EN ISO 14025:2019 is a technical standard that provides guidelines for creating environmental product declarations (EPDs). An EPD is a comprehensive report that documents the environmental impact of a product throughout its lifecycle. This international standard sets out the specific requirements and procedures for conducting life cycle assessments and developing EPDs, enabling stakeholders to make informed decisions and compare the environmental performance of different products.
Why are EPDs important?
EPDs play a crucial role in promoting transparency and sustainability in the marketplace. They provide consumers, businesses, and governments with reliable information about a product's environmental impacts, helping them evaluate and choose more sustainable options. By quantifying factors like carbon emissions, water usage, and resource depletion, EPDs enable stakeholders to identify ways to reduce their environmental footprint and make informed decisions based on verifiable data.
The Process of Developing an EPD
Developing an EPD involves several stages, all guided by the principles set forth in EN ISO 14025:2019. Firstly, a life cycle assessment (LCA) is conducted to analyze the environmental impacts associated with each stage of a product's life cycle, from raw material extraction to disposal. The LCA evaluates parameters such as energy consumption, pollution, and waste generation. Using this data, the EPD is then created, following the format and guidelines specified in the standard. The EPD should include factual information and avoid misleading claims or greenwashing.
Benefits and Challenges
The implementation of EN ISO 14025:2019 brings numerous benefits. EPDs help companies demonstrate their commitment to sustainability, gain a competitive edge, and meet regulatory requirements. Consumers can make more informed choices based on verified information, supporting their preferences for environmentally friendly products. However, developing EPDs requires expertise and collaboration among various stakeholders in the supply chain. It also demands significant data collection and analysis, which can be challenging for smaller businesses or industries with limited resources.
Nina She