EPD Technical Assistance Resource Library (Beta)
This is a searchable library of some public resources that relate to Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs). Users can filter this database by material, intended audience, resource type, and topic and can download the results.
EPA is providing this library as a beta version and will make periodic updates. EPA welcomes comments on this beta library by email, at the address: [email protected].
Disclaimer of Endorsement: Reference herein to any specific commercial products, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States Government.
Title | URL | Organization | Resource Type | Description | Year Published | Material(s) | Intended Audience(s) | Topic(s) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ACLCA Textbook Webinar: Environmental LCA | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMnlTCAtQCk | ACLCA | Video | Webinar exploring ACLCA textbook and how to perform LCAs. Not specific to EPDs but useful to anyone interested in learning LCA. | 2015 | Any | Academia & NGOs/Civil Society; EPD Generators; LCA Practitioners | Data collection for EPD creation; LCA for EPD creation |
2022 ACLCA PCR Guidance Process and Methods Toolkit Webinar | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jycVwWHPvaA | ACLCA | Video | Webinar on the 2022 ACLCA PCR Guidance ( "PCR Open Standard") Process and Methods Toolkit, including its development, components, and applications related to PCRs and the use of EPDs to inform decision-making. | 2022 | Any | Code Officials; EPD Generators; LCA Practitioners; Policy Makers / Gov. Offices; Regulatory Bodies | Context/summary; Data collection for EPD creation; LCA for EPD creation; PCR for EPD creation |
Guidance for Allocating Burdens and Benefits of Materials Shared Across Product Systems (pdf) | https://aclca.org/wp-content/uploads/2022-ACLCA-PCR-Guidance_Allocating_Materials_Shared_Systems_05252022.pdf | ACLCA | Document | ACLCA PCR Open Standard addendum: one-page guidance describing a harmonized approach for PCRs/EPDs to allocate the burdens of materials that cross product system boundaries (i.e., recycled or reused materials). | 2022 | Any | Code Officials; EPD Generators; LCA Practitioners; Policy Makers / Gov. Offices; Regulatory Bodies | LCA for EPD creation |
Guidance for Assessing Data Quality of Background Life Cycle Inventory (LCI) Datasets (pdf) | https://aclca.org/wp-content/uploads/2022-ACLCA-PCR-Guidance_Addendum_Assessing_LCI_Quality_05252022-1.pdf | ACLCA | Document | ACLCA PCR Open Standard addendum: guidance around how to assess LCI data quality; an Enhanced Pedigree Matrix; and a list of recommended LCI datasets for fossil fuels, transportation, equipment, and electricity. | 2022 | Any | Academia & NGOs/Civil Society; Arch. / Eng. / Contractors (AEC); Code Officials; EPD Generators; Gov. Procurement Officials; LCA Practitioners; Manufacturers; Policy Makers / Gov. Offices; Regulatory Bodies; Salvage & Reuse Community; Trade / Industry Associations; | LCA for EPD creation |
Guidance for Quantifying Renewable Electricity Instruments in Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) (pdf) | https://aclca.org/wp-content/uploads/2022-ACLCA-PCR-Open-Standard_Addendum_Quantifying-Renewable-Electricity-Instruments-in-EPDs_FINAL_061323.pdf | ACLCA | Document | ACLCA PCR Open Standard addendum: guidance around how to quantify and communicate manufacturers' renewable energy investments (such as RECs and PPAs) and integrate them into LCAs and EPDs. | 2022 | Any | Code Officials; EPD Generators; LCA Practitioners; Policy Makers / Gov. Offices; Regulatory Bodies | Data collection for EPD creation; LCA for EPD creation |
Webinar: Guidance for Quantifying Renewable Electricity Instruments in Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) | https://vimeo.com/855141297/cfe3026ba5?share=copy | ACLCA | Video | Webinar guidance around how to quantify and communicate manufacturers' renewable energy investments (such as RECs and PPAs) and integrate them into LCAs and EPDs. | 2022 | Any | Code Officials; EPD Generators; LCA Practitioners; Policy Makers / Gov. Offices; Regulatory Bodies | Data collection for EPD creation; LCA for EPD creation |
ACLCA List of Program Operators | https://aclca.org/pcr/program-operators/ | ACLCA | Webpage | ACLCA list of ISO 14025 program operators and other programs for LCA-based environmental claims. This is an unofficial list based on ACLCA's best attempt to identify all relevant programs. Listed by industry. | unknown/no date | Any | Code Officials; EPD Generators; LCA Practitioners; Manufacturers; Policy Makers / Gov. Offices; Trade / Industry Associations | Resource Lists |
ACLCA Guidance to Calculating Non-LCIA Inventory Metrics in Accordance with ISO 21930:2017 (pdf) | https://aclca.org/wp-content/uploads/ISO-21930-Final.pdf | ACLCA | Document | Guidance and interpretation of ISO 21930 around non-LCIA inventory metrics to support PCR development and increase the consistency and transparency of these calculations. | 2019 | Any | Academia & NGOs/Civil Society; Code Officials; EPD Generators; LCA Practitioners; Policy Makers / Gov. Offices | Data collection for EPD creation; LCA for EPD creation |
Introduction to Uncertainty in the EC3 Tool (pdf) | https://aclca.org/wp-content/uploads/Introduction-to-EC3-Uncertainty.pdf | ACLCA | Document | Guide explaining data quality and uncertainty in the EC3 tool and how to measure and understand it. Useful for creating EPDs. | 2023 | Any | Academia & NGOs/Civil Society; Arch. / Eng. / Contractors (AEC); EPD Generators; Gov. Procurement Officials; LCA Practitioners; Policy Makers / Gov. Offices; Regulatory Bodies | EPD Creation Tools |
ACLCA PCR Search | https://aclca.org/pcr-search/ | ACLCA | Spreadsheet | Search the PCR repository based on keywords, geographic regions, standards conformance and/or publication status. Download results as a spreadsheet and/or view individual PCRs via PDF. | unknown/no date | Any | Academia & NGOs/Civil Society; EPD Generators; LCA Practitioners; Manufacturers; Trade / Industry Associations | PCR for EPD creation; Resource Lists |
