Around the world, there is a growing emphasis on the need for conscious, eco-friendly choices—both among producers and consumers. Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) are becoming a crucial tool for providing reliable and transparent information about a product’s environmental impact. Here are the key elements of EPDs discussed in the white paper.
Definition and Purpose of EPD
An Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) is a document that presents data on a product’s environmental impact throughout its entire life cycle. It includes verified data on greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption, natural resource use, waste, and other environmental parameters. The main goal of an EPD is to provide transparent and comparable information that can be used by consumers, producers, and policymakers.
EPD Documentation for Philips Lighting Fixtures
At Signify, we also compile environmental product declarations for items in our product catalog. Simply select the lighting fixture you’re interested in, and under the “Downloads” tab, you’ll find all the necessary technical documents.
You can also contact us directly to request a product’s environmental declaration and we will provide it to you!
Assessment Methodology
EPDs are based on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), which evaluates a product’s impact from raw material extraction, through production and use, to disposal. The white paper emphasizes the importance of accuracy and reliability in the data used for LCA. The assessment considers factors such as greenhouse gas emissions, energy use, soil and water acidification, water consumption, and resource depletion.
Benefits of EPD
- For producers: Ability to identify and reduce negative environmental impacts, improve brand image, and gain a competitive edge.
- For consumers: Access to reliable information that supports informed purchasing decisions.
- For policymakers: A tool to support the development of environmental policies and regulations.
Standards and Certification
EPDs must comply with international standards such as ISO 14025 and EN 15804. The certification process includes verification by independent bodies, ensuring the credibility and objectivity of the data.
Examples of Application
The white paper presents examples of companies that have successfully implemented EPDs and the benefits they have gained. It also discusses how EPDs can be used in various sectors, such as construction, the food industry, and electronics.
Challenges and the Future of EPD
Challenges related to EPD implementation include costs and data availability. The paper also outlines forecasts for the future development of EPDs and their role in sustainable development. Harmonizing EPD methods for lighting products and developing dedicated Product Specific Rules (PSRs) are key to the future of this tool.
Summary
Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) are invaluable tools in the pursuit of sustainable development. They help producers better understand and manage the environmental impact of their products, while enabling consumers to make more informed purchasing decisions. As more companies adopt EPDs, the availability of data and industry tools will increase, streamlining the process and reducing associated costs.
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