Life Cycle Assessments (LCA)&
Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs)
A Holistic Analysis Process of LEED
Another valuable presentation from the world’s leading
green building network:
What are EPDs?
• Life-cycle based eco-labels that disclose environmental performance and impact.
• Related to several ISO standards.• Third party verified by product manufacturers.
Most importantly, EPDs allow for easy and fair comparison of products through an environmental impact lens.
Also referred to as “cradle to cradle assessment”…
…but not to be confused with C2C Products Innovation Institute
Certification
Steps to Building an EPD
Photo source: Elixir Environmental
How does EPD relate to LCA?
• LCA is used to determine an EPD. • It effectively measures a product from it’s
inception to disposal, tracking the environmental impact of each activity and throughput.
The term “life cycle” refers to the notion that a fair, holistic assessment of raw-
material production, manufacture, distribution, use and disposal including all intervening transportation steps necessary
or caused by the product’s existence. -LCA Wikipedia page
What Does LCA Measure?
• Broadly:– Climate change– Ecosystem quality– Resources– Human health
• BREs (type of LCA) examine more deeply:– Acid deposition, human toxicity to air, fossil fuel
depletion & much more
Photo source: Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Measuring LCA
Product Category Rules (PCR)
• NSF Definition: a set of specific rules, requirements & guidelines for developing Type III environmental product declarations (EPDs).
Product Category Rules (PCR)• PCRs typically require data bout the consumption of
resources, including– energy – water – renewable resources
• PCRs also require data on emissions to – air – water – soil
Example PCRs
• Flooring• Flat glass• Residential countertops
If a PCR does not already exist, you can create one by performing and reporting the LCA and
subsequent EPD to a third party reviewer.
Resources for PCR Development
• Environdec.com• ULEnvironment.com• GEDnet.com• IBU.com• NSF.com
LEED v4 brings changes to EPD & LCA as they relate to green building projects.
Changes from LEED 2009
• Revised credits– Storage & Collection of
Recyclables– Construction & Demolition
Waste Management
Changes from LEED 2009
• New credits– Construction Demolition &
Waste Planning– Building Product Disclosure &
Optimization• Environmental Product
Declarations• Raw Materials Extraction• Material Ingredient Reporting
Interested in the full version of the LEED continuing education presentation?
In addition to an in-depth case study, you’ll learn insight into the v4 credit changes.
Want to learn more about green building & connect with other environmental &
LEED professionals?
Become a free member of Poplar Network today!