Reuse Ecosystem Map | https://www.allforreuse.org/ecosystem-map | All for Reuse | Online Tool | Online directory for tracking reuse suppliers, deconstruction services organizations, hauling/warehouse services, government/public agencies with reuse requirements or related programs, network/resources, remanufacturing/recycling programs, training/education, and consulting/research experts related to material reuse. | unknown/no date | Any | Salvage & Reuse Community | Resource Lists |
Steel Production Greenhouse Gas Emissions Calculation Methodology Guidelines (pdf) | https://www.steel.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/AISI-GHG-Emissions-Calculation-Methodology-Guidelines-final-11-3-22.pdf | American Iron and Steel Institute | Document | This document aims to provide clarity on the topic of GHG emissions calculations and presents a set of guidelines for AISI and its members to use when engaging in initiatives and policy-related discussions pertaining to the development of carbon steel and stainless steel production GHG emissions calculations. The guidance presented herein is in alignment with established methods and applicable International Organization for Standardization (ISO) requirements utilized when developing the AISI life cycle inventory (LCI) data for industry average American steel products. | 2022 | Steel | EPD Generators; LCA Practitioners; Manufacturers; Trade / Industry Associations | Data collection for EPD creation; LCA for EPD creation |
Impact Estimator for Buildings | https://www.athenasmi.org/our-software-data/impact-estimator/ | Athena Sustainable Materials Institute | Online Tool | The Athena Impact Estimator for Buildings is an whole-building LCA-based software package that helps designers easily incorporate environmental information while in the early stages of a project. It is used by design teams to explore the environmental footprint of different material choices and core-and-shell system options. | 2023 | Other | Arch. / Eng. / Contractors (AEC); Gov. Procurement Officials; LCA Practitioners; Real Estate Owners | Whole Building LCA |
About Environmental Building Declarations (pdf) | https://www.athenasmi.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/About-EBDs.pdf | Athena Sustainable Materials Institute | Document | Introduces the idea of an EBD (Environmental Building Declaration) as a complement to WBLCAs analogous to EPDs and LCAs and provides some FAQs. | 2018 | Other | Arch. / Eng. / Contractors (AEC); Gov. Procurement Officials; LCA Practitioners; Real Estate Owners; Trade / Industry Associations | Context/summary; Whole Building LCA |
About Whole-building LCA and Embodied Carbon (pdf) | https://www.athenasmi.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/About_WBLCA.pdf | Athena Sustainable Materials Institute | Document | Explanation of whole building LCA and how it is used, as well as embodied carbon as a whole. | 2019 | Any | Arch. / Eng. / Contractors (AEC); Gov. Procurement Officials; LCA Practitioners; Real Estate Owners; Trade / Industry Associations | Context/summary; Whole Building LCA |
Build Reuse Wiki and Resources page | https://www.buildreuse.org/ | Build Reuse | Webpage | The Build Reuse Wiki is a website that displays key information and resources (guidelines, case studies, policy primers, research papers, etc.) produced and shared by the building material reuse community. Build Reuse resources also include information on materials appraisals, deconstruction, reuse in communicates, and finding materials. | unknown/no date | Any | Salvage & Reuse Community | Resource Lists |
EC3 | https://www.buildingtransparency.org/tools/ec3/ | Building Transparency | Online Tool | Whole building embodied carbon calculator. Allows users to capture material quantities, search for available materials, see the impact breakdown, and compare designs vs. baseline and/or design options. The tool includes a database of digitized EPDs. | unknown/no date | Any | Academia & NGOs/Civil Society; Arch. / Eng. / Contractors (AEC); Gov. Procurement Officials; Policy Makers / Gov. Offices; Regulatory Bodies; Trade / Industry Associations | Existing EPD data; Whole Building LCA |
Map of Manufacturers with EPDs | https://www.buildingtransparency.org/resources/maps/ | Building Transparency | Webpage | Interactive map that provides the locations of plants that provide EPDs, color coded by product category. The map is linked to data in the EC3 tool where you can view the EPDs. | unknown/no date | Any | Academia & NGOs/Civil Society; Arch. / Eng. / Contractors (AEC); Gov. Procurement Officials; Policy Makers / Gov. Offices; Regulatory Bodies; Trade / Industry Associations | Existing EPD data; Resource Lists |
EPD Request Letter for Individual Company (docx) | https://buildingtransparency-live-87c7ea3ad4714-809eeaa.divio-media.com/filer_public/8e/5b/8e5b33d5-175b-4c9f-9b4d-8b8bfc954b5f/bt_epd_request_letter_individual_company.docx | Building Transparency | Document | Sample letter for company to encourage development of product-specific EPDs from suppliers used in construction projects. | unknown/no date | Any | Arch. / Eng. / Contractors (AEC); Gov. Procurement Officials; Manufacturers; Trade / Industry Associations | EPD Creation Tools |
EPD Request Letter for Project Team (docx) | https://buildingtransparency-live-87c7ea3ad4714-809eeaa.divio-media.com/filer_public/bf/a8/bfa80836-adf7-4d45-a3b8-be8dcf12b7e5/bt_epd_request_letter_project_team.docx | Building Transparency | Document | Sample letter for project team to encourage development of product-specific EPDs from suppliers used in construction projects. | unknown/no date | Any | Arch. / Eng. / Contractors (AEC); Gov. Procurement Officials; Manufacturers; Trade / Industry Associations | EPD Creation Tools |
