Tools to develop EPDs

At EPD Danmark, we offer the opportunity to publish EPDs using pre-verified tools that can streamline and automate the work with EPDs. An EPD/LCA tool is a solution that makes it faster, easier, and often cheaper to publish a high number of EPDs. Pre-verified tools are particularly relevant for companies with large product portfolios or for industries with uniform product types. LCA or EPD tools are typically developed by an LCA consultant for a manufacturer or an industry association, sometimes in combination with other types of stakeholders, e.g., IT providers.

An LCA or EPD tool is not the same as LCA software, but in some cases, it can be based on the calculation programs used to prepare EPDs.

All LCA or EPD tool solutions registered with and approved by EPD Danmark are valid for 3 years*. After this, data must be updated and reassessed, and the tool must be re-verified.

There are two types of tools: LCA tools and EPD tools.

LCA tool

An LCA tool is a configurable tool that can easily be adapted to different scenarios and optimizes the process of preparing EPDs. The tool is built around a fixed LCA model, where the user can only change predefined input data (e.g., raw material quantities, energy consumption, etc.) to calculate results for a specific and predefined product type. The locked section of the model itself cannot be modified by the user.

The tool is developed and operated by a person with expertise in the LCA/EPD field. The LCA tool is typically relevant for an LCA consultant who prepares many EPDs for the same EPD owner or within the same product type. However, if specifically developed for this purpose, LCA tools can also be used internally in companies by a trained employee.

Since key parts of the LCA model are third-party verified prior to the preparation of the EPD, and a customized checklist is prepared for the verification, the time required to prepare new EPDs can typically be significantly reduced. The output can be a completed EPD, a partially completed EPD, or simply a table of indicator results, which is then used to construct the EPD.

Advantages of LCA tools:

• Faster and cheaper EPD preparation: Since parts of the model are already pre-verified, a less extensive verification is typically required.
• More flexible: Since not all parameters are locked, there is greater flexibility regarding the input parameters.
• No audit: Since each individual EPD is third-party verified, the user's workflows are not subject to audit.

Disadvantages:

• Still requires an LCA consultant: Unless specific requirements are met, the tool must be operated by an LCA expert, meaning that as a manufacturer, you cannot prepare EPDs yourself without external or internal LCA expertise.
• Each individual EPD must still be verified: Although the process is simplified, individual third-party verification of each EPD is still required.

EPD tool

An EPD tool goes a step further than the LCA tool by fully automating the EPD preparation process. EPD tools are typically developed by LCA consultants – sometimes in collaboration with software developers. Many companies also specialize specifically in EPD tools. An EPD tool has a locked front-end user interface where designated employees at the manufacturer without an LCA background can prepare EPDs. All LCA related decisions for the preparation of EPDs are taken by the LCA consultant and incorporated into the tool. Before use, employees must have completed a course on using the tool and basic LCA concepts.

The user can only enter a number of predefined parameters that do not require LCA expertise, e.g., the material composition of a product. The tool automatically calculates all indicator results and generates the completed EPD. The completed EPD is then checked internally by an independent reviewer at the company. To ensure that the EPDs comply with EPD Danmark's rules, EPD Danmark conducts annual audits of the tool users.

Advantages of EPD tools:

• Can be operated by non-LCA experts: After completing the course, non-LCA-expert employees can prepare EPDs, reducing ongoing dependence on external consultants.
• Full automation: The tool generates the complete EPD automatically – including the calculation of indicator results and insertion into the EPD template.
• No individual third-party verification: EPDs are checked internally within the company by a designated reviewer instead of requiring external verification of each individual EPD.

Disadvantages:

• Larger initial investment: Development and verification of an EPD tool is typically more extensive and thus requires a larger investment during development.
• Less flexible: The model is completely locked, which offers less flexibility compared to an LCA tool.
• Stricter operational requirements: There are requirements for documentation, annual audits, and internal control procedures.

Overview of the differences between a traditional EPD process, LCA tools, and EPD tools

*Adjustments to new requirements from ECO Platform may be required