Understanding Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) and Their Importance in GRP Specification
Why Environmental Product Declarations Are More Relevant Than Ever
In an era where the construction industry is being held to ever-higher sustainability standards, Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) are emerging as a key requirement in material specification. Whether you’re an architect, contractor, or specifier, understanding the role and value of an EPD is critical. At Engineered Composites, we are actively aligning our GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) product offering with the standards and practices required for EPD compliance.
What Are Environmental Product Declarations?
An Environmental Product Declaration is a third-party verified document that communicates transparent, comparable information about the environmental impact of a product throughout its entire lifecycle. Governed by standards such as EN 15804 and ISO 14025, Environmental Product Declarations provide measurable data covering raw material extraction, manufacturing, transport, installation, use, and end-of-life disposal.
Environmental Product Declarations are not marketing tools; they are factual, data-driven documents that support material comparison and selection. Their purpose is to ensure credibility and standardisation in claims about sustainability and environmental impact.
Why Are Environmental Product Declarations Becoming Essential in Construction?
As sustainability becomes a contractual requirement, Environmental Product Declarations are being requested more frequently across both public and private sector projects. Frameworks such as BREEAM, LEED, and PAS 2080 consider EPDs a vital part of product compliance. These declarations are also instrumental in carrying out Whole Life Carbon Assessments, a requirement in many major infrastructure projects and public procurement strategies.
The UK government’s commitment to a Net Zero economy by 2050 and the principles outlined in the Construction Playbook further underscore the importance of Environmental Product Declarations. For developers and contractors, the presence of an EPD often determines eligibility for high-value contracts.
How Environmental Product Declarations Enhance GRP Product Specification
GRP is widely recognised for its durability, corrosion resistance, low weight, and minimal maintenance requirements. Environmental Product Declarations now allow these attributes to be quantified and validated through Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) data.
For example, GRP’s lightweight nature reduces emissions during transport and simplifies installation, decreasing the need for heavy machinery. Its long life span means fewer replacements, which reduces material consumption over time. With an Environmental Product Declaration, these benefits can be measured and communicated to clients and procurement teams.
Technical Standards and Regulatory Alignment
Environmental Product Declarations must follow strict guidelines to ensure accuracy and comparability. The most relevant standards include:
- EN 15804: Core rules for construction product EPDs
- ISO 14025: Type III Environmental Declarations
- ISO 21930: Sustainability in building construction
These standards are recognised globally and form the basis of EPD registration platforms such as The International EPD System and BRE Global’s GreenBookLive directory. Engineered Composites is actively working to ensure its GRP product lines are compatible with these programmes.
Additionally, all of our GRP structural profiles are manufactured in accordance with BS EN 13706 for pultruded profiles, ensuring full compliance with UK and EU mechanical performance standards.
The Environmental Strength of GRP Backed by EPDs
Environmental Product Declarations help verify the environmental advantages of GRP, including:
- Reduced carbon footprint from manufacturing and transport
- No requirement for surface treatments or painting
- Low maintenance over decades of use
- Resistance to corrosion and environmental degradation
- Recyclability potential in circular construction models
With these qualities now documented through Environmental Product Declarations, GRP is becoming a material of choice for sectors such as rail, education, marine, highways, and water treatment.
How Engineered Composites Supports EPD-Based Specification
At Engineered Composites, we offer a full suite of technical data, design guidance, and support documentation to help specifiers make informed, EPD-aligned decisions. Our experienced technical team can provide product-specific environmental data, LCA summaries, and advice on integrating GRP into BREEAM, LEED, or PAS 2080-compliant projects.
We work closely with EPD programme operators such as BRE Global and The International EPD System to ensure our documentation meets the highest levels of accuracy and credibility.
Supporting Sustainable Procurement
For organisations seeking to meet government sustainability criteria or private frameworks with carbon reduction goals, the ability to submit Environmental Product Declarations is a significant advantage. It demonstrates accountability, reduces risk during tender reviews, and supports broader environmental governance requirements.
Environmental Product Declarations also offer transparency during supply chain audits, third-party certifications, and annual ESG reporting.
Final Thoughts: A Smarter Way to Build
Environmental Product Declarations are fast becoming a cornerstone of sustainable specification. By offering products aligned with EPD standards, Engineered Composites is not only supporting compliance but helping drive meaningful environmental change within the built environment.
If you’re specifying GRP products and want to ensure your project aligns with current sustainability standards, talk to our team about our Environmental Product Declaration roadmap and how we can support your goals.
Further Reading and References
- EN 15804: https://standardsdevelopment.bsigroup.com/projects/2020-00608
- ISO 14025: https://www.iso.org/standard/38131.html
- BRE Global EPDs: https://www.greenbooklive.com
- The International EPD System: https://www.environdec.com
- ECO Platform EPD Directory: https://www.eco-platform.org
- UK Government Net Zero Strategy: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/net-zero-strategy
