The EPD creation process can be divided into three steps:

Step 1: Development of Product Category Rules

The basis of an EPD is the guidance document (PCR – Product Category Rules), which consists of two parts. Part A, which is uniformly valid for all product subgroups, is written and maintained by the Advisory Board (SVR). It contains the algorithm for the life cycle assessment and the requirements of the underlying background report.

Part B is written for specific product subgroups and describes the requirements for the contents of the respective EPD. Working groups moderated by the IBU define the respective product subgroups, which exhibit similar characteristics and functionalities. They specify the structural data and the additional environmental and health-related evidence that is to be declared. IBU members, working together with external experts, thereby compile a draft of the new PCR Part B guidance text.

The SVR examines the draft for consistency between the product groups and for completeness. Subsequently, interested parties from the public have the opportunity to discuss the draft in an online forum and to contribute suggestions for improvement, before the SVR releases the document.

Step 2: Data collection, LCA and EPD creation

The collection of all necessary data is a basic prerequisite for the calculation of a life cycle assessment and for creating the EPD in accordance with the standard. Usually the manufacturing company commissions an experienced life cycle assessment service provider to do this.

The EPD has to be created on the basis of the guidelines of PCR guidance text Part B. For the writing of the EPD document itself, an easily operated, web-based Online Tool, accessible to all participants, is available.

In order for the results of the life cycle assessment to be checked, an additional “background report” based on PCR Part A must be drawn up. The underlying life cycle assessment model comes from this report, as well as the acceptance and allocation methods.

Step 3: Independent review and confirmation

In the third step, the EPD and the background report are reviewed by the verifier appointed by the SVR as an independent third party, in accordance with the principles of ISO 14025 and EN 15804. Following a review for completeness, plausibility and consistency of the data and calculations, a verification report is completed.

Subsequently, the EPD is published by IBU. An EPD is valid for 5 years.