Latest status of Advisory Board (SVR) decisions: April 2024

All resolutions of the IBU Council of Experts can be read here. We are happy to send you the resolutions on request.

Advisory Board (SVR) – Decisions April 2024

Decision no. 20240305-c:

The SVR decides on the Private Label Agreement as follows: If the declaration holder allows ownerships to be transferred, the declared place of manufacture remains unchanged. Only the product name, product image and declaration holder are adapted. The original manufacturer does not have to be named. Transport for relabeling would generally be considered part of module A3. This transport can be disregarded if it falls below the 5% GWP limit. However, if this limit is exceeded, module A3 must take the transport for relabeling into account and include it accordingly in the LCA.

Advisory Board (SVR) – Decisions October 2023

Decision 20230904-3:
The IBU is developing rules for the publication of EPDs for so-called reuse products. The rules have been agreed, the homepage has been updated accordingly, and they will be included as an annex in the next version of the PCR Part A. Requests from industry are welcomed by the SVR and accompanied by the IBU.

The annex to PCR Part A for ReUse products is available on request and at epd-online.com.

Advisory Board (SVR) – Decisions May 2023

The IBU Advisory Board (SVR) decided in its last meeting in May 2023 on these topics.

Decision No. 20230523-b:

Results according to EN 15804 + A1 may be attached as a verified annex to a valid EPD according to EN 15804+A2. However, this annex is not digitized.

An EPD according to EN 15804 + A1 alone is no longer allowed.

Decision No. 20200924-e:
Due to insufficient experience in the construction sector, the application is rejected.

Advisory Board (SVR) – Decisions May 2020

The IBU Advisory Board (SVR) decided in its last meeting in May 2020 on these topics.

Decision 20200528-b:
1. no VOC and formaldehyde emissions in core EPDs.
2. proof of formaldehyde emissions according to the test methods specified in the respective product standards
Test methods and proof of VOC emissions according to the AgBB scheme.

Decision 20200528-c:
A note on extension shall be provided in the scope of the EPD.

Decision 20200528-d:
EPD tools will continue to be presented to the SVR.

Advisory Board (SVR) – Decisions October 2019

Product Category Rules (the PCRs can be commented in the forum)

Decision no. 20191018-f:

The PCR green roof systems are to be revised in accordance with the items above and then entered into the SVR circulation procedure.

Decision no. 20191018-g:

The PCR on prefabricated supporting elements made of wood and wood-based materials is to be revised in accordance with the items above and then published.

Decision no. 20191018-h:

The procedure for PCR revision is to be supplemented by and/or revised to include the comments by the SVR.

Advisory Board (SVR) – Decisions May 2019

The IBU Advisory Board (SVR) decided in its last meeting in May 2019 on these topics.

Subsequent change following the Decision No. 20180420-f Primary energy 

(“Explanations and Rules of Calculation for the Result Indicators and Chapter 7.1.3.”)

In addition, the results table was supplemented by indicators or units (primary energy, use of secondary substances (in MJ and kg), substances for recycling (in MJ and kg), substances for energy recovery (in MJ and kg)). In the subsequent coordination with other users and EPD creators, the content and the form of the declaration in additional lines required further clarification.

As European harmonization is intended, an application to TC 350, WG 3 will be submitted. PCR Part A version 1.6 will temporarily apply for chapter 7.1.3.

 

Decision No. 20190524-e:

The following resolution is suspended

Decision No. 20190220-d:

The changes to the primary energy (Decision No. 20180420-f ) will be published with a supplement for systems with water content.

Advisory Board (SVR) – Decisions October 2018

The IBU Advisory Board (SVR) decided in its last meeting in October 2018 on these topics.

Supplements to the PCR, Part B: Floor coverings

  • The PCR on floor coverings does not require the AgBB scheme in section 7.1 although the AgBB scheme was developed for this application. Even if the ECA report comprises the AgBB scheme, the AgBB table must be listed here.

  • ERFMI asked IBU in January whether additional indicators can be declared in the EPD, in particular toxicity indicators. Dr Schmincke reported that owing to the current level of discussion in the CEN/TC 350 on the new EN 15804+A2, it is very likely that there will be new indicators as of 2019. Accordingly, there is no reason not to declare them in an IBU EPD.

  • The declared additional indicators would need to comply with those in the EN 15804+A2 and they would also have to be based on the same methods.

  • The indicators may not yet be declared in core EPDs.

