EN 15804 is a European standard that provides guidance for creating Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for construction products. This standard establishes principles and requirements to assess and communicate the environmental performance of products throughout their life cycle.
EN 15804 aims to standardize the presentation of environmental information using life cycle assessment (LCA) methodologies. It enables the comparison of environmental impacts of different construction products and supports transparency. EPDs created in accordance with EN 15804 provide comprehensive data on a product's ecological footprint, facilitating informed and sustainable decision-making in the construction sector.
EN 15804 serves as a methodology to assess and declare the environmental performance of construction products. This European standard ensures consistency in conveying how environmental impact varies over the product's lifespan when creating Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs). By streamlining the process, EN 15804 aims to enhance the transparency, comparability, and reliability of environmental information, facilitating informed decision-making for more sustainable practices in the construction industry.
EN 15804 applies to a wide range of construction products, encompassing materials, components, and systems used in both building and civil engineering projects. The standard allows the application of EPDs to various products, encouraging the consistent and comparable assessment of environmental impacts throughout the life cycle of products.
The environmental performance in EN 15804 is evaluated through the life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology. This involves assessing the environmental impact of a construction product throughout its entire life cycle, from raw material extraction and production to use and final disposal. LCA considers factors such as resource consumption, energy use, emissions, and waste generation, providing a comprehensive understanding of the product's environmental footprint. The standardized LCA approach ensures consistency and comparability of environmental information for construction products following EN 15804 guidelines.
To achieve EN 15804 compliance, one must follow the guidelines specified in the standard. This includes conducting a life cycle assessment for construction products, covering stages from raw material extraction to end-use. The LCA data is then used to create an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD), ensuring transparency in environmental performance. Manufacturers must adhere to the content and format requirements specified for EPDs in EN 15804.
EN 15804 contributes to promoting sustainable construction by establishing a standardized methodology for assessing and communicating the environmental impact of construction products. It enables stakeholders to make informed decisions, encourages the use of products with lower environmental impact, and supports transparency, comparability, and ultimately aligns the construction industry with sustainable practices.
EN 15804 allows for the inclusion of location-specific data in environmental impact assessments, addressing regional variations. This flexibility ensures that assessments consider regional factors such as energy grids and transportation, providing a more accurate representation of a product's environmental impact in different geographic areas.
The standard also encourages the inclusion of recycled materials in the life cycle assessment, recognizing their potential to mitigate environmental impacts. By considering the use of recycled materials, the standard promotes sustainable practices in the construction industry, aligning with efforts to reduce resource consumption and minimize ecological footprints.
Project stakeholders, including architects and construction project managers, can make informed and sustainable decisions using Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) developed under EN 15804. These documents offer comprehensive information on the environmental impacts of construction products throughout their life cycles. Architects can use EPDs to evaluate and compare the environmental performance of different materials, aiding in the selection of products aligned with sustainability goals. Construction project managers can integrate EPDs into the procurement process to ensure that selected materials meet environmental criteria. Additionally, EPDs facilitate transparent communication with clients and regulatory bodies, demonstrating a commitment to environmental responsibility. Ultimately, the integration of EN 15804-based EPDs contributes to the progress of more sustainable and eco-friendly construction projects by providing integrity regarding the ecological footprint associated with construction products.