When I sat down with Emma, a seasoned architect with a decade of experience in sustainable building practices, I knew I was in for an enlightening conversation. Emma’s firm has been at the forefront of sustainable architecture, and her insights into Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) were nothing short of illuminating.
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Emma began by explaining how EPDs have revolutionised their approach to selecting materials for their projects. “Sustainability has always been central to our work,” she said, “and the transparency and traceability provided by EPDs have allowed us to make more informed decisions.” This transparency is crucial, as it enables architects and developers to see the full environmental impact of the products they choose.
“We co-operate with internationally recognised certification schemes, such as FSC®, PEFC, and deliver accreditation towards BREEAM, LEED, and DGNB,” she explained. “These certifications ensure that the materials we use are sourced responsibly and meet rigorous environmental standards.” The collaboration with recognised schemes and the delivery of accreditation towards these certifications underscores the commitment to sustainability.
But what exactly is an EPD? Emma was eager to break it down for me. “An Environmental Product Declaration is a standardised document that provides verified information about the environmental impact of a product throughout its lifecycle,” she stated. This lifecycle assessment includes everything from raw material extraction to production, use, and disposal.
Emma’s firm often collaborates with companies like Junckers, who have taken significant steps in this direction. “Junckers has completed EPDs for their solid hardwood floors in collaboration with Ramboll. These EPDs evaluate the environmental impact of their products, helping us simplify our work process in the selection of sustainable materials,” she noted.
The development of Junckers’ EPDs adheres to the European standard EN 15804 and has been verified in accordance with ISO 14025. “This independent verification means we can trust the data we’re using,” Emma added. “The declarations are registered at EPD Denmark, ensuring they meet the highest standards of accuracy and reliability.”
As Emma described the process, it became clear how comprehensive and rigorous these assessments are. “The information in an EPD is based on a Life Cycle Assessment, which looks at the environmental impact from start to finish,” she said. “This includes greenhouse gas emissions, water use, and resource depletion. It’s an extensive process, but it’s essential for providing the transparency we need.”
Emma’s firm uses EPDs as a tool to compare and select products with lower environmental impacts. “They provide objective, verified data about the environmental performance of products. This helps us make more informed decisions during the design and construction phases,” she explained.
For Emma, the benefits of using EPDs are manifold. “They allow us to ensure that our buildings meet sustainability certifications like BREEAM, LEED, and DGNB. These certifications are important because they not only reflect our commitment to the environment but also add value to the properties we develop,” she said.
One of the key points Emma emphasised was the importance of collaboration. “We can’t achieve these goals in isolation. Working with manufacturers who are committed to sustainability, like Junckers, and certification bodies ensures that we’re all moving in the same direction,” she asserted.
Emma’s experience highlights the crucial role that EPDs play in the modern construction industry. They are not just about ticking boxes but about genuinely understanding and mitigating the environmental impact of our choices. “It’s about being responsible and making decisions that benefit the environment and society as a whole,” she concluded.
As I wrapped up my conversation with Emma, it was clear that EPDs are more than just documents. They are tools that empower architects, developers, and consultants to make choices that align with their values and the growing demand for sustainable practices. Emma’s insights provided a valuable glimpse into how these declarations are shaping the future of construction, one informed decision at a time.
Marcia Snyder
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