  • A declaration of further indicators from the list of additional indicators in EN 15804+A2 is possible in an annex to the EPD if it is clearly indicated as such, whereby the “disclaimers” specified in EN 15804+A2 on methodical or data-based restrictions of the additional declared indicators must be used.

Decision no. 20181019-f:

The PCR, Part B: Floor coverings are supplemented in section 7.1. to include the AgBB scheme table.

No provisional declaration of new indicators from the EN 15084+A2

Decision no. 20181019-g: New indicators from the EN 15804+A2 may not yet be declared in a core EPD. In an IBU EPD or in an annex to a core EPD, following co-ordination with the SVR only the indicators from EN 15804 +A2 may be declared if it is clear that they involve additional information and not the core indicators, whereby the “disclaimers” specified in EN 15804+A2 on methodical or data-based restrictions of the additional declared indicators must be used. This regulation only applies provisionally; it is not a precedent for future integration of the additional indicators of EN 15804+A2 in the IBU range.

Allocation regulation for fly ash

  • Currently, the allocation regulations for handling blast furnace slag and fly ash are not consistently specified in the PCRs.

  • Fly ash can be regarded as less critical than slag.

  • Comparison of various possible allocation approaches by Dr Werner:

– No allocation (“0” allocation)

– Economic allocation (range 28-388 kg CO2/t)

– Physical allocation (484 kg CO2/t)

– Mass allocation (1373 kg CO2/t)

  • It is clear how the LCA results can vary and a “0” allocation by default is not agreed to as planned in the c-PCR.

  • The specification in PCR, Part B: Cement should also be examined for conformity with standards during further processing of this topic.

Decision no. 20181019-h:

A “0” allocation by default is not possible for blast furnace and electric furnace slag. An economic allocation is specified in the PCRs, whereby a “0” allocation can in fact be selected and justified for a very low contribution by these by-products.

Revising the PCR, Part A

Dr Hauer has supplemented the annex to PCR, Part A “Explanations and calculation rules on the result indicators and section 7.1.3.” to include an example for the future declaration:

 Primary energy

 SM – Use of Secondary Materials (in MJ and kg)

 FR – Materials for Recycling (in MJ and kg)

 MER – Materials for Energy Recovery (in MJ and kg).

  • The annex is published following editorial revision, presented to the other programme owners via the ECO Platform, and also presented to the Ökobaudat group of users.

  • Publication will be followed by a transition period of 6 months for implementation. Attention is drawn to the fact that some EPDs are currently published which indicate the consumption of primary energy in accordance with PCR, Part A (last revised in 2017).

Decision no. 20181019-k:

The annex to PCR, Part A is published following editorial revision, presented to the other programme owners via the ECO Platform, and also presented to the Ökobaudat group of users. Publication will be followed by a transition period of 6 months for implementation.

Inclusion of the AgBB scheme in PCRs

Decision no. 20181019-l: The table in accordance with the AgBB scheme 2018 is to be included in the PCRs.

Advisory Board (SVR) – Decisions June 2018

The IBU Advisory Board (SVR) decided in its last meeting in June 2018 on these topics.

A supplement in the PCR Part A

Decision no. 20180629-c: IBU as a supplement in the PCR Part A

Use of the European power mix data for calculating the EPD results of the use phase (Module B 6) is specified as a general reference scenario in the IBU range and regional details are also possible which require explanation in the EPD.

Requirements on (partially) automated software systems for generating and approving EPDs (so-called EPD tools)

Decision no. 20180629-f:

Section 7.2 “Requirements on (partially) automated software systems for generating and approving EPDs (so-called EPD tools)” and the accompanying process instructions are integrated in the general IBU programme instructions – this decision is published in advance on the IBU homepage.

Decision no. 20180629-g:

A new verifier is assigned for an extension or new approval of an EPD tool.

PDF document: “Requirements on (partially) automated software systems for generating and approving EPDs (so-called EPD tools)”

Results of the verifier meeting

The following text is deleted in section 5.5.2 of the PCR Part A:
If no specific information for the R1 value of the incineration plant is available, it is assumed for Germany that packaging material and, if applicable, product waste from the installation process are treated thermally in an incineration plant with R1<0.6. Thus, the loads from the combustion process of packaging are to be declared in module A5, the resulting energy benefits in module D.

The following text is retained:
When modelling the incineration plant, care shall be taken to ensure that the inventoried incineration plant corresponds to the assumed R1-value.

