Verification tests in EPD certification

A Type III Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) is a document that transparently and standardizes the environmental impact of a product throughout its life cycle. It is increasingly becoming a market requirement, especially in sectors such as construction, industry, and materials production. To be credible and commercially viable, the declaration must be prepared in accordance with appropriate standards and independently verified. Below, we explain how this process works in practice.

Standards and legal basis for the environmental product declaration

The basis for preparing an environmental product declaration are international standards, primarily

ISO 14025 , which defines the principles for developing Type III declarations, is complemented by ISO 14040 and ISO 14044 , which regulate the conduct of product life cycle analysis (LCA). At this stage, it is also crucial to define the system boundaries, i.e., determine which stages of the product’s life are being analyzed – from raw material acquisition, through transport and production, to use and disposal. Equally important is compliance with the relevant Product Category Rules ( PCR ), which specify requirements for a given industry and ensure the comparability of declarations.

Data collection and product life cycle analysis (LCA)

The next step is to collect detailed environmental data, which includes the quantity and transport of raw materials used, energy and water consumption, air and water emissions, and the amount of waste generated . This data should be current (no older than two years), complete (covering the entire production process), and verifiable (supported by appropriate documents, such as quality cards or invoices), as it directly impacts the analysis results, particularly those related to the production phase. In practice, this process requires collaboration across various departments within the company and often suppliers. The data is then processed as part of an LCA analysis using specialized software that allows for the calculation of indicators such as global warming potential (GWP), primary energy consumption, and acidification potential. This is one of the more demanding steps in preparing an environmental product declaration , but with proper collaboration, the process can be carried out effectively, ensuring compliance with standards.

Development of the content of the product’s environmental declaration

Based on the results of the LCA analysis, an environmental product declaration ( EPD) is prepared . This document should include a clear description of the product and its basic properties and functions, information on the methodology used, the assumptions made, and a clear summary of environmental performance. It is important that the content of the declaration is understandable, objective, and compliant with the requirements of the ISO 14025 standard , while avoiding marketing content. The declaration must enable comparisons between products within the same category, so particular attention is paid to data consistency and presentation . It is worth remembering that the document itself is valid for five years from its official date of issue. If significant changes occur during this time regarding the product or its production, an EPD update would likely be necessary.

Verification and publication of the declaration of compliance with standards

The final stage is the verification of the environmental product declaration by an independent certification body. Its purpose is to confirm the document’s compliance with applicable standards and EPD program rules. Only after a positive assessment can the declaration be published and officially used in business relations, tenders, and technical documentation. For many companies, this is also a crucial element of their ESG strategy and building credibility in the field of environmental responsibility. A properly prepared and verified environmental product declaration not only meets formal requirements but also provides real support in communicating with the market.

FAQ

What is an environmental product declaration?

An environmental product declaration (EPD) is a document that describes the environmental impact of a product throughout its life cycle, in accordance with international standards.

What are the stages of preparing an environmental statement?

The process primarily includes a product life cycle analysis (LCA), collecting environmental data, preparing the document and its independent verification.

Why is an environmental product declaration important?

An EPD is crucial for companies that want to meet market requirements and build credibility in the field of environmental responsibility.