification of the internal system is called Process Certification.

Once Process Certification has been granted, EPDs generated under the certified process are treated as third-party verified and do not require individual manual verification prior to publication. Instead of verifying each declaration separately, the robustness of the generation system ensures compliance.

If Process Certification is not in place, EPDs generated from a pre-verified tool must go through manual third-party verification for publication on EPD Hub.

Process Certification does not verify individual EPD documents. It verifies the system that generates them.

The audit assesses whether the organisation has implemented sufficient controls to ensure that every generated EPD is compliant, reproducible and protected against manipulation. This includes:

For published EPDs generated under a process certified system, quality assurance continues after publication. Annual check-ups are mandatory unless the number of EPDs is very low. During these reviews, a sample of published EPDs is assessed, tool logs and input variability are examined, and any identified non-conformities must be corrected through established procedures.

Process Certification is valid for three years, provided that no significant changes affecting LCA results or compliance are introduced.

Process Certification exists to balance efficiency with verification rigor.

Scalability. Manufacturers often need to generate large numbers of EPDs to reflect product variations, customer configurations or project-specific requirements. Manually verifying each EPD would create delays and administrative burden. Process Certification enables controlled automation while maintaining compliance.

Consistency and repeatability. Instead of relying on repeated human checks, the focus shifts to validating data governance, methodological consistency, system locking and reproducibility. This reduces variability and strengthens long-term reliability.

Trust and comparability. Under the EPD Hub programme, third-party verified EPDs must comply with applicable standards and PCRs. Logging, traceability and controlled tool environments ensure that results remain reproducible. Post-publication audits reinforce confidence in the system over time.

The result is a verification model that supports scale without compromising credibility.

Internally verified EPDs are used for internal purposes, tenders or customer communication. They are not published on EPD Hub. Internal verification is always performed by an internal verifier who is certified by EPD Hub, even though the review takes place within the manufacturer’s organisation. There are two internal models:

In this model, a named internal verifier certified by EPD Hub is assigned within One Click LCA. Each EPD is individually reviewed and approved on a per-document basis. Process Certification is not required. This approach is typically used when EPD volumes are relatively low.

Instead of reviewing each EPD manually, the manufacturer may obtain Process Certification for internal verification purposes. In this case, the internal control system is audited and certified, and individual human review of each EPD is no longer required. The certified system ensures methodological consistency and data integrity, and annual audits together with the three-year validity rules apply.

These EPDs remain internally verified unless they separately undergo third-party verification for publication.

Third-party verified EPDs are published on EPD Hub. This requires either:

For internal purposes:

If you're interested in learning more about scaling your EPD creation with Process Certification, please reach out to your Account Manager or Contact Us in support.