The international EPD®system is based on a hierarchic approach following the international standards ISO 9001 (Quality management systems), ISO 14001 (Environmental management systems), ISO 14040 (LCA - Principles and procedures), ISO 14044 (LCA - Requirements and guidelines), ISO 14025 (Type III environmental declarations) and ISO 21930 (Environmental declaration of building products) upon which the General Programme Instructions are included as well as instructions for developing so-called Product Category Rules (PCR) for more detailed information on data collection and calculations for the EPDs.
Intended uses are described both for those providing information as well as for those receiving/using information.
Ten of the most prominent key programme elements are presented below.
|
Purpose |
Element identification and principal approach |
| Complying with principles set in ISO 14025 on modularity and comparability |
1. "Book-keeping LCA approach"
2. A Polluter-Pays (PP) allocation method
Find out more in the Supporting Annexes |
| Simplifying work to develop Product Category Rules (PCR) |
3. PCR Module Initiative (PMI) for structurising PCR into modules according to international classification
Read more about PCR Modules here
4. PCR moderator for leadership and support on the PCR work
Read more about PCR development here
5. Pre-certification of EPDs
Read more about Pre-certified EPDs here |
| Secure international participation in PCR work |
6. PCR Forum for open and transparent EPD stakeholder consultation
Go to the PCR Forum |
| Facilitating identification and collection of LCA-based information |
7. Selective data quality approach for specific and generic data
Find out more in the Supporting Annexes |
| Broaden market applications of EPDs |
8. Introducing Sector EPDs
9. Introducing "Single-issue EPDs"
Find out more in the General Programme Instructions |
| Expand possibilities for organisations to issue EPDs in a cost-effective way |
10. Introducing "EPD process certification"
Find out more about EPD process certification here |
Read more about the Key Programme Elements in the document Introduction, intended uses and key programme elements