EPDs are the fundamental data for building LCAs and basis used for the ecological pillars of sustainability assessment in building certification systems: In the DGNB system and in the BNB, EPDs are applicable for individual building products, in order to calculate the building’s life cycle assessment. With LEED, credit points may be earned through the existence of EPDs, which is similar in function to BREEAM.
Further, through the data collection and evaluation that takes place in the process of creating an EPD, manufacturers are able to gain insights into their own processes. Through the life cycle analysis, the building product can be checked for ecological and economic hotspots, and can be subsequently optimised, not only conserving resources and reducing the environmental effects of the product, but also bringing financial savings through increased efficiency in the process.
The EPD is thus not only data source and an informational document for planners, architects and auditors, but also a valuable instrument for the manufacturer in optimising his/her own products and processes.