ERM for LCAs and EPDs: What to Know

ERM in one glance

ERM is a large, global sustainability consultancy with thousands of consultants active across energy, chemicals, mining, pharma, manufacturing and tech. The firm reports 8,000+ people in 40+ countries and 140+ offices worldwide (ERM, 2025).

Services manufacturers will care about

ERM markets a Life Cycle Assessment offer that can lead to a program‑operator‑verified EPD, along with extras like reduction roadmaps and even price elasticity studies tied to product positioning. See their overview at The ERM Life Cycle Assessment page, which explicitly notes the option to publish an EPD verified by a program operator (ERM LCA, 2025).

Beyond LCAs, ERM’s product stewardship teams advise on compliance, eco‑design, supply chain data and sustainability integrations into product development, useful when an LCA uncovers redesign opportunities (Product Stewardship). For product‑level claims, ERM CVS offers third‑party assurance for PCFs, recycled content and related disclosures, which can complement EPD work when customers press for auditable numbers (Product Claims Assurance).

What an ERM LCA→EPD workflow likely includes

Expect a scoped LCA aligned to ISO 14040/44, selection of an applicable PCR, modeling and hot‑spot analysis, then packaging results into an EPD template for the chosen operator. ERM states the EPD is verified by a program operator rather than in‑house, which is standard practice (ERM LCA, 2025). EPDs are normally valid for five years under operator rules, with mid‑cycle updates required if impacts worsen beyond thresholds (EPD International FAQ, 2025). PCRs commonly run on roughly five‑year cycles as well, which can drive renewals even if your product is stable (UL Solutions PCRs, 2024).

Data collection experience and time investment

Traditional consulting engagements typically kick off with workshops, document requests and questionnaires. You should anticipate spreadsheet exchanges for bills of materials, utilities, yields, scrap, packaging, logistics and maintenance routines. Internal effort often concentrates in operations, quality and procurement. Reviews tend to happen in waves while modeling progresses, and verifiers will ask for background calculations before publication. Modern buyers also expect low‑friction data colletion and faster cycle times, so align on how data will actually be gathered and validated before you sign.

Tooling and software you may encounter

ERM blends consulting with digital components. Their Energy & Emissions Performance offerings and emissions.AI focus on plant‑level efficiency and monitoring, which can improve upstream data quality for LCAs but are not dedicated EPD publishing tools (Energy & Emissions Performance, emissions.AI). On the product side, ERM calls out eco‑design tools and lifecycle‑thinking methods embedded in product stewardship workflows (Product Stewardship).

Industries where ERM is active

ERM’s public client list spans energy, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, mining, manufacturing and technology, which maps well to many construction supply chains and building products. If your portfolio includes metals, coatings, ceilings, mechanicals or electronics, they will feel familiar with the terrain (ERM Clients).

Geographic coverage and language support

With offices across North America, Europe and APAC, ERM can staff projects locally while following EN 15804 or ISO 21930 conventions for construction products. Global coverage can be helpful when you need primary data from multi‑plant or multi‑region operations (ERM, 2025). Their APAC pages also publish construction decarbonization content that references EPD use in regional markets, which signals category fluency for export‑oriented suppliers (Japan insight).

Verification, rating systems and why timing matters

If your sales teams chase LEED‑driven projects, keep your EPDs current. LEED v5 was ratified by USGBC members on March 28, 2025, and it continues the system’s push on embodied carbon, keeping verified, product‑specific EPDs in the conversation (USGBC LEED v5, 2025). Pair this with the typical five‑year EPD validity window and PCR updates noted above to plan renewals on a predictable cadence.

What to expect day‑to‑day on a traditional consultancy engagement

Most teams will experience scheduled stakeholder interviews, data gap logs, iterative LCA model reviews and a distinct verification phase. Background reports and confidential appendices are common asks from verifiers. Timelines depend heavily on data readiness, plant access and how quickly internal SMEs can respond. If speed is critical for bids, pin down the critical path and escalation routes in the statement of work.

Who you will see in the same RFP lane

ERM often competes with large sustainability and engineering firms that deliver LCAs and EPD support at enterprise scale. Common names include Sphera, Ramboll, WSP, Anthesis, Quantis, Ricardo, DNV, Intertek and advisory groups within UL Solutions. Local boutiques may appear for single‑category EPDs, especially in concrete, steel and wood.

Smart buyer checklist for manufacturers

• Confirm the target PCR, planned program operator and verifier availability before kickoff.
• Ask how primary data will be pulled from plants and suppliers, and who does the heavy lifting.
• Request a sample background report and an anonymized verifier comment log to gauge depth.
• Align on renewal cadence and triggers for mid‑cycle updates so sales is never caught short.

The practical takeaway

ERM is positioned for global, multi‑plant manufacturers that want a familiar consulting model with the option to extend into product claims assurance and broader sustainability programs. If your priority is less internal lift and faster turnarounds, pressure‑test the data intake and verification plan up front so the path from LCA to a market‑ready, verified EPD is as smooth as it sounds.