White Paper: Carbon Priced Procurement (pdf) | https://buildingtransparency-live-87c7ea3ad4714-809eeaa.divio-media.com/filer_public/a2/6a/a26a6540-1371-4aa1-b839-bbfd62754804/carbon_priced_procurement_white_paper.pdf | Building Transparency | Document | Guide for setting a carbon price on a project and soliciting bids to encourage use of EPDs and low-carbon materials. | unknown/no date | Any | Academia & NGOs/Civil Society; Arch. / Eng. / Contractors (AEC); Gov. Procurement Officials; Real Estate Owners; Policy Makers / Gov. Offices; Trade / Industry Associations | Context/summary |
ownersCAN ECAP Basis of Design Contract Language (docx) | https://buildingtransparency-live-87c7ea3ad4714-809eeaa.divio-media.com/filer_public/cd/c5/cdc5013a-c0bc-465d-aca8-c5347ee311f9/ownerscan_ecap_template_basis_of_design_contract_language.docx | Building Transparency | Document | Sample embodied carbon language for construction design contract. | unknown/no date | Any | Arch. / Eng. / Contractors (AEC); Gov. Procurement Officials; Real Estate Owners; Trade / Industry Associations | EPD Creation Tools |
ECAP Template Specification Language (docx) | https://buildingtransparency-live-87c7ea3ad4714-809eeaa.divio-media.com/filer_public/83/e0/83e00966-f9d9-4353-a822-a01d3cb9d78f/ecap_template_specification_language_-_final.docx | Building Transparency | Document | Draft template providing specific language around embodied carbon reduction. Includes definitions, materials and specifications for incorporation into an Embodied Carbon Action Plan, used to set the approach and scope of carbon accounting and reduction goals. | unknown/no date | Any | Arch. / Eng. / Contractors (AEC); Gov. Procurement Officials; Real Estate Owners; Trade / Industry Associations | EPD Creation Tools |
ECAP Specification Matrix (xlsx) | https://buildingtransparency-live-87c7ea3ad4714-809eeaa.divio-media.com/filer_public/85/15/85153c38-7453-4535-8de4-abc587fc0044/ecap_specifications_template_matrix_-_final.xlsx | Building Transparency | Spreadsheet | Reference table of industry EPD averages and baselines for common construction materials. | unknown/no date | Any | Arch. / Eng. / Contractors (AEC); Gov. Procurement Officials; Real Estate Owners; Trade / Industry Associations | Existing EPD data |
ECAP Specification Instructions (docx) | https://buildingtransparency-live-87c7ea3ad4714-809eeaa.divio-media.com/filer_public/e5/88/e588fd7f-ca66-4634-b10d-a04180a52201/ecap_specifications_instructions_-_final.docx | Building Transparency | Document | Reference guide providing instructions on the creation of an Embodied Carbon Action Plan and how to use the other ECAP resources provided by Building Transparency. | unknown/no date | Any | Arch. / Eng. / Contractors (AEC); Gov. Procurement Officials; Real Estate Owners; Trade / Industry Associations | Context/summary |
openEPD | https://www.open-epd-forum.org/ | openEPD Forum | Online Tool | openEPD is an open data format for passing digital third-party verified Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) among Program Operators, EPD Databases, Life Cycle Analysis tools, design tools, reporting, and procurement. | 2024 | Any | Arch. / Eng. / Contractors (AEC); EPD Generators; Gov. Procurement Officials; LCA Practitioners; Manufacturers; Trade / Industry Associations | Existing EPD data |
materialsCAN | https://materialscan.info/ | Building Transparency | Webpage | Informational website about materialsCAN, a program offshoot of Carbon Action Network for building materials industry professionals. | 2024 | Any | Arch. / Eng. / Contractors (AEC); Manufacturers; Trade / Industry Associations | Context/summary |
ownersCAN | https://www.buildingtransparency.org/programs/carbon-action-network/ | Building Transparency | Webpage | Informational website including information and signup for ownersCan, a program offshoot of Carbon Action Network for developers and building managers. | 2024 | Any | Gov. Procurement Officials; Real Estate Owners | Context/summary |
contractorsCAN | https://www.buildingtransparency.org/programs/carbon-action-network/ | Building Transparency | Webpage | Informational website including information and signup for contractorsCAN, a program offshoot of Carbon Action Network for contractors and builders. | 2024 | Any | Arch. / Eng. / Contractors (AEC) | Context/summary |
Embodied Carbon Action Plan (pdf) | https://www.buildingtransparency.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ownersCAN-ECAP_02.16.22.pdf | Building Transparency | Webpage | Explanation and infographic on Building Transparency's Embodied Carbon Action Plan: outlines the key steps and actions necessary to reduce embodied carbon of the buildings we design, construct and operate. | 2021 | Any | Arch. / Eng. / Contractors (AEC); Gov. Procurement Officials; Real Estate Owners; Trade / Industry Associations | Context/summary |
How to get an EPD | https://www.buildingtransparency.org/how-to-get-an-epd/ | Building Transparency | Webpage | Overview and FAQ for building material industry on EPDs and how to create an EPD | unknown/no date | Any | Arch. / Eng. / Contractors (AEC); EPD Generators; Gov. Procurement Officials; Manufacturers; Trade / Industry Associations | Context/summary; Data collection for EPD creation; LCA for EPD creation; PCR for EPD creation |
BuiltCold | https://www.builtcold.com/ | Built Cold | Online Tool | Free online tool for contractors finding projects requiring low-carbon construction materials to comply with federal, state, and local "Buy Clean" programs. | 2024 | Asphalt; Cement/Concrete; Glass; Steel | Arch. / Eng. / Contractors (AEC); Gov. Procurement Officials; Manufacturers; Policy Makers / Gov. Offices | Policy / case studies |
Policy Tracking Map | https://carbonleadershipforum.org/clf-policy-toolkit/#map | Carbon Leadership Forum | Online Tool | Embodied carbon policies are spreading rapidly across the United States and the world. This map tracks embodied carbon policies around the world. Users can click to learn more about existing and proposed policies. | 2024 | Any | Academia & NGOs/Civil Society; Arch. / Eng. / Contractors (AEC); Code Officials; EPD Generators; Gov. Procurement Officials; LCA Practitioners; Manufacturers; Policy Makers / Gov. Offices; Real Estate Owners; Regulatory Bodies; Salvage & Reuse Community; Trade / Industry Associations | Policy / case studies |
