Across the US, businesses are experiencing a new wave of environmental awareness. From towering skyscrapers to data centers, sustainability is no longer a niche concern, but a driving force in design, construction,and procurement as seen with the Living Building Challenge1. This shift has propelled Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) into the spotlight, offering a powerful tool for transparency and informed decision making.
What are EPDs?
EPDs are standardized documents validated by third parties to declare qualitative and quantitative information regarding the impacts of a product or service on the environment across all stages of the product life-cycle. They reveal the environmental impacts associated with raw material extraction, manufacturing, transportation, use, and end-of-life disposal. This data empowers stakeholders to make informed choices about the products they use, reducing their environmental footprint and fostering a more sustainable future.
EPDs in the US: A Dynamic Landscape
While EPDs have been widely adopted in Europe since 20122, their usage in the US is still evolving based on market and regulatory demands. However, the pace is accelerating, driven by several factors:
- Growing demand for transparency: Consumers and businesses alike are increasingly demanding transparency about the environmental impact oftheir choices. EPDs provide the data they need, enabling them to compare products and choose the most sustainable options.
- Policy and regulatory shifts: Several states and municipalities are implementing green building policies that mandate or incentivize the use of EPDs in public projects. California is leading in this particular area with their Buy Clean California Act3.
- Industry leadership: Leading manufacturers and architects are recognizing the value of EPDs in differentiating their products and services, promoting innovation, and driving market share, including ABB.
Who are the Key Stakeholders?
The demand for EPDs is diverse and spans across various sectors. Here are some key customer groups:
- Architects and specifiers: EPDs provide architects and specifiers with the data they need to make informed material choices for their projects, contributing to LEED certification and other green building initiatives like Living Building Challenge1.
- Government agencies: Government agencies are incorporating EPDs into public procurement policies to ensure the environmental sustainability of their infrastructure projects. For example, in the Office of the Federal Chief Sustainability Officer, there are Net-Zero Emissions Procurement guidelines4.
- Sustainability consultants and advisors: Sustainability consultants and advisors are using EPDs to guide their clients in making sustainable choices and achieving their environmental goals. Companies like SGS offer services to help large companies verify their Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs)5
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for EPDs in the US
The future of EPDs in the US is undeniably bright. As the demand for transparency and sustainability continues to rise, EPDs will become an essential tool for businesses and individuals alike to enable them to make conscious decisions about the products and services they use. With continued investment in infrastructure, education, and standardization, EPDs have the potential to drive a more sustainable future for all to reach the ultimate goal of net zero emissions.
