Ricardo for EPDs: What manufacturers should know

Where Ricardo fits in the EPD world

Ricardo is a global engineering and environmental consultancy with scale and cross‑sector reach. The group reported £474.7m in revenue and 2,872 employees for FY 2023–24, which signals capacity to handle multi‑site programs and policy‑heavy assignments (Ricardo FY23/24 results, 2024) (Ricardo FY23/24 results, 2024).

Services that matter for manufacturers

Ricardo markets product LCAs, ISO‑compliant critical reviews, and end‑to‑end EPD support. Their team includes approved Individual Verifiers for The International EPD System, which means they can both prepare and verify EPDs under that operator when appropriate. For a construction portfolio, they can also advise on PEF alignment where it is useful for EU customers.

Strengths and typical focus areas

Ricardo’s bench is deep in transport, energy systems, and policy analysis. That background helps when products intersect with mobility, batteries, fuels, or government procurement. Manufacturers looking for portfolio‑wide construction EPDs will want to confirm day‑to‑day experience with EN 15804 A2 details and current PCR versions for their specific product families.

What to verify before hiring any consultant

The fastest programs start with boring but vital checks. Ask for the exact PCR version they plan to use, how they will collect site data with minimal disruption, and how verification will be scheduled.

• Which operator will publish the EPDs and why that operator fits the sales plan.
• How foreground data will be requested, validated, and archived so the process feels white‑glove rather than DIY.
• Whether the reviewer is lined up early to avoid late surprises at verification.

If the answers are vague, delivery speed and dependabilty usually slip.

Renewal rules and scheduling reality

EPDs generally carry a five‑year validity window, after which renewal is required to stay market‑useful (EPD International FAQ, 2025) (EPD International FAQ, 2025). Build a rolling calendar. Start each renewal 6 to 9 months before the printed date so sales teams never sit out a bid because paperwork lagged.

PCR transitions change the playbook

For construction products under IES, PCR 2019:14 version 1.3.4 sunset on 20 June 2025, replaced by version 2.0.x. During the transition, IES temporarily extended publication timelines to handle volume spikes, which mattered for teams cutting it close on verification windows (EPD International, 2025) (EPD International, 2025). The takeaway is simple. Lock PCR and GPI versions with your verifier on day one and keep templates in sync.

How to get speed without the stress

Large firms can bring horsepower, but speed still lives or dies on data collection. Insist on a ruthlessly efficient intake that pre‑formats meter reads, bills of materials, transport legs, and waste logs by site and line. Push for clear owner checklists by module and for weekly progress snapshots that tie tasks to evidence. That is how teams get EPDs done while R&D and plant managers keep the lines running.

A pragmatic take for spec wins

Ricardo is a capable option when programs touch complex systems or policy. For a construction manufacturer, success hinges less on slide‑ware and more on the mechanics of data, PCR fit, and verification cadence. Choose a partner that will actually collect what is needed, publish with the right operator, and keep renewals on rails so the product is the hero in every submittal, not the paperwork.