Building LCA 101: Embodied Carbon Accounting - Policy Toolkit, Part 3 | https://carbonleadershipforum.org/building-lca-101/ | Carbon Leadership Forum | Document | Embodied carbon policies are spreading rapidly across the United States and the world. This map tracks embodied carbon policies around the world. Users can click to learn more about existing and proposed policies. | 2024 | Any | Arch. / Eng. / Contractors (AEC); Code Officials; Gov. Procurement Officials; LCA Practitioners; Policy Makers / Gov. Offices; Real Estate Owners; Regulatory Bodies; Trade / Industry Associations | Context/summary; Policy / case studies; Whole Building LCA |
EPD 101: Embodied Carbon Accounting for Materials - Policy Toolkit, Part 2 | https://carbonleadershipforum.org/environmental-product-declarations-epd-101/ | Carbon Leadership Forum | Document | This factsheet explains what Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) are, how they are created and the pathways to use them in policy. | 2024 | Any | Academia & NGOs/Civil Society; Arch. / Eng. / Contractors (AEC); Code Officials; Gov. Procurement Officials; Manufacturers; Policy Makers / Gov. Offices; Real Estate Owners; Regulatory Bodies; Trade / Industry Associations | Context/summary; Data collection for EPD creation; LCA for EPD creation; PCR for EPD creation; Policy / case studies |
Buy Clean Policies: Overview + Implementation - Policy Toolkit, Part 4 | https://carbonleadershipforum.org/buy-clean-policies-overview/ | Carbon Leadership Forum | Document; Spreadsheet | Factsheet includes an overview of Buy Clean procurement policy, its impact in reducing embodied carbon, and provides a snapshot of the status of Buy Clean policies in the U.S. This page also includes a spreadsheet summarizing the policy elements and GWP limits for existing Buy Clean programs as of April 2024. | 2024 | Any | Gov. Procurement Officials; Policy Makers / Gov. Offices; Regulatory Bodies | Policy / case studies |
Building-scale Embodied Carbon Performance Requirements - Policy Toolkit, Part 5 | https://carbonleadershipforum.org/building-ec-performance-reqs/ | Carbon Leadership Forum | Document | Factsheet providing an overview of how performance-based building policy requirements can help address embodied carbon, why they should be a policy priority, and examples of existing policy paths. | 2024 | Any | Academia & NGOs/Civil Society; Arch. / Eng. / Contractors (AEC); Code Officials; Gov. Procurement Officials; LCA Practitioners; Policy Makers / Gov. Offices; Real Estate Owners; Regulatory Bodies | Policy / case studies |
Deconstruction, Salvage, and Reuse Policies - Policy Toolkit, Part 7 | https://carbonleadershipforum.org/deconstruction-salvage-reuse/ | Carbon Leadership Forum | Document | Factsheet providing an overview of reuse concepts and how government policies and programs can contribute to a circular building and material reuse ecosystem. | 2024 | Any | Academia & NGOs/Civil Society; Arch. / Eng. / Contractors (AEC); Code Officials; Gov. Procurement Officials; Policy Makers / Gov. Offices; Real Estate Owners; Regulatory Bodies; Salvage & Reuse Community | Policy / case studies |
Buy Clean Indicators: Approaches for Measuring Policy Effectiveness | https://carbonleadershipforum.org/buy-clean-indicators/ | Carbon Leadership Forum | Document | Detailed report including an overview of Buy Clean's theory of change and related tools and metrics for evaluating Buy Clean policy effectiveness, including metrics related to EPDs. | 2024 | Any | Gov. Procurement Officials; Policy Makers / Gov. Offices; Regulatory Bodies | Policy / case studies |
Washington State Embodied Carbon training video series | https://www.commerce.wa.gov/seep/bcbf/ | Washington State Department of Commerce | Video | Five-part video series developed for Washington State with modules on Embodied Carbon 101, Introduction to Life Cycle Assessment, Environmental Product declarations, Whole Building Life Cycle Assessment, and Embodied Carbon Policy Strategies. | 2024 | Any | Academia & NGOs/Civil Society; Arch. / Eng. / Contractors (AEC); Code Officials; Gov. Procurement Officials; Policy Makers / Gov. Offices; Real Estate Owners; Regulatory Bodies | Context/summary; Policy / case studies; Resource Lists; Whole Building LCA |
Implementing Buy Clean | https://carbonleadershipforum.org/implementing-buy-clean/ | Carbon Leadership Forum | Document | Detailed report on how to enact and implement buy clean polices. Part of this requires the use of EPDs and briefly describes what an EPD is and how it fits into larger policies. | 2022 | Any | Gov. Procurement Officials; Policy Makers / Gov. Offices; Regulatory Bodies | Policy / case studies |
Urban EC Reduction Checklist v1 | https://carbonleadershipforum.org/ec-checklist-template/ | Carbon Leadership Forum | Document | Excel checklist to inform projects about potential strategies to reduce the carbon footprint of materials. | 2022 | Any | Arch. / Eng. / Contractors (AEC); Gov. Procurement Officials; Real Estate Owners | Context/summary |
Building Owners Toolkit, Section 2 - Embodied Carbon Procurement Policies | https://carbonleadershipforum.org/procurement-policies-to-reduce-embodied-carbon/ | Carbon Leadership Forum | Document | Describes how to find and request EPDs for reduced embodied carbon procurement policies. | 2021 | Any | Arch. / Eng. / Contractors (AEC); Gov. Procurement Officials; Real Estate Owners | Context/summary |
Roadway Infrastructure Toolkit | https://carbonleadershipforum.org/clf-roadway-infrastructure-toolkit/ | Carbon Leadership Forum | Document | Provides an overview of how to measure embodied carbon in roadways, including information on life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology for products, roadway elements/features, and whole roadways; EPDs; benchmarking; and tools. | 2024 | Any | Arch. / Eng. / Contractors (AEC); Code Officials; Gov. Procurement Officials; LCA Practitioners; Manufacturers; Policy Makers / Gov. Offices; Trade / Industry Associations | Context/summary; Data collection for EPD creation; LCA for EPD creation; Resource Lists |
