EPD-Norge: Nordic-built credibility for your next EPD
Need an Environmental Product Declaration that wins points in Norway, satisfies BREEAM-NOR, and still speaks fluent EN 15804 to the rest of Europe? The Norwegian EPD Foundation—recently rebranded online as EPD-Global—offers one of the continent’s most recognised program operators, logging more than 8,600 declarations by mid-2025 (EPD-Norge, 2025).
A quick portrait of the operator
Founded in 2002, the Norwegian EPD Foundation (EPD-Norge) runs a non-profit program aligned with ISO 14025 and EN 15804. It is a founding member of ECO Platform, so its PDFs carry the widely accepted "ECO" logo that speeds digital import into BIM tools across Europe. The portfolio has ballooned from just 3 EPDs per company in 2013 to an average of 9 in 2023 (LCA.no, 2024).
Why Nordic buyers look for the EPD-Norge logo
Public projects in Norway must now weight climate and environmental criteria at a minimum 30 percent during procurement (LCA.no, 2024). Private developers often mirror the rule. An EPD signed off by EPD-Norge removes debate about local compliance and helps products earn up to 2 credits in BREEAM-NOR’s materials section (Grønn Byggallianse, 2024).
Transition complete: EN 15804 +A2 or nothing
The program made A2 mandatory for new EPDs back in late 2021 and will enforce the new ECO Platform verification standards from December 20, 2024 (EPD-Norge, 2024). If your team still leans on an A1 template, factor in extra modelling work before submission.
Digital data first, paper last
Every EPD uploaded through EPD-Norge must include an XML file that matches the PDF. Many Continental tools ingest that file directly, meaning specifiers can plug your impacts into whole-building LCAs in seconds. It is a small formatting step that saves weeks down the line.
Verification: fast if you arrive correct
Independent verifiers decide their own workloads, yet most clear a well-prepared file in one to two weeks (LCA Support, 2025). Delays snowball when datasets miss reference flows or when the bill of materials drifts from the PCR. Invest the upfront hours to collect granular utility numbers for the chosen reference year. You will recieve the time back when the verifier signs after a single review cycle.
New kid on the block: Prospective EPDs
Since October 2024 manufacturers launching brand-new product lines can file a Prospective EPD using less than twelve months of plant data, with the caveat that a full update lands once a full year of production is logged (EPD-Norge, 2024). The option closes a painful gap for start-ups eager to bid on early projects.
Choosing the right partner to hit the clock
Publishing through EPD-Norge is not inherently slow. The pinch points sit in data collection and iterative LCA modelling. A partner who harvests utility logs, waste manifests, and upstream transport distances straight from your ERP leaves engineers free for R&D rather than spreadsheet archaeology.
Bottom line: when EPD-Norge makes commercial sense
If Northern European construction clients show up in your sales pipeline with BREEAM-NOR checklists, EPD-Norge is the shortest route to credibility. Its A2-only stance future-proofs your declaration for at least five years, and its XML feeds keep your data moving through digital design chains. Match that with a white-glove LCA team and the payoff appears not just in credits but in closed bids.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does EPD-Norge still accept EN 15804 +A1 EPDs?
No. All new submissions must follow EN 15804 +A2 after December 2021, and the program will reject A1 files after December 20 2024 when new ECO Platform standards fully apply.
How long is an EPD from EPD-Norge valid?
Five years. You can renew for another five provided the manufacturing process has not changed materially and the underlying PCR remains current.
Can I group similar SKUs under one Norwegian EPD?
Yes, but only if the variation in core environmental impacts stays within 10 percent across the group, as checked during verification.
Is the Prospective EPD recognised by BREEAM-NOR?
Yes, provided it is published by EPD-Norge and clearly labelled as Prospective. The scheme treats it as product-specific but expects a full update within 18 months.
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.