Decision 20180629-i:

The text change in section 5.5.2. of the PCR Part A is accepted.

Decision no. 20180629-j:

The CML 2001 (version 2012) remains the basis for the results in the EPD until implementation of the EN 15804:2012+A1:2013/prA2.

Communication of new SVR decisions to the verifiers

Decision 20180629-k: IBU

Reference is regularly made in the IBU newsletter to the SVR decisions. No further action is necessary here. The PCR Part A are updated at least once a year in accordance with the decisions of the SVR. This takes place prior to the annual verifier meeting.

Advisory Board (SVR) – Decisions April 2018

The IBU Advisory Board (SVR) decided in its last meeting in April 2018 on these topics.

Individualization of model EPDs for the European Chemical Union.

The SVR is unanimously of the opinion that from a technical point of view there are no reasons not to allow individualization of EU EPDs by German companies. However, the SVR recommends the IBU to promote a real individualization (= individual calculation) and to improve the labeling of EPDs based on sample EPDs. This would allow the user to better assess which EPD he/she is looking at. If necessary, consideration should be given to expanding the existing category system – here, company EPDs based on sample EPDs are not differentiated at the moment.

Decision 20180420-j:

Individualization of EU model EPDs by German companies is permitted from a technical point of view.

All public SVR determinations have been published by the IBU.

Advisory Board (SVR) – Decisions January 2018

The IBU Advisory Board (SVR) decided in its last meeting in January 2018 on these topics.

Incorporation of EN 16810 into the existing PCR for floor coverings.

The PCR standard of the resilient, textile and laminate flooring industry (TC 134) was published in 2017 (EN 16180: Resilient, textile and laminate floor coverings – Environmental product declarations – Product categorization rule). The IBU has the policy decision that c-PCRs will be adopted in the IBU PCRs.

From EN 16810, the following rules are adopted into the IBU system:

1. useful life

The declaration of the service life of 1 year does not contradict the IBU regulations, therefore this is taken over in the IBU PCR. In addition, the following note must be made in the EPD: “Depending on the area of use based on EN ISO 10874 , the technical service life recommended by the manufacturer and the expected stress on the floor by the customer, the service life can be determined on a case-specific basis. The impact of module B2 must be calculated based on this service life to yield the total environmental impact.”

2. designation of biogenic carbon

Designation of biogenic carbon during the life cycle 1:

  • Rules as in PCR Part A and
  • Rules of EN 16485:2014 Round and sawn timber – Environmental product declarations – Product categorization rules for wood and wood-based materials in construction.
  • The resource aspect of wood is to be accounted for via the material inherent properties as resource extraction of CO2 from the atmosphere and the lower heating value as consumption of renewable energy sources.

Designation of biogenic carbon during the life cycle 2:

  • For secondary material (waste wood), the bound CO2 is considered on the input side with the corresponding negative GWP;
  • Similarly, for waste wood that is recycled or leaves the product system to be accounted for as secondary fuel, the CO2 bound in the wood fibers to be recycled is accounted for on the output side with the corresponding positive GWP.
  • If biogenic CO2 is accounted for in modules A1-A3 as part of the GWP, it is mandatory to declare the module in which the CO2 bound in the product or packaging is released or leaves the balance area via recycling or as secondary fuel.

Declaration of biogenic carbon during the life cycle 3:

  • The amount of biogenic carbon contained in the biological material or packaging must be declared in the module where the stored biogenic carbon is accounted for as part of the GWP.
  • the energy content (Hu) is accounted for as consumption of “use of renewable secondary fuels” or as “use of secondary materials”.

The following regulations are not adopted from EN 16810:
EN 16810 allows the declaration of toxicity indicators in the EPD. The IBU has received a request from ERFMI to integrate these into an IBU EPD. Dr. Lehmann proposes, against the background of the integration of ISO 21930 into the IBU Program Rules, to postpone the decision on ERFMI’s request and to communicate this to ERFMI accordingly.

The EPDs for resilient, textile and laminate flooring will additionally mention EN 16810 as reference in the EPD.

Decision no. 20180124-e:

Inclusion of EN 16810 in the existing PCRs for flooring for the topics: Service life and designation of biogenic carbon and designation of EN 16810 on the cover sheet of the EPD for flooring.

Advisory Board (SVR) – Decisions October 2017

The IBU Advisory Board (SVR) decided in its last meeting in October 2017 on these topics.

