The Role of EPDs in Achieving Net Zero in Construction
The built environment, currently contributing to almost 40% of global carbon emissions, is projected to double by 2050 if we don't intervene. This makes sustainability a top priority in construction and real estate. However, the industry is not sitting idle but rather responding with increasing momentum to this urgent need.
Adoption of key sustainability standards and frameworks.
The industry's commitment to carbon reduction and resource efficiency has led to the adoption of key sustainability standards and frameworks. Among the most significant developments are the UK Net Zero Carbon Building Standard and the RICS Whole Life Carbon Assessment (WLCA) 2nd Edition, which provide critical guidance for achieving sustainability in building design, construction, and operation.
These frameworks emphasise a comprehensive approach to carbon reduction, addressing not only operational carbon—emissions from energy consumption—but also embodied carbon, which accounts for emissions generated throughout a building's lifecycle, from material extraction and transportation to construction, use, and eventual demolition.
A major focus of these initiatives is to reduce carbon footprints at every stage of a building's lifecycle. This requires a shift in how materials are sourced, how buildings are designed for energy efficiency, and how resources are managed throughout their use.
One of the most powerful tools for assessing and managing these impacts is Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs). These documents provide transparent, standardised data on the environmental impact of building materials, helping architects, engineers, and developers make informed, sustainable choices.
In today's article, we will explore the evolving landscape of sustainability in construction and real estate, with a particular focus on EPDs and how they help meet environmental standards while reducing the overall carbon footprint of buildings.
The Key Standards Driving the Industry Toward Net Zero
Governments and regulatory bodies around the world are prioritising sustainability efforts through stricter policies and incentives. In the UK, initiatives such as the London Plan and the Greater London Authority (GLA) requirements are actively pushing for reductions in embodied carbon within new developments.
These regulations are in line with the country's broader net zero targets, encouraging developers to conduct whole-life carbon assessments and integrate EPDs into their procurement and planning processes. By embedding these sustainability measures into policy, authorities so that carbon reduction is prioritised at every stage of the building lifecycle.
At the same time, market forces are playing a major role in the shift toward sustainable construction. Investors and financial institutions are placing greater emphasis on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria, with a growing focus on Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions. These factors are becoming central to property valuation and investment decisions, driving the industry toward more sustainable practices.
Buildings that meet green certification standards - such as BREEAM, LEED, and WELL - are gaining significant traction among tenants and buyers due to their lower operating costs, reduced environmental impact, and long-term financial resilience. These properties tend to offer higher occupancy rates, stronger returns on investment, and lower long-term risks, reinforcing the financial and environmental case for sustainable development.
The Importance of Scope 3 Emissions in Construction
While direct emissions from on-site energy use (Scope 1) and purchased electricity (Scope 2) are well-documented, the construction industry faces another crucial task: addressing Scope 3 emissions. These indirect emissions are embedded within the supply chain, generated through material extraction, manufacturing, transportation, and disposal. What's more, they often make up the largest share of a building’s total carbon footprint, making these emissions a critical target for reduction.
Construction and real estate companies have a significant role to play in addressing these emissions. By adopting sustainable procurement practices - such as prioritising EPDs and choosing low-carbon materials - firms can drive meaningful change across the supply chain.
Governments and regulatory bodies are not the only ones increasingly emphasising Scope 3 emission reductions. Investors, regulators, and end-users are also driving change by demanding more sustainable and low-carbon solutions.
What Are Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) and How Do They Work?
Environmental Product Declarations are becoming a key tool for making construction materials more transparent and accountable. But what exactly are they, and how do they help in reaching net zero goals?
An EPD is a standardised, third-party verified document that provides detailed information about the environmental impact of a building material or product. It includes data on carbon emissions, energy use, water consumption, and other sustainability factors throughout the product’s entire lifecycle.
EPDs, unlike standard certifications, provide measurable, science-backed data that supports sustainable decision-making. This reliability reassures architects, engineers, and developers about the accuracy of their choices, improving their confidence in these tools.
How Are EPDs Calculated?
EPDs are based on a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), a method used to evaluate a product’s environmental impact at every stage of its lifecycle, typically divided into the following phases:
Raw Material Extraction
The emissions and resource consumption associated with sourcing raw materials.Manufacturing and Production
The environmental impact of processing and transforming materials into final products.Transportation and Distribution
The carbon footprint of moving products from the manufacturer to the construction site.Use Phase
Any emissions, maintenance, or durability considerations during the product’s lifespan.End-of-Life Disposal
The environmental effects of demolishing, recycling, or landfilling the material.
Each EPD follows the guidelines set by international standards such as ISO 14025 and EN 15804, ensuring consistency and comparability across different materials and manufacturers.
How EPDs Help Building Projects Meet Environmental Standards
As the demand for greener construction grows, Environmental Product Declarations are playing an important role in helping projects meet environmental standards. They provide essential data on embodied carbon, making it easier for developers to meet sustainability goals, including:
Net Zero Carbon Commitments
By using materials such as recycled steel or low-carbon concrete, which have lower embodied carbon, developers can reduce Scope 3 emissions and align with national and global decarbonisation goals.
Green Building Certifications
EPDs contribute to achieving credits in sustainability certifications like BREEAM, LEED, and WELL, which reward projects for using verified low-carbon materials.
Regulatory Compliance
With governments enforcing stricter carbon reporting requirements, EPDs ensure that materials meet evolving environmental regulations such as Whole Life Carbon Assessments (WLCA) and embodied carbon reduction frameworks.
By integrating EPDs into procurement and planning, the construction industry can move towards greater sustainability, transparency, and carbon reduction, making them a cornerstone of net zero building strategies.
Start Your EPD Journey Today
As the push for sustainable construction grows, EPDs are becoming a must-have for businesses looking to reduce carbon footprints, meet regulatory requirements, and stay competitive in a changing market. But creating an EPD can feel overwhelming without the right expertise.
Mainer’s team of specialist consultants can guide you through this process, from supply chain engagement to manufacturing data collection. Using the One Click LCA EPD Generator, we streamline lifecycle assessments and pre-verify data before third-party certification, making the process faster and more efficient.
If you're looking to create an EPD, get in touch with us today to learn how we can help.
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