GlobalEPD: Spain’s Gate to ECO Platform
Choosing a Program Operator can feel like picking teams at recess—slow play means lost projects. If your specifiers sit in Europe or Latin America, GlobalEPD from AENOR may be the fast lane. We unpack its scale, perks, and watch-outs so you can decide in minutes, not months.
AENOR at a glance
Headquartered in Madrid, AENOR is Spain’s national standards body and the force behind the GlobalEPD program. In January 2024 it became the first Spanish operator accredited by ENAC for EPD verification (AENOR, 2024). That badge matters because many public tenders in Spain flat-out require ENAC-backed certification.
Footprint in numbers
GlobalEPD hosts 421 active construction EPDs, placing it in ECO Platform’s “Large” category B—comfortably ahead of Bau EPD yet well below heavyweights like IBU (ECO Platform, 2025). More than 70 % of those declarations cover cement, tiles, or ready-mix concrete, so data reviewers are steeped in mineral products.
Why specifiers notice the logo
Every GlobalEPD can carry the ECO Platform “EN 15804 VERIFIED” mark, a shorthand many architects now look for on submittals. Mutual-recognition pacts with BRE and EPD Danmark cut red tape if your sales team chases bids in the UK or Nordics (AENOR, 2025).
Language and layout
Templates ship in Spanish and English by default. That dual-column format saves days of translation when the same file travels from a Spanish quarry to a U.S. project owner. PDFs follow ISO 14025 tables, while a growing share also offers machine-readable XML for EC3 uploads.
Timeline and workload
Manufacturers report 6–10 weeks from verifier kickoff to published EPD when all upstream data is tidy. Third-party reviewers typically answer comments within five business days. Missed data ranges or copyright snags can stretch that window, so prep work is king. Yes, that sounds obvious but it is sadly common.
When GlobalEPD shines—when it doesn’t
- Best fit: Spanish production footprint, Latin-American sales routes, or EU-funded infrastructure bids that insist on ECO Platform listing.
- Mixed bag: North-American only projects may not gain extra credit from the European logo.
- Weak fit: Products outside EN 15804 scope such as electronics; other operators have richer PCR libraries there.
Quick filter before you sign
Ask three questions: 1) Does our competitor already cite a GlobalEPD PCR? 2) Will the ECO Platform mark unlock a buyer we keep losing? 3) Can our data team hit the 10-week review window without overtime? If the answer is twice yes, GlobalEPD likely earns its fee.
Spec-winning takeaways
GlobalEPD offers European credibility without the queue times of mega-operators. Combine that with bilingual output and ECO Platform reach, and you have a credential that can close gaps from Seville to Santiago. Falure to vet timelines up front, though, can still sink the whole plan—so pressure-test your data readiness first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does GlobalEPD accept PCRs written in English, or only Spanish?
English PCRs are accepted so long as they align with ISO 14025 and EN 15804. Spanish translations are added to the final declaration for domestic use.
How long are GlobalEPD certificates valid before renewal?
Five years, matching EN 15804 practice. Renewal must use the latest PCR version available at that time.
Can I upload GlobalEPD data directly to EC3?
Yes when you request the optional XML output. About 40 % of new EPDs used the digital format in 2024.
Is third-party verification handled by in-house AENOR staff?
No. Independent LCA experts approved by AENOR perform the review, then AENOR issues the certificate after resolving comments.
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.
