EPD databases, decoded for manufacturers
You need reliable, comparable EPDs without getting lost in portals. The trick is knowing which database fits which job, and what to check before you save or share a single PDF. Think of this as your map to the terrain, not a tour bus.
What people mean by an EPD database
An EPD database can be three different things. It might be a national library run by a government or standards body. It might be a program operator’s catalog that hosts declarations they verified.
Then there are multi‑source portals that aggregate EPDs for search and benchmarking. Each solves a different problem. Mixing them up creates rework and confusion when a bid clock is ticking.
The main places to look, by job to be done
If compliance in a country is the goal, start with that country’s official or dominant library. Examples include ÖKOBAUDAT in Germany and INIES in France. These feed local tools and are trusted for permitting and whole building LCA work.
If the job is to find a specific competitor’s declaration, check the program operator that likely published it. Environdec, IBU, UL Solutions, ASTM, Smart EPD, and ASTM-led catalogs are common in construction. Many operators allow filtering by product category or standard version.
If the task is cross‑manufacturer scanning, use an aggregation portal. These let you compare categories, formats, and sometimes plant locations in minutes. When someone says they need an epd database for Europe, ECO Portal is usually the right first stop.
Regional wrinkles that matter to specs
Europe standardizes around EN 15804. New EPDs there must use the A2 amendment from July 1, 2022, which changes impact categories and reporting rules ([ECO Platform, 2024](https://eco-platform.org/knowledge-base/en-15804a2)). Mixing A1 and A2 in one table is like comparing VHS to streaming.
North America blends ISO 14025 with EN 15804 or TR standards depending on product type. Many owners also reference LEED v5 drafts, which were posted for comment in 2024 and strengthen embodied carbon signals in project teams ([USGBC, 2024](https://www.usgbc.org/leed/v5)). Ask where the project team will check first, then mirror that source in your submittals.
How to compare apples to apples
Scan the standard and version first. EN 15804 A2 results do not align one to one with older A1. Check declared unit and functional unit. One square meter of flooring at 1 year is not the same as one kilogram at cradle‑to‑gate.
Finally, look at system boundary and modules reported. A1 to A3 alone cannot be compared directly to A1 to A5 without normalizing scope. Treat scope like the rules of a sport. No shared rules, no fair score.
Search moves that save hours
Use MasterFormat or UNSPSC when portals support it. Try both product names and material families, like mineral wool, MDF, or galvanised steel. If a product is branded, search the manufacturer domain in an operator’s site and then pivot to the category.
When your list is long, export and keep a single working spreadsheet. Add columns for standard version, declared unit, plant, and expiry. This saves you hours you wont get back.
Fields that signal a strong EPD
- Standard and version, including EN 15804 A2 where applicable
- Declared unit and function, clearly defined
- Plant location and energy mix, not just corporate HQ
- PCR name and version used for the calculation
- Verification statement and program operator details
- Validity date and a revision history
Most EPDs are valid for five years before they must be reviewed or renewed ([Environdec, 2024](https://www.environdec.com/resources/programme-instructions)). If a PCR has since been updated, expect the next renewal to reflect the newer rulebook.
Common gaps and gotchas
Duplicates happen when the same EPD is hosted by an operator and mirrored in an aggregator. Check the program operator ID to avoid counting twice. Category names may differ slightly across systems. That is a labeling issue, not a substance issue.
Beware of outdated units or missing modules in older PDFs. Always note the publication date and whether the document shows background database versions. Small details have big ripple effects in procurement scoring.
When a national database is non‑negotiable
Some green building rules and permitting workflows ask you to cite a specific national source. France’s RE2020 workflow leans on INIES for building LCAs. Germany’s public tools pull from ÖKOBAUDAT. When in doubt, store the operator link and the national library link for the same EPD so submittals can pass both checks.
Build a lightweight internal library
Pick one folder or SharePoint site per product family. Save the PDF, the operator page link, and a short row in a tracker with declared unit, standard version, and expiry. Add MasterFormat codes so sales and spec teams can find what they need fast.
Assign a quarterly sweep. Remove expired items, note PCR updates, and queue renewals early so there are no fire drills. Simple beats fancy when deadlines hit.
Speed without shortcuts
Fast does not mean sloppy. A reliable workflow collects utility data from the plant, confirms the right PCR, and picks the operator that fits the commercial goal. The heavy lift is data wrangling across teams. A partner who removes that lift is worth more than a bargain line item, because lost specs are very expensive to replace.
Tie it together
Start with the database that aligns to your project’s rules. Verify standard version, unit, scope, and expiry before you compare. Keep a single source of truth inside your organization so the next bid is faster than the last. Do this rhythmically and the market notices, definately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are EPDs always comparable across databases if the products are similar?
Not automatically. You must match standard and version, declared unit, scope of modules, and PCR. EN 15804 A2 and EN 15804 A1 results are not directly comparable, so normalize or filter to one version.
How long is an EPD valid and where is that shown?
Most programs set a five year validity window. The validity date appears on the EPD and on the operator’s listing page. See the program’s General Programme Instructions for specifics (Environdec, 2024).
Which epd database should I use for European projects?
Use the operator that published the EPD for authenticity, and consult ECO Portal or relevant national libraries like ÖKOBAUDAT or INIES for project workflows that reference those sources.
What if the PCR expired but the EPD is still within its validity?
The EPD can remain valid until its own expiry. On renewal, the EPD should use the latest applicable PCR. Timing the renewal avoids gaps in specs.
Do I need the plant location or is company HQ enough?
Plant matters. Impacts can shift with energy mixes and transport. Many portals let you filter by plant or region. If the EPD is corporate average only, note that in your tracker.
About the Author
John brings a clear, research-driven perspective on the EPD, LCA and HPD space and keeps a close pulse on environmental trends and standards in North America, helping clients understand where the industry is heading and how to get there.
