SÜGB’s EPD Program, explained
Selling into Switzerland or Swiss-led projects and need EN 15804 EPDs that carry ECO Platform credibility? The SÜGB program operator focuses on concrete and aggregates, with clear rules and multilingual templates that keep reviews predictable. Here is the fast brief manufacturers ask for.
What SÜGB is (and why it matters)
SÜGB runs a Swiss program for third-party verification and publication of Environmental Product Declarations aligned to SN EN 15804 and ISO 14025. It is an ECO Platform member, which helps recognition across European markets because ECO members follow harmonized checks.
Where SÜGB focuses
Today the center of gravity is heavy materials. SÜGB hosts Product Category Rules for aggregates and for concrete and concrete elements, which keeps category interpretation consistent for those product lines.
The scale, in numbers
ECO Platform lists SÜGB as a medium-size operator with 23 published EPDs as of July 1, 2025, placing it in the C category for program size (ECO Platform, 2025) (ECO Platform, 2025). If your catalog is mainly concrete or aggregates, that focus is a feature, not a bug.
Validity and renewal, Swiss-style
SÜGB sets a five-year validity from the issue date, with an obligation to report changes when indicators shift by about ten percent. Notably, SÜGB allows keeping an EPD beyond five years if no material changes have occurred, but requires a full redo by year ten. That nuance can simplify portfolio planning when processes stay stable (SÜGB Reglement, 2023) (SÜGB Reglement, 2023).
PCR alignment you should track
If your team works under the International EPD System elsewhere, the current workhorse Construction Products PCR is 2019:14 version 2.0.0 or 2.0.1, with 1.3.4 phased out on June 20, 2025, and the new line valid to 2030. Knowing these dates prevents avoidable rewrites when you mirror methods across operators (EPD International, 2025) (EPD International, 2025).
Language and publication
SÜGB provides publication in German, French, and English for key categories. That saves reformatting time for bilingual tender packs and keeps data consistent across customer touchpoints.
When SÜGB is the right fit
- Your sales pipeline includes Swiss public or private projects that prefer ECO-Platform-marked EPDs.
- You publish aggregates or concrete where SÜGB has ready PCRs and experienced verifiers.
- You want a program where five-year validity applies, with a clear path to maintain documents up to ten years if nothing material changes (SÜGB Reglement, 2023).
What to expect in the verification flow
SÜGB assigns an independent verifier, checks the verification report for completeness, then the PCR committee chair issues the decision. The operator aims to post approved EPDs within a calendar week after the decision, which keeps schedules tight during specification season (SÜGB Reglement, 2023).
A crisp playbook to move fast
Pick the right PCR first, then lock the reference year, plants, and mixes early. Treat the PCR like the rulebook of Monopoly, ignore it and the game falls apart. Finally, validate translations alongside the technical review so you do not loop back for typos later. Speaking of typos, they can be sneaky and definately cost time.
Bottom line for manufacturers
SÜGB is a focused, ECO-aligned option for Swiss heavy materials. If concrete or aggregates drive your revenue, publishing here keeps you credible in local specs while staying interoperable with wider European rules. Keep your PCR alignment current and your data collection disciplined, and the rest becomes straightforward.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many EPDs has SÜGB published and what is its ECO Platform category?
ECO Platform lists SÜGB with 23 EPDs as of July 1, 2025, which places it in category C for medium programs (ECO Platform, 2025) (ECO Platform, 2025).
How long are SÜGB EPDs valid and when must they be renewed?
Five years from issue is the standard validity. SÜGB allows keeping the EPD beyond five years if nothing material changes, but requires a full renewal by year ten (SÜGB Reglement, 2023) (SÜGB Reglement, 2023).
Which construction PCR dates matter if we align work across operators?
Under the International EPD System, PCR 2019:14 v1.3.4 phased out on 2025-06-20, with v2.0.0 and v2.0.1 valid through 2030. Tracking these keeps cross-operator methods synchronized (EPD International, 2025) (EPD International, 2025).
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.
