Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) Consulting

An Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) is a verified and registered document that communicates transparent and comparable environmental information about a product throughout its life cycle based on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology.

The International EPD System is a global programme for Environmental Product Declarations operating in accordance with ISO 14025 and related international standards. It is operated by EPD International AB.

EPDs are generally developed in accordance with:
• ISO 14025
• ISO 14040
• ISO 14044
• EN 15804 (for construction products)
• ISO 21930 (where applicable)

An EPD provides transparent, quantified, and verified environmental information based on LCA studies, while environmental labels certify that products meet predefined environmental criteria. EPDs do not claim that a product is environmentally superior.

EPD can be developed for various sectors including:
• Construction materials
• Textiles
• Packaging
• Chemicals
• Electronics
• Industrial products
• Consumer products

EPD helps organizations:
• Improve sustainability transparency
• Support ESG reporting
• Meet green procurement requirements
• Strengthen market competitiveness
• Demonstrate carbon footprint information

EPDs may include:
• Carbon footprint
• Energy consumption
• Water consumption
• Waste generation
• Air emissions
• Resource depletion indicators

Yes. EPDs developed under recognized programme operators and ISO standards are internationally accepted for sustainability communication and procurement requirements.

The EPD registration cost depends on the number of EPDs registered at the same time. As per the Indian EPD Programme:
• 1 EPD – ₹85,000
• 2 EPDs – ₹1,55,000
• 3 EPDs – ₹2,05,000
• 4 EPDs – ₹2,50,000
• 5 or more EPDs – ₹60,000 per EPD

The charges are exclusive of applicable GST.

Yes. An annual recurring fee is applicable per organization for maintaining registered EPDs. The annual fee depends on company size:
• Small & Medium Enterprises (1–250 employees) – ₹1,15,000 per year
• Additional business unit of large company – ₹1,15,000 per year
• Large companies (>250 employees) – ₹1,40,000 per year
• Trade Associations representing multiple companies – ₹60,000 per year

All fees are exclusive of applicable GST.

Typical EPD development includes:

1. Select PCR
2. Conduct LCA
3. Compile environmental information
4. Verification
5. Registration and publication

PCR provides product-specific rules and requirements for preparing EPDs, including LCA methodology, environmental indicators, and reporting formats.

Applicable PCRs are generally available through the PCR Library in the EPD Portal maintained by programme operators.

EPD development timelines depend on:
• Product complexity
• Availability of PCR
• Data collection requirements
• Verification timelines

Generally, the most time-consuming stages are PCR development and Life Cycle Assessment studies.

Yes. Voluntary EPD templates are available for several product categories to support standardized reporting and documentation preparation.

Yes. Similar products may be included within a single EPD if permitted under the applicable PCR and programme instructions.

Published EPDs are generally available through official EPD programme portals and public databases maintained by programme operators.

An EPD generally contains:
• Product description
• Functional unit
• LCA results
• Environmental indicators
• Resource consumption data
• Emissions information
• Verification details

Yes. EPDs generally require independent third-party verification to ensure transparency, credibility, and compliance with ISO 14025 requirements.

A valid EPD should include:
• Reference to recognized programme operator
• Third-party verification details
• Applicable standards and PCR references
• Registration information

Verification typically includes review of:
• LCA methodology
• Environmental calculations
• PCR compliance
• Supporting documentation
• Data accuracy and transparency

Existing EPDs may be updated when:
• Product composition changes
• Manufacturing processes change
• Environmental data changes
• PCR updates occur

Some programme operators include update support within annual fees.

To publish a type III environmental declaration, it must be administered in the scope of a programme operator operating in accordance with ISO 14025: 

Type III environmental declarations are subject to the administration of a programme operator, such as a company or a group of companies, industrial sector or trade association, public authorities or agencies, or an independent scientific body or other organisation.

The tasks of a programme operator, as described in detail in ISO 14025, are many and require constant maintenance. 

A programme operator may be started by any organisation, but choosing an existing programme gives the credibility of a third party and of recognition of an existing brand such as the International EPD System.

The International EPD System accepts various types of Environmental Product Declarations including:
• EPD of a single product from a manufacturer/service provider
• EPD of multiple products from a company
• Sector EPD
• EPD published by trader
• EPD of product not yet on the market
• EPD of product recently on the market

Yes. Additional sections may be included depending on the product category and reporting requirements, such as:
• Additional Environmental Information
• Additional Social and Economic Information
• Information Related to Sector EPDs (if applicable)

These sections provide supplementary sustainability and sector-specific details.

The verification process shall be carried out by an approved Individual Verifier or an Accredited Certification Body with knowledge and experience of the types of products, the industry, and relevant standards of the product covered by the EPD and its geographical scope.

There are two types of EPD verification procedures in the International EPD System as one of the steps in developing an EPD. Both procedures result in a third-party verified EPD that is in compliance with the referenced PCR and our General Programme Instructions (GPI):

Individual verification: verification of LCA-based data, additional environmental information, and other information presented in an EPD based on the GPI and a valid reference PCR. This shall be conducted by an approved Individual Verifier or an Accredited Certification Body.

Verification via EPD process certification: verification of an internal organisational process aimed to develop EPDs based on the General Programme Instructions and valid reference PCRs covered under the scope of the certification. EPD process certification shall be conducted by an Accredited Certification Body.

Whether your organization requires:
• EPD consultancy
• Life Cycle Assessment support
• Product carbon footprint assessment
• Environmental impact analysis
• EPD training
• Verification coordination
• Sustainability reporting support

PQSmitra delivers practical, standards-based, and result-oriented solutions aligned with international Environmental Product Declaration requirements.

1. Select PCR (Product Category Rules)

The first step in EPD development is selecting the appropriate Product Category Rules (PCR) applicable to the product. PCR defines the methodology, system boundaries, environmental indicators, and calculation requirements that must be followed during the EPD study. Selecting the correct PCR ensures consistency, transparency, and comparability of environmental data.

2. Conduct LCA (Life Cycle Assessment)

A detailed Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is conducted to evaluate the environmental impacts of the product throughout its life cycle. This includes assessment of:
• Raw material extraction
• Manufacturing processes
• Transportation
• Product usage
• Recycling and disposal

The objective is to scientifically measure environmental impacts such as carbon footprint, energy consumption, water usage, emissions, and waste generation.

3. Compile the Information

The environmental data, calculations, and LCA results are compiled as per the PCR requirements into the EPD format. This stage includes:
• Environmental impact data compilation
• Supporting documentation preparation
• Technical information consolidation
• Declaration drafting

The information is organized in a transparent and standardized reporting structure.

4. EPD Verification

The prepared EPD and supporting LCA study are reviewed and verified by an independent third-party verifier. The verification process ensures:
• Accuracy of environmental data
• Compliance with ISO 14025 and PCR requirements
• Transparency and credibility of the declaration

Third-party verification strengthens trust and international acceptance of the EPD.

5. EPD Publication

Once verified, the EPD is submitted to an approved Program Operator for registration and publication. The published EPD becomes officially recognized and publicly accessible for customers, stakeholders, and sustainability programs.

6. EPD Registered & Available

After successful publication, the Environmental Product Declaration is registered in the EPD system and made available for:
• Customers
• Buyers and procurement agencies
• Green building projects
• ESG reporting
• Sustainability assessments

PQSmitra provides:
• Specialized EPD consultancy support
• Strong LCA expertise
• Practical environmental assessment methodology
• Structured implementation support
• Documentation assistance
• PCR interpretation support
• Carbon footprint analysis capability
• Pan-India consultancy support

Our approach focuses on practical implementation, compliance accuracy, and long-term sustainability improvement.