Architects Toolkit, Section 2 - Measuring Embodied Carbon | https://carbonleadershipforum.org/toolkit-2-measuring/ | Carbon Leadership Forum | Document | Provides architects with an overview of how to measure embodied carbon, including information on life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology, EPDs, benchmarking, and tools. | 2021 | Any | Arch. / Eng. / Contractors (AEC) | Context/summary; Data collection for EPD creation; LCA for EPD creation; Resource Lists |
Architects Toolkit, Section 3 - Carbon Reduction Strategies | https://carbonleadershipforum.org/toolkit-3-strategies/ | Carbon Leadership Forum | Document | Provides architects with an overview of embodied carbon reduction targets, design strategies, and even greater reductions through early design interventions. | 2021 | Any | Arch. / Eng. / Contractors (AEC) | Context/summary |
Model Embodied Carbon Specifications | https://carbonleadershipforum.org/model-embodied-carbon-specifications/ | Carbon Leadership Forum | Document; Webpage | Model specifications that incorporate project requirements for environmental product declarations (EPDs) and global warming potential (GWP) limits for construction products. These model specifications were developed for the Washington Department of Commerce to support compliance with the WA Buy Clean and Buy Fair (BCBF WA) legislation, but can be adapted to support broader range of projects. | 2024 | Cement/Concrete; Steel; Other | Arch. / Eng. / Contractors (AEC); Gov. Procurement Officials; LCA Practitioners | Policy / case studies |
2023 CLF North American Material Baselines Report | https://carbonleadershipforum.org/clf-material-baselines-2023/ | Carbon Leadership Forum | Spreadsheet; Webpage | "The CLF Baseline values represent an estimate of industry-average GHG emissions for construction materials manufactured in North America. An overwhelming majority of the CLF Baselines published in this report are based on a North American industry-wide EPD if one was available at the time of publication. As such, it is appropriate to use this number as a rough estimate of a product type's embodied carbon before a specific product has been selected or as a reference value against which product-level comparisons can be made." | 2023 | Any | Arch. / Eng. / Contractors (AEC); Code Officials; Gov. Procurement Officials; LCA Practitioners; Manufacturers; Policy Makers / Gov. Offices; Regulatory Bodies; Trade / Industry Associations | Existing EPD data |
EPD Requirements in Procurement Policies | https://carbonleadershipforum.org/epd-requirements-in-procurement-policies/ | Carbon Leadership Forum | Document | An analysis of EPD definitions in Buy Clean and other North American procurement policies. | 2021 | Any | Code Officials; Gov. Procurement Officials; Policy Makers / Gov. Offices; Regulatory Bodies | Policy / case studies |
Embodied Carbon Policy Educational Series | https://carbonleadershipforum.org/embodied-carbon-policy-educational-series/ | Carbon Leadership Forum | Spreadsheet, Webpage | A collection of presentations on embodied carbon policies including how embodied carbon impacts climate action plans, procurement policies, building codes, and city incentive programs. | 2022 | Any | Academia & NGOs/Civil Society; Arch. / Eng. / Contractors (AEC); Code Officials; Gov. Procurement Officials; LCA Practitioners; Manufacturers; Policy Makers / Gov. Offices; Real Estate Owners; Regulatory Bodies; Salvage & Reuse Community; Trade / Industry Associations; | Policy / case studies |
Advancing the LCA Ecosystem | https://carbonleadershipforum.org/advancing-lca-ecosystem/ | Carbon Leadership Forum | Document | In this report, the CLF lays out a vision and steps towards an ideal LCA ecosystem optimized for use as a tool for policy and private sector decarbonization action (focusing on the United States and Canada). | 2023 | Any | Academia & NGOs/Civil Society; Arch. / Eng. / Contractors (AEC); Code Officials; EPD Generators; Gov. Procurement Officials; LCA Practitioners; Manufacturers; Policy Makers / Gov. Offices; Real Estate Owners; Regulatory Bodies; Salvage & Reuse Community; Trade / Industry Associations; | LCA for EPD creation |
Northeast U.S. & Canada Embodied Carbon Policy Case Studies | https://carbonleadershipforum.org/us-canada-embodied-carbon-policy-case-studies/ | Carbon Leadership Forum | Document | Policies that address embodied carbon are being proposed and adopted at all levels of government- federal, state and local- at a rapidly accelerating pace. This report highlights nine policies in the Northeast region of the United States and Canada as examples of successfully passed policies targeting embodied carbon reporting and reduction. Each case study explores the policy's development process, the stakeholders engaged, any challenges faced, and keys to successful adoption. | 2024 | Any | Academia & NGOs/Civil Society; Arch. / Eng. / Contractors (AEC); EPD Generators; Gov. Procurement Officials; LCA Practitioners; Manufacturers; Policy Makers / Gov. Offices; Real Estate Owners; Regulatory Bodies; Trade / Industry Associations | Policy / case studies |
Pacific Coast Collaborative Embodied Carbon Policy Case Studies | https://carbonleadershipforum.org/pacific-coast-collaborative-embodied-carbon-policy-case-studies/ | Carbon Leadership Forum | Document | This document highlights ten case studies of policies driving lower carbon construction across the Pacific Coast. Each case explores the development process, challenges faced, and lessons learned through the policy process. Information was gathered from interviews with PCC members who were involved in the policy, publicly available policy reports, as well as interviews from the implementing agency of the policy. This roadmap lays out steps towards achieving this ideal LCA ecosystem across foundational LCA, product LCA (including EPDs), building LCA, and roadway LCA. | 2023 | Any | Academia & NGOs/Civil Society; Arch. / Eng. / Contractors (AEC); EPD Generators; Gov. Procurement Officials; LCA Practitioners; Manufacturers; Policy Makers / Gov. Offices; Real Estate Owners; Regulatory Bodies; Trade / Industry Associations | Policy / case studies |
