Environmental Product Declaration
Why choosing natural stone means reducing your project's carbon footprint
The Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) is a vital tool for assessing the environmental impact of products throughout their entire lifecycle. But how are EPDs created and why are they essential for transparent communication about environmental performance?
What is an EPD?
An EPD is a standardized, third-party verified, and officially registered document that provides clear and comparable information about a product’s environmental footprint. It is based on a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), which quantifies the environmental impact of a product from raw material extraction to the end of its lifecycle. Typically provided by the manufacturer, an EPD is independently verified and remains valid for five years, in accordance with the EN 15804 standard. Its implementation follows ISO 14020 and ISO 14025, making it a recognized standard across Europe.
Benefits of an EPD
An EPD serves as an identity card for a product, analyzing every stage of its lifecycle—from raw material extraction to the moment it is disposed of (end of life – “cradle to grave”) or ready for re-use (recycling or down cycling). This ensures a thorough evaluation of its environmental performance and enables transparent communication. By employing precise indicators, an EPD provides an objective basis for comparing the environmental impact of various materials, helping businesses, architects, and consumers make informed and sustainable choices.
In essence, an EPD is more than just an environmental study—it is a key instrument for understanding a product’s impact on both the environment and human health, supporting responsible production and decision-making.
Comparing Environmental Impact: the role of GWP in Material Selection
Environmental Product Declarations are created using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) calculations, providing a quantitative and transparent basis for comparing products based on their environmental impact.
A key metric in this comparison is Global Warming Potential total (GWPtotal), measured in kg CO₂ equivalent (CO₂ eq). The Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) of Brachot Family Member Larvik Granite show that GWPtotal for the production of blocs varies between 30 kg CO₂ eq and 70 kg CO₂ eq. These figures apply to stages A1-A3 (ex-quarry), which cover extraction but exclude further transport (A4) for additional processing—all calculated per 1 ton of natural stone.
In contrast, the production of Portland cement is associated with substantially higher GWPtotal values. Average values of GWPtotal between 800 - 900 kg of CO₂ are found in EPDs from European producers* for the same life cycle stages (A1-A3: raw material extraction and production) for every 1,000 kg of Portland cement produced, primarily due to the chemical decomposition of limestone and the energy-intensive nature of the production process.
This means that natural stone, such as granite from Larvik Granite, has a significantly smaller carbon footprint — up to 30 times lower in the extraction phase alone compared to Portland cement.
*Source: ECO-Platform
