An Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) is a standardized, transparent document that communicates the environmental performance of a product, derived from a rigorous Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). LCAs provide a scientific framework for evaluating the environmental impacts of a product across its entire life cycle, including raw material extraction, production, transportation, use, and end-of-life stages. These assessments are governed by the ISO 14040 and ISO 14044 series of standards, ensuring methodological consistency, reliability, and credibility. ISO 14040 defines the principles and framework for LCA, while ISO 14044 provides detailed requirements and guidelines for conducting LCAs, covering aspects such as goal definition, inventory analysis, impact assessment, and interpretation of results.

The insights from an LCA serve as the foundation for creating an EPD, which is typically prepared in accordance with ISO 14025. EPDs are particularly valuable for industries like construction, manufacturing, and consumer goods, as they provide verified environmental information that supports sustainable decision-making and green procurement practices. Moreover, the growing focus on climate change has driven interest in assessing the Product Carbon Footprint (PCF), which specifically measures the greenhouse gas emissions associated with a product’s life cycle, expressed in CO₂ equivalents (CO₂e). The PCF is often calculated as part of an LCA and highlights climate-related impacts, enabling organizations to identify and reduce emissions hotspots in their value chains.

By integrating LCA methodologies with EPD frameworks and PCF calculations, businesses can demonstrate their commitment to sustainability, comply with regulatory requirements, and meet the expectations of environmentally conscious consumers. These tools collectively provide robust, quantitative data to guide product development, improve supply chain efficiency, and foster transparency in communicating environmental impacts. Together, they are critical in advancing global efforts toward sustainable production and consumption.