Buy Clean Buy Fair Washington Pilot Study | https://carbonleadershipforum.org/bcbf-project/ | Carbon Leadership Forum | Document | The Buy Clean Buy Fair (BCBF) Washington Project was a pilot study commissioned by the Washington State Legislature in 2021. This project was funded by two budget provisos that required the University of Washington (UW) College of Built Environments' Carbon Leadership Forum (CLF) to: Develop a reporting database to collect environmental and labor information from state construction projects. For this project, the database is a prototype, meant for testing and demonstration purposes only. Conduct a case study using pilot projects. Five projects were enlisted to test out and provide feedback on the data reporting process. |
2022 | Cement/Concrete; Steel; Other | Academia & NGOs/Civil Society; Arch. / Eng. / Contractors (AEC); EPD Generators; Gov. Procurement Officials; LCA Practitioners; Manufacturers; Policy Makers / Gov. Offices; Regulatory Bodies; Trade / Industry Associations | Policy / case studies |
Regional Hubs | https://carbonleadershipforum.org/regional-hubs-2/ | Carbon Leadership Forum | Webpage | Regional Hubs are part of the CLF Network, which includes other initiatives such as our online community platform, the NGO/Governmental Roundtable, and corporate sponsorship. Formally, Regional Hubs are independent volunteer groups and are not legal components of the Carbon Leadership Forum. Hubs are volunteer-led local groups that are people-focused and led, filled with learners and experts alike who are working to address the unique needs of their regions. Hubs often lead knowledge sharing activities such as webinars, tool working groups, and other initiatives. |
unknown/no date | Any | Academia & NGOs/Civil Society; Arch. / Eng. / Contractors (AEC); Code Officials; EPD Generators; Gov. Procurement Officials; LCA Practitioners; Manufacturers; Policy Makers / Gov. Offices; Real Estate Owners; Regulatory Bodies; Salvage & Reuse Community; Trade / Industry Associations; | Context/summary |
CNCA x One Click LCA: Training Course for City Officers | https://academy.oneclicklca.com/courses/cnca-x-one-click-lca-training-course-for-city-officers | Carbon Neutral Cities Alliance | Video | This free course is a part of the "Dramatically Reducing Embodied Carbon in Europe's built environment" project, led by the CNCA and funded by Laudes foundation and Built by Nature. The course is designed for city officials to learn the basics around construction LCA, embodied carbon, biobased materials and circularity in construction. | 2023 | Any | Code Officials; Gov. Procurement Officials; Policy Makers / Gov. Offices; Regulatory Bodies | Context/summary |
Sustainable Procurement Initiative Resources | https://www.portland.gov/omf/brfs/procurement/sustainable-procurement-program/sp-initiatives | City of Portland | Webpage | The City of Portland has established its Low-Carbon Concrete Initiative, Embodied Carbon Thresholds for Concrete Mixes on City Projects, Clean Air Construction Regional Initiative, Sustainably-Sourced Wood, and Sweatshop Free Apparel. These policies and resources were implemented to reduce the overall carbon intensity of the concrete mixes used on City projects. | 2022 | Cement/Concrete; Other | Arch. / Eng. / Contractors (AEC); Gov. Procurement Officials; Manufacturers; Salvage & Reuse Community; Trade / Industry Associations | Policy / case studies |
San Francisco Surplus Building Products Reduction and Redistribution Study (November 2021) | https://www.sfenvironment.org/ensuring-safe-accountable-and-circular-solutions-building-products | City of SF Department of the Environment | Webpage | The Green Building and Zero Waste programs at the San Francisco Department of the Environment (SFE) initiated the Surplus Building Products Reduction and Redistribution Study (the Study) to better understand situations that lead to surplus on construction sites, including building product types, quantities, and frequency, as well as ways to minimize and repurpose these items. The Study is intended to raise awareness about surplus among building industry practitioners working directly with building products. It is not meant to be prescriptive, but may supplement the considerations of an individual, organization, or project team working to achieve zero waste goals. | 2021 | Any | Gov. Procurement Officials; Salvage & Reuse Community | Policy / case studies |
Federal Buy Clean Initiative | https://www.sustainability.gov/buyclean/ | Office of the Federal Chief Sustainability Officer | Webpage | Website explaining the Federal Buy Clean Initiative and answering questions on the program, its purpose and timeline. The website provides a list of announcements and news updates. | unknown/no date | Any | Arch. / Eng. / Contractors (AEC); EPD Generators; Gov. Procurement Officials; LCA Practitioners; Manufacturers; Policy Makers / Gov. Offices; Regulatory Bodies; Trade / Industry Associations | Policy / case studies |
C-MORE: Construction Material Opportunities to Reduce Emissions | https://www.epa.gov/greenerproducts/what-embodied-carbon | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency | Webpage | Page briefly explaining embodied carbon in construction and how it will be shaped by EPA's efforts to EPA implement a multi-pronged program to support construction product manufacturers in lowering operating costs, achieving efficiencies and accessing new markets while helping federal purchasers and other buyers find cleaner, more climate-friendly construction materials. | 2024 | Any | Academia & NGOs/Civil Society; Arch. / Eng. / Contractors (AEC); Gov. Procurement Officials; Policy Makers / Gov. Offices; Manufacturers; Trade / Industry Associations | Context/summary |
