Hiring an EN 15804 LCA Consultant in 2026

EN 15804 in 2026, at a glance

EN 15804 is the rulebook for construction product EPDs in Europe. In 2026 new EPDs are expected to follow EN 15804+A2, with split global warming metrics and additional indicators like particulate matter and water use. Most European program operators already require A2 for new publications and renewals where applicable (ECO Platform, 2024).

What a consultant actually does

A strong LCA partner sets the PCR target, runs the life cycle model to A1 to C4 and D, and steers operator review until publication. The best ones also manage data requests across plants and suppliers so your technical people stay focused on production.

A2 details that trip teams up

A2 splits global warming into fossil, biogenic, and land use change. It also tightens scenario rules for A4 transport and A5 installation. If a consultant glosses over these, you inherit corrections during third party review. That is expensive and slow.

Data collection without the spreadsheet hangover

Expect primary data for A1 to A3 covering a full reference year. For new lines, some operators permit a prospective EPD with three months of data that must be updated once a full year is available. Ask who chases utility bills, meters, scrap, packaging, and supplier mixes. If the answer is mostly your team, plan for delays. This saves teams hours they dont have.

Picking a program operator on purpose

Smart EPD and IBU are common choices among manufacturers active in the United States and Europe, and many others are credible. Focus on reviewer turnaround time, digital format support, and whether the operator is recognized where your product sells. Most operators set a five year validity window for EPDs, subject to earlier revision if major changes occur (IBU General Program Instructions, 2024).

PCR selection, the quiet make or break

A PCR is the rulebook of Monopoly. Ignore it and the game falls apart. The right consultant maps competitor EPDs, checks PCR expiry timing, and recommends a rule that aligns with how your buyers compare products. When PCRs overlap, choose the one most visible in your bid geography.

Timelines that hold

Calendar pressure is real. A dependable consultant commits to a week by week plan from kickoff through verification. Look for named reviewers, prebooked review slots, and a buffer ahead of product launches. Slippage usually begins with fuzzy data ownership, not modeling.

One useful number to frame logistics

Road freight can quietly dominate A4 for heavy products shipped far. A typical heavy goods vehicle emits about 62 g CO2e per tonne kilometer in recent guidance. Ship one tonne 1500 kilometers and you add roughly 93 kg CO2e before it reaches site (UK Government GHG Conversion Factors, 2024).

How to vet an EN 15804 consultant fast

• Request the data request plan by function and factory. Confirm who sends which file on which date.
• Have them price and schedule verification with your preferred operator. Prebooked review beats optimistic calendars.
• Check their approach to supplier data. Primary data for big inputs often moves the needle more than model tweaks.

Signs of a white glove partner

You will see a named project lead, a realistic reference year plan, and templated supplier requests branded for your company. You will also see modeled A4 and A5 scenarios that match how you actually ship and install. Anything less is paperwork, not progress.

Close out the decision

Treat the consultant choice like selecting a co‑pilot for a test flight. Verify A2 fluency, operator pathways, data heavy lifting, and a schedule that buys you time before bids. Do that and the EPD becomes a sales asset on the spec line, not a fire drill.