Congrats, Shelter Architecture’s first EPDs are live
A new name just stepped onto the spec stage with verified numbers. Shelter Architecture’s debut Environmental Product Declarations move its fire‑resistant timber system from slide deck to submittal, which changes competitive math wherever teams want mass timber without the fire‑rating guesswork.
What launched in May 2025
Shelter Architecture published its first-ever EPDs in May 2025, covering COOL WOOD fireproof structural timber members. There are two declarations that align to performance needs rather than a single SKU, one for one-hour components and one for two-hour components.
Product scope in plain English
COOL WOOD is a structural wood core wrapped with gypsum and an outer wood layer. Think nesting dolls for fire safety. The EPDs read as product-specific documentation for the one-hour and two-hour families used as columns or beams in mid to high-rise timber projects.
Who verified it
Both EPDs are verified and published with EPD Hub. The ruleset listed is EPD Hub’s Core PCR v1.1, which is a common path for construction products across markets.
Developer credits
A separate LCA consultant is not named on the public record. That’s fine. Many first-time EPDs come through streamlined workflows where the manufacturer authors the model and the program operator manages third-party review.
At Shelter Architecture or competing in mass timber?
Follow us for product-by-product EPD analyses to see how COOL WOOD stacks up against Nordic Structures, Kalesnikoff, and Boise Cascade.
Why this matters for specs
On projects modeling embodied carbon, products without product-specific EPDs often carry conservative default factors. That can drag approvals and push buyers toward alternatives that do have declarations. With these two documents, Shelter Architecture enters the transparency arena and removes that penalty for COOL WOOD in real spefications.
Competitive snapshot as of January 29, 2026
Shelter’s move lands in a field where mass timber leaders already show EPDs for primary structure.
- Nordic Structures has current, product-specific EPDs for CLT and glulam published with CSA Group, valid into late 2028. That signals mature coverage on core structural pieces.
- Kalesnikoff lists current EPDs for CLT and glulam with ASTM as program operator, running into 2027. Coverage is solid for panels and beams.
- Boise Cascade maintains current EPDs for LVL and related engineered members with ASTM, with validity reaching into 2026.
What’s different here is Shelter’s focus on fire-resistive timber members as a defined product family. That gives specifiers a ready answer when a design calls for one-hour or two-hour timber elements without bolting on ad hoc protection. In competitive terms, it helps catch up to established mass timber brands on disclosure while carving out strength in fire-rated assemblies.
Who Shelter serves
Shelter Architecture’s timber system targets architects, engineers, and builders designing mass timber structures that must meet stringent fire ratings. It is meant for commercial, multifamily, and civic projects where teams want the look and speed of wood with verified performance on paper.
Where to find the EPDs online
We did not find the EPDs linked on shelterarchitecture.com at the time of writing. Visibility matters, so it’s worth adding a sustainability or resources page with direct links. It shortens submittals and keeps bidders from hunting through inboxes or portals.
The takeaway
Two well-aimed EPDs put COOL WOOD on the record and into play. For pursuits where mass timber meets fire code, this debut makes Shelter Architecture easier to select, easier to defend in review, and harder for rivals to displace. It’s a clean first step that opens the door to additional ratings, formats, and regional variants as demand grows.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many EPDs did Shelter Architecture publish and what do they cover?
Two product-specific EPDs, one for one-hour and one for two-hour COOL WOOD fireproof structural timber members.
Which program operator published these EPDs?
EPD Hub verified and published the declarations. See their overview here for context on scope and recognition: EPD Hub profile on EPD Guide.
Were external LCA consultants credited?
No separate developer organization is listed on the public record for these EPDs.
How does Shelter’s coverage compare to mass timber competitors?
Nordic Structures and Kalesnikoff have current EPDs for CLT and glulam, and Boise Cascade has current EPDs for LVL. Shelter’s edge is documenting fire-rated structural members as a family, which helps when drawings call for one-hour or two-hour timber elements.
Where should the EPDs be posted for easy access?
A sustainability or resources page on shelterarchitecture.com with direct EPD links helps submittals land faster and reduces RFIs.
About the Author
Eric works at the intersection of sustainability, regulation, and business strategy, helping manufacturers navigate the evolving landscape of EPDs and LCAs. Having spoken with hundreds of teams across North America, brings a deep understanding of what drives ROI, what regulators are asking for, and how companies can stay ahead with smart, scalable approaches to environmental reporting.
