CO2 or EPD, you just have to figure it out. Nevertheless, the terms are very interesting if you want to look at the environmental impact of building materials. What is the difference and how can you compare? We explain.
The abbreviation EPD stands for Environmental Product Declaration, in Swedish miljövarudeklaration. EPD is a document with information about the environmental impact of building materials. Manufacturers of building materials can voluntarily prepare an environmental product declaration. A third, independent party verifies that the declaration is accurate. This ensures the reliability of the information.
The environmental product declaration covers more than just the carbon footprint. It considers 16 factors that impact the environment, such as water usage, soil acidification due to nitrogen emissions, use of fossil resources, soil fertilization, and much more. One of the 16 factors is GWP (Global Warming Potential), which is the product's carbon footprint. The environmental product declaration also evaluates not only the final product but the entire manufacturing process from raw material extraction to product waste management (cradle to grave).
