About EPDs
EPD Environmental Product Declarations
An Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) is a standardised, verified document that provides objective and comparable information on the environmental impact of a product. EPDs are prepared in accordance with the international standards ISO 14025 and EN 15804 and are verified by independent third parties to ensure their accuracy and comparability.
What is an EPD based on?
Each EPD is based on a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). This assesses the environmental impact of a product over its entire life cycle – from raw material extraction through production and use, right up to its disposal (in accordance with ISO 14040/44). The assessment is carried out along defined life cycle phases (A–D), as shown in the diagram. The following link on our website provides a continuously updated overview of all products with existing EPDs. The list is continuously being added to.
What is the result of an EPD?
The results are presented in a table and numerically present a large number of different environmental indicators. EN 15804:2012+A2:2019 and product-specific specifications (PCR – Product Category Rules) regulate which key figures are mandatory.
The results are presented in a table and numerically present a large number of different environmental indicators. EN 15804:2012+A2:2019 and product-specific specifications (PCR – Product Category Rules) regulate which key figures are mandatory.
How do you decipher an EPD?
Columns A1–D show the environmental impacts of the individual LCA phases. A1–A3 relate to production, A4+A5 relate to transport, B6 relates to the use phase, C1–C4 relate to end-of-life and D relates to resource recovery.
The number after the “+” stands for a power of 10. A typical value such as GWP-total 1.088E+02 in the table in column B6 therefore means:
1.08 × 10² = 108 kg CO₂ equivalent
In the use phase, the product results in 108 kilograms of greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming. At XAL, the use phase (B6) has by far the greatest impact. This is because 90% of greenhouse gases are produced during the use phase of the lighting fixture and only 10% during production and disposal.
Important environmental indicators in the EPD:
GWP (Global Warming Potential): Corresponds to a “carbon footprint”. Indicates the extent to which a greenhouse gas contributes to global warming (in CO₂ equivalents).
ODP (Ozone Depletion Potential): Describes the potential of a substance to damage the ozone layer.
AP (Acidification Potential): Measures the acidification of soil and water due to emissions such as sulphur dioxide (SO2) or nitrogen oxides (NOx).
EP (Eutrophication Potential): Assesses the eutrophication of bodies of water due to nutrient inputs (e.g. phosphorus, nitrogen).
EPDs as a decision-making aid for sustainable planning
Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) provide transparent and comparable environmental data to help architects and planners make informed decisions. They make it possible to compare products objectively in terms of their ecological impact. This transparency not only promotes competition, but also rewards companies that consistently focus on environmentally friendly solutions.
EPDs therefore actively contribute to the further development of environmental standards and practices in the construction industry. At XAL, together with our developers we use the findings from Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) to make our products even more environmentally friendly. Our goal is to develop innovative lighting solutions that are not only functional and aesthetically appealing, but also make a measurable contribution to sustainability.
Do you require an EPD that is not yet online?
Please contact us.
Are EPDs mandatory?
EPDs are not currently required by law in the EU. However, they are often a prerequisite for environmental labels, sustainability certifications (e.g. DGNB, LEED) or public tenders.
How long is an EPD valid?
An EPD is generally valid for five years. If relevant changes occur that affect the environmental indicators by more than 10%, an update will be required. The demand for EPDs is continuously increasing.
The path to EPDs at XAL
Data collection: Recording all product data: materials, weights, manufacturing processes, energy consumption, transport routes, etc.
Modelling: Processing and linking the data in the LCA for Experts software to calculate all relevant environmental indicators.
Documentation: Preparing the background report and the EPD based on the results.
Certification & publication: Independent auditors check whether the EPD fulfils the requirements of the EN 15804 standard. After successful verification, the EPD is published on the EPD International platform and on the XAL website.
Overview EPDs
