Do you work in sustainable construction, architecture, or the materials industry? Then it’s in your best interest to understand what an EPD is. This standardized document has become central to assessing and justifying the environmental impact of construction products under RE2020 regulations and beyond.
La Fiche de Déclaration Environnementale et Sanitaire (FDES) est une sorte de "carte d’identité environnementale" d’un produit de construction. Elle repose sur une Analyse de Cycle de Vie (ACV) complète, et suit des normes européennes (NF EN 15804) et françaises. L’objectif ? Mesurer les impacts du produit depuis l’extraction des matières premières jusqu’à sa fin de vie.
It applies only to products used in buildings (unlike PEPs, which cover technical equipment).
Issued by a single manufacturer, it describes the environmental performance of a specific product, resulting from a given process or site.
Developed by a group of manufacturers, it reflects a generic product representative of a category (e.g., windows, insulation, etc.).
A manufacturer can customize a collective EPD to include their own specific data (sourcing, transport, energy, etc.).
Used when no EPD is available. This generic data is less favorable because it is conservative, and lacks a health component.
Here are the main objectives of an EPD:
- Provide information on environmental impacts (CO₂, energy, pollution, waste, etc.)
- Compare different products on a common basis
- Feed simulation tools (E+C-, RE2020)
- Meet regulatory requirements for sustainable construction
An EPD can be drafted by:
- A manufacturer: for a specific product
- A trade association: for a collective EPD
- Via a configurator: for a custom version tailored to the actual project
The main users are:
- Architects and design offices
- Project owners, particularly for tenders
- Manufacturers showcasing their environmental performance
- Construction companies looking to reduce their carbon footprint
👉 An EPD is valid for 5 years from its publication date.
It follows a standardized format, structured around 5 main sections:
- Product name and use
- Manufacturer name
- Reference service life (e.g., 50 years)
- Functional unit (e.g., 1 m² installed)
- Publication and expiry dates
The LCA evaluates the product's impact at every stage:
Key indicators:
- Carbon footprint (CO₂ eq)
- Energy / water consumption
- Pollution (acidification, eutrophication, etc.)
- Waste generated
- VOC emissions
- Health rating
- Indoor air quality effects
- Weight, dimensions
- Installation method
- Packaging
- Every EPD is verified by an independent third party before publication
- It is registered on the INIES database
The INIES database (www.inies.fr) contains:
- Manufacturer-specific EPDs
- Industry-wide EPDs
Every EPD is:
- Verified
- Standardized (NF EN 15804 + FR supplement)
- Time-stamped (publication and expiry dates)
Yes, but never directly: any change requires a new version.
- New manufacturing process
- Updated data (transport, energy, etc.)
- Corrections or improved data quality
- Expiry (5-year limit)
⚠️ No "manual updates" are permitted.
PEPs (Product Environmental Profiles) are the equivalent of EPDs, but for technical building equipment (HVAC, ventilation, lighting, etc.).
An EPD is essential for assessing and justifying the environmental impact of materials in buildings. By mastering them, you:
- Comply with regulations (RE2020)
- Highlight your products or technical choices
- Optimize your overall carbon footprint
- Gain transparency and competitiveness
✅ An EPD is a standardized document based on a Life Cycle Assessment
📅 It is valid for 5 years and must then be renewed
🧱 It applies only to construction products (excluding equipment)
📊 It provides verified LCA, health, and technical data
🌍 It is essential for RE2020 compliance and low-carbon projects
🔍 All EPDs are available at www.inies.fr
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