Identify the pre-set categories of parameters in the EPD

The international EPD®system describes a minimum set of pre-set categories of parameters applicable to all product categories, described in the General Programme Instructions. These categories might be supplemented by other pre-set categories of parameters if found relevant to the product group under consideration. The complete set of pre-set categories of parameters may not therefore be identical for all product categories. Pre-set categories of parameters may also include other environmental data than LCI/LCA derived ones (see below).

Specify the content of the PCR document

The following information shall be considered in preparing PCRs:

Performance and functional characteristics:

• Definition of product category 

Criteria to use in the LCA study:

• List of materials or substances contained in the product, to be indicated in a content declaration
• Choice and definition of functional unit
• Choice and description of system boundaries
• Choice of specific cut-off criteria
• Choice of allocation rules
• Choice of underlying data, to indicate specific and generic data used
• Choice of selected parameters for description of environmental performance (additional to the ones described to be included in the general format)
• Description of the information to be included in the use and end-of-life phases
• Choice of quantities and units in which the results are to be expressed

General calculation rules for the international EPD®system are described in the Supporting annexes, Annex A. The preparation of PCRs shall focus on these issues that are complementary to the general EPD programme requirements and specific to the product group under study.

Select  preferred additional environmental information

The EPD can include, where relevant, additional information related to environmental issues e.g.:

• Data that is not part of the LCA study, e.g. information on potential impacts on biodiversity, toxicity or geographical aspects
• Data on the product's overall environmental performance
• Information on existing management systems or other certification programmes applied to the product
• Information on preferred waste management options