What is the EPD Commitment?
We are asking specifiers of construction products to ask for Environmental Product Declarations and prefer products with EPD where possible within procurement restrictions and help drive the demand for better environmental data from manufacturers.
Why ask for EPD?
Under the new nZEB building regulations the carbon embodied in the materials will account for up to 50% of the total life cycle carbon emissions of the homes and buildings we design. Without EPD we lack the data to measure and reduce this impact. Manufacturers who measure the impacts of their product through LCA are then in a good position to reduce those impacts. By 2050 we need to reduce the carbon emissions from the construction and operation of buildings to zero and that includes materials.
Why Commit?
Whilst many manufacturers in Ireland are developing EPD many don’t, because they say they are not asked. By publicly committing to promote the use of EPD amongst your staff and in your specifications we can change this. Many suppliers of imported products are not aware that their product has an EPD and by asking you can raise their awareness.
What am I Committing to?
We are not asking you to commit to all the products you specify to have EPD immediately, but to ensure that the manufacturer knows that you will expect one in the coming years particularly for common products with high environmental impacts such as cement products, bricks, cladding. insulation, etc.
Who can Commit?
The commitment is for all those in the value chain who can influence the specification of products in buildings:
- Investors/developer/home builders/ local authorities
- Engineers
- Architects
- Contractors
- Consultants
Commitment Signatories
What do I do?
This campaign has been discontinued and merged with the endorsement of our “Building A Zero Carbon Ireland” roadmap. Read more here.
Help us fully decarbonize the construction sector in Ireland!