How long is an EPD certificate valid once published?
An EPD declaration is typically valid for 5 years from the date of issuance, provided there are no major changes (greater than 10% impact variation) to the underlying manufacturing process.
Can the CBAM Reporter software adapt to our specific factory configuration?
Yes. Our platform is flexible and tailorable to various production lines across primary CBAM sectors, including iron, steel, aluminum, cement, and fertilizers.
What data do we need to prepare to begin an LCA study?
To kick off, we generally require annual figures regarding your electricity and fuel consumption, raw material inputs, waste generation, and final product outputs. Our team provides clean templates to make this collection painless.
What is the difference between an LCA and an EPD?
A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is the technical study used to calculate a product’s environmental impacts across its life cycle. An Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) is a standardized, independently verified document that presents selected results from the LCA according to an applicable Product Category Rule (PCR).
Does every product require a separate EPD?
Not always. One EPD may cover several similar products or products manufactured at multiple sites when the applicable PCR and programme rules allow it and the products are sufficiently representative. Products with substantially different materials, manufacturing processes or environmental performance may require separate declarations.
How long does an LCA or EPD project take?
The timeline depends on the number of products and manufacturing sites, data availability, modelling complexity, the applicable PCR, internal review and verifier availability. The formal EPD process includes selecting a PCR, conducting the LCA, preparing the declaration, completing verification, and registering and publishing the EPD.
Is independent third-party verification required for an EPD?
Yes. Before an EPD can be published through a recognised EPD programme, the declaration and its supporting data must be reviewed by an approved independent verifier or accredited certification body.
Can an existing LCA be used to create an EPD?
Potentially, yes. The existing LCA must be reviewed to confirm that its scope, data, calculation methods, reference period and reporting structure comply with the applicable PCR and programme requirements. Any gaps or outdated information must be corrected before verification and publication.
What happens if some supplier or upstream data are unavailable?
Primary supplier data should be used whenever reasonably available. Where the applicable methodology permits, representative secondary or proxy datasets may be used, but assumptions, data sources and data-quality limitations must be documented transparently.
Which standards are normally used for LCA and EPD development?
LCAs are commonly prepared according to ISO 14040 and ISO 14044. Type III environmental declarations follow ISO 14025, while construction-product EPDs commonly apply EN 15804 together with the relevant Product Category Rule and programme instructions.
How can an EPD support tenders and market access?
An EPD provides transparent and independently verified environmental information that buyers, architects, developers and procurement teams can use when evaluating products. It can support green-building specifications, customer documentation requests and public or private tenders, although it does not guarantee that a contract will be awarded.
What is the difference between a Product Carbon Footprint and a full LCA?
A Product Carbon Footprint focuses primarily on greenhouse-gas emissions expressed as carbon-dioxide equivalents. A full LCA evaluates a wider range of environmental impact categories across the product life cycle. Product carbon footprints are commonly aligned with ISO 14067, while full LCAs follow ISO 14040 and ISO 14044.
Who is responsible for CBAM reporting?
The EU importer or authorised CBAM declarant is responsible for meeting the applicable CBAM reporting and declaration obligations. Non-EU manufacturers and installation operators support the process by providing reliable production and embedded-emissions data for the imported goods.
Which sectors are currently covered by CBAM?
CBAM currently covers selected goods in six carbon-intensive sectors: cement, iron and steel, aluminium, fertilisers, electricity and hydrogen. Whether a particular product is covered depends on its customs classification and the applicable CBAM rules.
What is a Digital Product Passport, and can EPD data be reused for it?
A Digital Product Passport is a structured digital container for product information relating to sustainability, circularity and legal compliance. Verified EPD data can provide part of the environmental information needed for a DPP, but an EPD does not replace the DPP because the passport may also require product identity, materials, technical, circularity, traceability and compliance data.