When creating EPDs, a first and foremost question to ask is: What standards does your EPD conform to? This is because the applied standards may vary across regions, and using the wrong one may incur extra cost when seeking for sustainability certifications in you local area.
So what nuances are there to be identified? Today we analyse with an example of two most frequently used standards in the construction sector: ISO 21930 and EN 15804.
🏛 Relevance
ISO 21930: Developed by the International Organisation for Standardisation, ISO 21930 is based on standards like ISO 14025, 14040, 14044, and 15686-1, specifically for building products. It's globally recognised.
EN 15804: Created under a mandate from the European Commission, EN 15804 is optimised for European contexts. While built on ISO 21930, it includes additional EN standards and is generally more rigorous.
📍 Applicable Regions
ISO 21930: Widely adopted in the US, where it’s favoured for its flexibility. The USGBC does accept EN 15804, but ISO 21930 remains the preferred choice.
EN 15804: Primarily used in Europe and Australia, alongside ISO 14025, making it a regional standard.
🔎 Data Stringency
ISO 21930: Requires 95% completeness in terms of energy, mass, and environmental relevance, with flexible data rules and documentation.
EN 15804: Also requires 95% LCA completeness but demands 99% completeness for single processes in terms of energy and mass. Data rules are more stringent, with a maximum 10-year data age.
🖋 Flexibility
ISO 21930: Allows flexibility, as long as studies meet ISO standards, making it accessible for newcomers.
EN 15804: More rigid, requiring additional metrics such as CML 2002, based on European conditions, with strict adherence to both ISO and EN standards.
📂 Difficulty in Achieving Conformance
ISO 21930: More accessible, even for relative newcomers to LCA. It is more approachable than EN 15804, but this comes at the expense of some rigour.
EN 15804: The increased complexity of EN 15804, however, could present a barrier to entry for some stakeholders. The more specific data thresholds could make it difficult for certain products to generate EPDs.
📝 Ease of Interpretation
ISO 21930: Offers flexibility in reporting, making it easier for non-LCA practitioners to interpret.
EN 15804: With hundreds of metrics, results can be challenging to interpret for those unfamiliar with LCA.
In short, both standards serve vital roles, but understanding the nuances between them is crucial for effective, region-specific EPDs.