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An EPD, or Environmental Product Declaration, is a verified and registered document that transparently communicates the life-cycle environmental impact of a product. It considers factors like resource consumption, energy use, greenhouse gas emissions, and pollution throughout the product's life cycle, from raw material extraction to end-of-life disposal. Think of them as nutrition labels for building products, but for their environmental impact.
There are 3 different types of EPDs:
TM66, formally known as CIBSE TM66, is a methodology developed by the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) to assess the circularity of lighting products. It is a specific framework designed for the lighting industry.
While both EPDs and TM66 address a product's environmental impact, they differ in scope and focus. An EPD offers a more comprehensive environmental assessment than a TM66. Here's a breakdown of the key differences:
EPD: Offers a comprehensive assessment across a product's entire life cycle covering all environmental aspects, following standardized formats, and undergoing independent verification.
TM66 (CIBSE TM66): A specific framework for assessing a product's circularity within the lighting industry, created by the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE). Focuses on a product's design for end-of-life stages, like reusability, recyclability, and disassembly.
EPDs follow a specific format (typically ISO 14025 or EN 15804) and include:
As designers, architects, and developers, you're increasingly called upon to create sustainable projects. Growing green procurement policies and building certifications often require EPDs for product selection. Knowing a product's EPD ensures you're complying with and meeting regulatory requirements.
EPDs also allow you to compare the environmental impact of different lighting options objectively, empowering you to make informed choices about the environmental footprint of your project. This helps you choose products that align with your sustainability goals and contribute to greener projects.
You can compare different lighting options based on factors like:
By choosing lighting with lower environmental impact, you can:
Any manufacturer or brand owner can create an EPD for their product. However, it must be developed according to international standards and verified by an independent third party.
Currently, EPDs are not mandatory in most countries. However, their use is increasingly encouraged by governments, industry initiatives, and green procurement programs. Some companies choose to create EPDs voluntarily to demonstrate their environmental commitment.
EPDs are publicly available in international databases like the PEP Ecopassport®, and the International EPD System®.
Several organizations offer resources and training on EPDs, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Association for Standardization (ISO), and the European Platform for Life Cycle Assessment (PELCA).
Additional Resources:
PEP Ecopassport®: http://www.pep-ecopassport.org
The International EPD System®: https://ibu-epd.com/en/
Remember: EPDs are not rankings. Use them to compare and choose based on your specific project goals and priorities. They are a powerful tool for making informed choices about lighting and contributing to more sustainable buildings. Don't hesitate to ask for them and use them to your advantage!
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