Reducing Embodied GHG Emissions: Construction Materials Prioritization & Env. Data Improvement (slides) (pdf) | https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2023-04/FINALv3%20March%202%20-%20OCSPP%20IRA%20Programs%20-%20Material%20Prioritization%20and%20Data%20Improvement%20ec.pdf | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency | Document | Presentation slides on IRA for stakeholders. Includes background on PCRs, data quality information, federal recommendations and FAQs. See presentation below. | 2023 | Any | Academia & NGOs/Civil Society; Arch. / Eng. / Contractors (AEC); EPD Generators; Gov. Procurement Officials; LCA Practitioners; Manufacturers; Policy Makers / Gov. Offices; Trade / Industry Associations | Policy / case studies |
Reducing Embodied GHG Emissions: Construction Materials Prioritization & Env. Data Improvement (webinar) | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mq6Dp0bqmQU | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency | Video | Webinar on IRA for stakeholders. Includes background on PCRs, data quality information, federal recommendations and FAQs. See slides above. | 2023 | Any | Academia & NGOs/Civil Society; Arch. / Eng. / Contractors (AEC); EPD Generators; Gov. Procurement Officials; LCA Practitioners; Manufacturers; Policy Makers / Gov. Offices; Trade / Industry Associations | Policy / case studies |
Reducing Embodied Carbon of Construction Materials | https://www.epa.gov/greenerproducts/reducing-embodied-carbon-construction-materials-through-inflation-reduction-act | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency | Webpage | Webpage briefly explaining key parts of the Inflation Reduction Act addressing embodied carbon, EPA's interim determination on "substantially lower" embodied carbon materials, other initiatives (DPLA and PCR) and stakeholder engagement. | unknown/no date | Any | Code Officials; EPD Generators; Gov. Procurement Officials; LCA Practitioners; Manufacturers; Policy Makers / Gov. Offices; Regulatory Bodies; Salvage & Reuse Community; Trade / Industry Associations | Policy / case studies |
Reducing Embodied GHG Emissions: Grants & Technical Assistance for Environmental Product Declarations (webinar) | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_lm3VyB1co | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency | Video | Webinar explaining EPDs, Buy Clean laws in states, and listing grants and technical resources for industries to use when creating EPDs. | 2023 | Any | EPD Generators; LCA Practitioners; Manufacturers; Policy Makers / Gov. Offices; Trade / Industry Associations | Context/summary |
Reducing Embodied GHG Emissions: Grants & Technical Assistance for Environmental Product Declarations (slides) (pdf) | https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2023-04/March%2022%20-%20OCSPP%20IRA%20Programs%20-%20EPD%20Assistance%20-%20final_ec.pdf | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency | Document | Slide deck explaining EPDs, Buy Clean laws in states, and listing grants and technical resources for industries to use when creating EPDs. | 2023 | Any | EPD Generators; LCA Practitioners; Manufacturers; Policy Makers / Gov. Offices; Trade / Industry Associations | Context/summary |
Reducing Embodied GHG Emissions: Carbon Labeling (webinar) | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfABdvtq-3s | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency | Video | Webinar explaining the Buy Clean Initiative and details about labeling requirements, program development and standard setting. | 2023 | Any | EPD Generators; LCA Practitioners; Manufacturers; Policy Makers / Gov. Offices; Regulatory Bodies; Trade / Industry Associations | Policy / case studies |
Reducing Embodied GHG Emissions: Carbon Labeling (slides) | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfABdvtq-3s | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency | Document | Slide deck explaining the Buy Clean Initiative and details about labeling requirements, program development and standard setting. | 2023 | Any | EPD Generators; LCA Practitioners; Manufacturers; Policy Makers / Gov. Offices; Regulatory Bodies; Trade / Industry Associations | Policy / case studies |
EPD Basics: A Manufacturer's Guide to How and Why to Develop an Environmental Product Declaration (pdf) | https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2024-11/epd_basics_how_why_to_develop.pdf | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency | Document | This guide is a resource for those new to EPDs. It explains what EPDs are, how to develop them and their importance to measuring and disclosing embodied carbon information associated with construction materials. | 2024 | Any | Manufacturers | Context/summary; Data collection for EPD creation; EPD Creation Tools; LCA for EPD creation; PCR for EPD creation; Resource Lists |
Federal LCA Commons | https://www.lcacommons.gov/lca-collaboration/ | Federal LCA Commons | Online Tool | Database of LCA flows and processes open for public use in LCAs and EPDs. | unknown/no date | Any | EPD Generators; LCA Practitioners | LCA for EPD creation |
EPDs – An overview of EPDs, the GCCA EPD tool & the EPD publication process (MP4) | https://gccassociation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/20230418_GCCA-EPD-Webinar-compressed.mp4 | Global Cement and Concrete Association | Video | A recorded webinar (slides and Q&A available) on EPDs and the Global Cement and Concrete Association's web-based, international calculation tool to support the development of EPDs for clinker, cement, concrete, and precast elements. | 2023 | Cement/Concrete | EPD Generators; LCA Practitioners; Manufacturers; Trade / Industry Associations | Context/summary; EPD Creation Tools |
GCCA Environmental Product Declaration Tool – Workshop (MP4) | https://gccassociation.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20220712_GCCA-EPD-Tool-Webinar.mp4 | Global Cement and Concrete Association | Video | A recorded webinar that provides a product demo of GCCA's s web-based, international calculation tool to support the development of EPDs for clinker, cement, concrete, and precast elements. | 2022 | Cement/Concrete | EPD Generators; LCA Practitioners; Manufacturers; Trade / Industry Associations | Context/summary; EPD Creation Tools |
