EPD, short for Environmental Product Declaration, refers to a type of standardized and internationally recognized document that presents transparent and reliable information about the environmental impact of a product or service throughout its entire lifecycle. It is a tool primarily designed to help organizations communicate the environmental performance of their products to various stakeholders, such as customers, investors, and policymakers.
An EPD provides quantitative data on a range of environmental indicators, including energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, water use, waste generation, and other relevant information. This data is typically collected using scientifically rigorous methods and assessed according to established international standards, such as the ISO 14025 and the EN 15804.
EPDs are particularly useful for promoting sustainable consumption and aiding in making informed environmental choices. By providing objective and comparable information, they enable consumers and decision-makers to assess the environmental impact associated with different products or services based on reliable scientific data. This allows for better understanding of a product's potential environmental benefits and drawbacks, aiding in the selection of environmentally preferable options.
The information contained within EPDs can facilitate a better understanding of a product's environmental impact, allowing businesses to identify areas for improvement and develop more sustainable strategies. Moreover, EPDs can contribute to a shift towards a more sustainable and circular economy by encouraging the adoption of eco-friendly practices, fostering innovation, and promoting the development of greener products and services.
