How EPD Certifications Help Your Build

How EPD Certifications Help Your Build

How EPD Certifications Help You Build Greener

In today’s construction industry, building sustainably is no longer optional; it’s essential.
With climate change concerns, tighter environmental regulations, and growing demand
for responsible building practices, architects, specifiers, and contractors are under
increasing pressure to prove the environmental performance of their projects.
One of the most trusted ways to do this is through an EPD - Environmental Product
Declaration. But what exactly is an EPD, and how does it help you build greener? Let’s
break it down.

What Is an EPD?

An Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) is an independently verified and registered
document that provides transparent, standardised data about the environmental impact
of a product across its entire lifecycle.
This includes:

  • Raw material extraction
  • Manufacturing processes
  • Transportation and distribution
  • Use and maintenance
  • End-of-life disposal or recycling

Think of an EPD as the construction industry’s equivalent of a nutritional label, offering
clear, comparable sustainability information you can rely on when making material choices.

Why EPDs Matter in Construction

EPDs matter because they replace assumptions with facts. There’s no marketing spin, no
greenwashing, just independently verified environmental data.
For contractors, architects, and developers, this level of transparency supports:

  • Achieving sustainability targets and green building certifications such as BREEAM,
    LEED, and Passivhaus
  • Comparing products objectively to select materials with a lower environmental
    footprint
  • Demonstrating compliance with environmental and planning regulations
  • Building trust with clients who prioritise sustainability and accountability

In short, EPDs help turn sustainability goals into measurable outcomes.


How EPDs Help You Build Greener

EPDs empower better decision-making by putting reliable data at the centre of material
selection. They help you build greener by:
1) Highlighting Carbon Footprints
EPDs clearly show the CO₂ emissions associated with a product, making it easier to choose
lower-impact alternatives and reduce embodied carbon.
2) Encouraging Sustainable Procurement
By favouring EPD-certified products, you support manufacturers that invest in efficient,
responsible production methods.
3) Improving Whole-Building Performance
When every component is selected with environmental impact in mind, the cumulative
effect significantly reduces the building’s overall footprint.
4) Driving Industry-Wide Transparency
As EPDs become more common, they raise standards across the industry, pushing
manufacturers towards innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.


EPDs and Intelligent Membranes

At Intelligent Membranes, sustainability starts with transparency. That’s why we’re
proud that products such as Intelligent Protect are EPD certified.
This means that when you specify Intelligent Membranes solutions, you’re not only
choosing products that deliver proven performance and durability, you’re also making a
measurable contribution to reducing the environmental impact of your project.


Building with Confidence

EPDs give you the confidence to make informed, responsible choices, backed by
data, not claims. For greener buildings, stronger specifications, and future-proof
construction, EPD-certified products play a vital role

 

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