Decision no. 20171027-d: PCR “Cable tray systems for electrical installations” is renamed and the scope is extended to PCR Part B: Cable tray and cable ducts for electronic installations.

PCR Part B: for coatings with organic binders (follow-up circulation procedure)

The SVR has the following comments on PCR Part B:

– The scope in the existing PCR “Panels and sheets of plastics” should be changed for interior applications.

– A new PCR is to be published under plastics for outdoor applications.

Decision no. 20171027-f: After incorporation of the changes, the PCR can be published.

Decision no. 20171027-h: Open questions from the verifier meeting (resubmission from 44th meeting) are clarified.

Decision on association and sample EPDs (Decision no. 20170712-12: Dr. Werner)

The issue of representativeness and individualization is discussed.

There are 2 levels of individualization:

  1. Only the cover sheet and possibly annexes are changed, the declaration holder is not changed. Possible e.g. for marketing purposes. Association logo remains on cover sheet – are not digitized, only PDF is created.
  2. If the individualization is to go further, namely if the manufacturer wants to become declaration holder, a procedure as for sample EPDs is to be presented to the SVR.

On representativeness:

– In the PCR Part B, new texts are inserted in Chap. 3.1 Declared unit and 3.6 Data quality as well as in the scope of validity.

Decision no. 20171027-i:

The proposal is accepted by the SVR, the necessary changes in the IBU rules documents are implemented.

Advisory Board (SVR) – Decisions Juli 2017

The IBU Advisory Board (SVR) decided in its last meeting in Juli 2017 on these topics.

The scopes for the following PCRs have been expanded:

PCR Part B: Coatings with organic binders:

  • Coating products may be applied as dispersions, emulsions, solutions, powder mixtures, or as preformed, dried elements for coating surfaces

PCR Part B: Steel enamel or acrylic bathtubs and shower trays.

  • The document applies to: Bathtubs, shower trays, washbasins and vanities made of composite materials, such as steel enamel, acrylic and mineral casting.
  • Renamed to: Sanitary ware products made of composite materials

Further decisions of the SVR from the last meeting:

Decision no. 20170712-h: The renaming of the indicator ADP is implemented in the PCRs.

Decision no. 20170712-i: The requirement for the product definition chapter is changed in the PCRs.

Decision no. 20170712-k: Software tools must always declare the largest scope in the first EPD (If the tool can calculate A1-C4+D including scenarios, the first EPD from the tool must also map all these cases).

Decision no. 20170712-l: Software tools oblige that all EPDs are delivered as XML file (in ILCD+EPD format) to be published in IBU.data. Exception is for System II tools, here it is sufficient if a reference product presented to the SVR as part of the tool release is available as an XML file (The manufacturer makes suggestions for the reference products).

Decision no. 20170712-n: Modules B3, B4, and B5 are relevant only at the building level and will be identified as MNR in the IBU system. (They can still be declared if needed).

Decision no. 20170712-o: In module B2, the expenses for maintenance, repair, etc. over the useful life of the product will be declared in the IBU program. This resolution is valid until revoked by ECO Platform.

Advisory Board (SVR) – Decisions March 2017

The IBU Advisory Board (SVR) decided in its last meeting in March 2017 on these topics.

RSL Regulations:

Decision no. 20170315-e: The source and background information for declaring life/RSL information should be described in more detail in Chapter 4 of the PCR Part B.

PCR Part A Supplement:

Decision no. 20170315-j: The changes in PCR Part A concerning R1 are adopted (Chapter 5.5.6).

Decision no. 20170315-k: The proposed changes in PCR Part A by Ms. Schindler and Ms. Grahl are accepted in part after review by Dr. Werner and Dr. Schmincke, accepted in part with modifications, and noted in part.

Declaration of modules not relevant for the product level, namely modules B3-B5:

Decision no. 20170315-i: The SVR agrees with the proposal for the modules B3-B5. Before the technical implementation, a comparison with other program holders within the framework of the ÖKOBADAT user group is recommended.

Withdrawn Resolutions:

Decision no. 20170315-h: The following resolutions of the SVR are withdrawn:

  1. Decision no. 20121004-e: Requirements for the preparation of ESDs
  2. Decision no. 20140704-c: definition of the term ESD
  3. Decision no. 20150630-e: technical data for declared product

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All resolutions of the IBU Council of Experts can be read here. We will be happy to send you the resolutions on request. The annex to PCR Part A for ReUse products is available on request and at epd-online.com.