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How EPDs and PCRs Work Together to Drive Sustainable Product Development

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July 7, 2025

In the growing realm of sustainability and environmental responsibility, two key concepts that often come up are Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) and Product Category Rules (PCRs). These terms, though distinct, are closely connected and work in tandem to provide accurate, standardized environmental data about products. To fully understand the role of these tools and their interrelationship, it is important to delve deeper into what each term represents and how they function together to shape sustainable product development and certification processes.

Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs)

An Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) is a standardized document that provides transparent, verified information about the environmental impacts of a product over its entire life cycle. Essentially, it serves as a “report card” that details the environmental performance of a product based on scientific methods and data.

Product Category Rules (PCRs)

Product Category Rules (PCRs) are a set of guidelines that dictate how an EPD should be created for a specific product category. They provide the standardized framework for conducting Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) and compiling EPDs to ensure consistency, comparability, and transparency across similar products.

PCRs specify the rules for defining 

  • the functional unit (the quantifiable measurement used to assess the product), 
  • the boundaries of the life cycle to be analyzed, and 
  • the types of environmental impact categories to be considered. 

In essence, they ensure that EPDs across different manufacturers or products in the same category are based on the same methodological foundation and criteria, creating a level playing field for comparison.

Source: Building Green; The DNA of EPDs: The Making of Product Category Rules

The Relationship Between EPDs and PCRs

While EPDs offer detailed information about the environmental impacts of a product, PCRs provide the framework to generate that information in a consistent and credible manner. The relationship between these two elements is intrinsic and essential for achieving meaningful, reliable, and comparable environmental data.

The Relationship Between EPDs and PCRs

How Do PCRs Impact EPD Development?

The development of an EPD is heavily influenced by the PCRs that apply to its product category. PCRs typically cover the following areas:

  • Product Definition: PCRs outline the scope of the product category, specifying what types of products can be included under a particular set of rules.
  • Functional Unit: PCRs define the functional unit for the product, which is essential for making meaningful comparisons. The functional unit quantifies the benefit or function of a product (e.g., "one square meter of floor covering").
  • Impact Assessment: PCRs establish the environmental impact categories that must be considered in the LCA (e.g., global warming potential, acidification, eutrophication, etc.).
  • Data Requirements: PCRs define the types of data needed for the LCA, ensuring that the data collection process is consistent and comprehensive.
  • Verification and Certification: PCRs often require that EPDs undergo third-party verification to ensure the data’s accuracy and reliability. This verification process boosts the credibility of the environmental claims made by the product.

Culmination

The relationship between EPDs and PCRs is fundamental to the creation of transparent, credible, and standardized environmental data. EPDs offer a detailed view of a product's environmental impact, while PCRs provide the necessary guidelines to ensure those assessments are consistent, comparable, and scientifically sound. Together, these tools empower businesses to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability, enable consumers to make informed purchasing decisions, and contribute to the broader goal of reducing the environmental footprint of products globally.

As sustainability continues to be a critical focus for industries and consumers alike, understanding the connection between EPDs and PCRs is essential for ensuring that environmental claims are not only meaningful but also trusted.

At Desapex, we drive sustainability with our expert Net-zero Consulting services. As certified partners of Prodikt, we help businesses integrate sustainability through Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) and Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for all BIM objects on the Prodikt platform, reducing carbon footprints and ensuring compliance with EU and Sweden's Carbon Declaration regulations. 

We also offer guidance on Renewable Energy integration and Smart Building Solutions, optimizing energy efficiency and supporting businesses in their transition to sustainable energy systems. Join us in creating a greener, more sustainable future.

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