Griesser at a glance: products and EPD coverage
Specifiers are tightening submittals. If a solar shading system lacks a product‑specific, third‑party verified EPD, it often falls behind rivals that have one, especially on projects chasing portfolio‑wide carbon targets. Here is where Griesser stands today and where the easy wins are hiding.
Who Griesser is and what they make
Griesser is a Swiss manufacturer focused on exterior solar shading. Their portfolio spans external venetian blinds, textile zip screens and vertical awnings, roller shutters, and sliding shutters, plus controls and automation. Across finishes, sizes, and motor options, the SKU count runs from dozens into the low hundreds.
Where EPDs exist today
As of December 18, 2025, Griesser has product‑specific EPDs in place for several core lines. Current declarations cover textile zip screens and vertical awnings in the Solozip and Soloscreen families, multiple motorized aluminum louver systems sold as brise‑soleil lines, and wood sliding shutters. These EPDs are published with established European program operators, including IBU and INIES. EPDs typically have a validity period of five years before renewal is required (IBU, 2024).
What looks uncovered or light
Roller shutters appear less represented by current EPDs, and controls or automation components are usually specified without a standalone EPD. That means a popular, high‑volume roller shutter could be a best‑seller without the documentation teams now ask for. If procurement rules say “EPD or an industry default with a penalty,” that product is starting the race with a backpack on.
Why this matters commercially
Many owners and design teams now prefer product‑specific EPDs so they can model whole‑building impacts without defaulting to conservative assumptions that hurt the submittal. LEED v5 discussions continue to prioritize product transparency and life‑cycle outcomes across materials, which keeps EPDs squarely in scope for interiors and facades alike (USGBC, 2024).
The spec off: who Griesser meets on bids
On exterior blinds and shutters, common competitors include ROMA, Warema, heroal, and Schenker Storen. Several rivals already publish product‑specific EPDs for venetian blinds or roller shutters with European operators. That gives them a clean hand‑off to sustainability consulting teams and fewer RFI loops when EPDs are requested by default. Griesser’s covered families compete fine. Gaps invite swaps.
Fast wins Griesser could act on next
Extend EPD coverage to the highest‑volume roller shutter models first. Treat accessories, guides, and standard motors as configurable options within the EPD bill of materials where the PCR allows. Bundle siblings that share materials and processes to minimize the number of studies while maximizing spec coverage. Refresh on a tight calendar so large framework buyers remain confident the paperwork won’t expire mid‑project. EPD renewals are routine and definately faster when the data model is stable year over year (IBU, 2024).
Picking the right rulebook and operator
For solar shading systems, the PCRs aligned with EN 15804 Part A plus the relevant Part B are the usual path in Europe. Established operators like IBU and INIES are widely recognized by public clients and multinational owners, which helps submittals travel across borders with fewer questions (IBU, 2024). If a family straddles categories, pick the PCR most commonly used by direct competitors to stay comparable.
How to make the work painless
The heavy lift is never the LCA math. It is collecting clean plant data, mapping variants, and aligning SKUs to manufacturing routes. The lowest‑risk approach is choosing an LCA partner who runs the data collection end‑to‑end, keeps plant teams focused on production, and project‑manages publication with the operator you prefer. That is how you hit timelines without burning your product or operations leads.
Bottom line for specability
Griesser is already on the board with EPDs for key shading families. To lock more specs, finish the roller shutter story and keep renewals on a reliable cadence. One well‑scoped wave can move most of the revenue into the “EPD‑ready” column, which is where more bids live now.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long are most construction EPDs valid for under European program operators?
Typically five years before renewal is required. See IBU program rules for timing and renewals (IBU, 2024).
Which program operators commonly publish EPDs for solar shading systems in Europe?
IBU and INIES are both widely used for facade and shading products across EU markets, recognized by public clients and global owners (IBU, 2024).
What product family should Griesser prioritize next for new EPDs to increase spec wins?
Roller shutters, given likely volume and frequent use in offices, residential, healthcare, and education, where EPD requests are now standard in procurement.
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.