Hines Embodied Carbon Reduction Guide | https://www.hines.com/embodied-carbon-reduction-guide | Hines | Document | Comprehensive guide of embodied carbon, LCAs, and reduction strategies for construction. Focuses primarily on design and construction and is likely most useful for developers/designers. Appendix A briefly provides information on creating EPDs. | 2022 | Any | Academia & NGOs/Civil Society; Arch. / Eng. / Contractors (AEC); Code Officials; Gov. Procurement Officials; LCA Practitioners; Manufacturers; Policy Makers / Gov. Offices; Real Estate Owners; Salvage & Reuse Community; Trade / Industry Associations; | Context/summary |
"Declare" certification database | https://living-future.org/declare/ | International Living Future Institute | Online Tool | Platform for manufacturers to share building product LCA information accessible to the public for sustainable design decisions. | unknown/no date | Any | Arch. / Eng. / Contractors (AEC); Gov. Procurement Officials; Real Estate Owners | Whole Building LCA |
Reducing Embodied Carbon in Construction (pdf) | https://cdn-dynmedia-1.microsoft.com/is/content/microsoftcorp/microsoft/final/en-us/microsoft-brand/documents/reducing-embodied-carbon-July-2021.pdf | Microsoft | Document | Microsoft is focused on reducing carbon emissions across its operations, from buildings and datacenters to employee transportation. This white paper, "Reducing Embodied Carbon: An inside look into how Microsoft is reducing emissions during the construction of new buildings and datacenters" places a focus on Microsoft's work to reduce embodied carbon in the design and construction of our buildings and data centers. The goal of the paper is to share the data and lessons learned from Microsoft pilot projects, in hopes that other organizations adopt deep carbon reduction commitments and share their experiences in return. | 2021 | Any | Arch. / Eng. / Contractors (AEC); Gov. Procurement Officials; Manufacturers; Real Estate Owners | Policy / case studies |
US Asphalt Industry EPD Benchmark: 1st Edition | https://member.asphaltpavement.org/Shop/Product-Catalog/Product-Details?productid={4ADCEF2F-F478-EE11-8179-00224827B16D} | National Asphalt Pavement Association | Video | Webinar reviewing new asphalt industry benchmarks for GHG emissions and how material use, standard and region impact emissions. | 2023 | Asphalt | EPD Generators; Manufacturers; Trade / Industry Associations | Context/summary; Existing EPD data |
Flat Glass Industry Environmental Transparency Documents | https://members.glass.org/cvweb/cgi-bin/msascartdll.dll/ProductInfo?productcd=FLATENVIRONMENTAL | National Glass Association | Document | The purpose of this document is to consolidate readily available resources from the flat glass industry. Use the links in the document to access updated information representative of sustainability initiatives of the flat glass industry. | 2021 | Glass | EPD Generators; Gov. Procurement Officials; Manufacturers; Trade / Industry Associations | Resource Lists |
General EPD Education | https://members.glass.org/cvweb/cgi-bin/msascartdll.dll/ProductInfo?productcd=EPDEDUCATION | National Glass Association | Document | This document is intended for the architectural, engineering and construction (AEC) community involved in the selection, specification and review of lifecycle environmental impacts of building components. It has been observed in the marketplace that professionals are trying to compare Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) values, and the purpose of this document is to highlight challenges in comparison. | 2020 | Glass | Arch. / Eng. / Contractors (AEC); EPD Generators; Gov. Procurement Officials; Manufacturers; Trade / Industry Associations | Context/summary |
Environmental Product Declarations | https://www.nrmca.org/association-resources/sustainability/environmental-product-declarations/ | National Ready Mixed Concrete Association | Webpage | Semi-comprehensive list of regional concrete EPDs in the US, as well as a webinar and other resources on how to utilize EPDs. | unknown/no date | Other | Manufacturers; Trade / Industry Associations | Context/summary; Existing EPD data |
Environmental Product Declarations Webinar | https://youtu.be/7y61vaoCwlg | National Ready Mixed Concrete Association | Video | Webinar giving a thorough explanation of construction EPDs. Includes background, how to read, and how to use in LEED. Tailored to concrete but relevant to most industries. | 2020 | Cement/Concrete | Manufacturers; Trade / Industry Associations | Context/summary |
NRMCA Concrete Carbon Calculator: How to Reduce, Quantify, and Specify Carbon | https://nrmca-org.zoom.us/rec/share/YKnBDz1sM-4YLRxu8MRxU9VtTUf0QRb6P-bV4FEAcwu5sJkOVlvbSprL0zi1tyWz.ZZuW_e_HjmuhaBTy | National Ready Mixed Concrete Association | Video | Recorded video describing how to use the NRMCA tool to limit the carbon of concrete. | 2024 | Cement/Concrete | Manufacturers; Trade / Industry Associations | EPD Creation Tools |
Guide to Improving Specifications for Ready Mixed Concrete With Notes on Reducing Embodied Carbon Footprint (pdf) | https://www.nrmca.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/GuideToSpec2021EmbodiedCarbon.pdf | National Ready Mixed Concrete Association | Document | "This publication is intended as a guide for ready mixed concrete or contractor personnel who are responsible for compliance with project specifications or for design professional who develop project specifications. This document proposes specification clauses and includes accompanying commentary as guidance." | 2021 | Cement/Concrete | Arch. / Eng. / Contractors (AEC); Gov. Procurement Officials; Manufacturers; Trade / Industry Associations | Context/summary |
NYSERDA Embodied Carbon Webinar Series | https://ogs.ny.gov/embodied-carbon-webinar-series | NYSERDA | Video | NYSERDA led a 5-part webinar series on embodied carbon covering (1) Embodied Carbon 101, (2) Low Carbon Concrete 101, (3) EPDs 101 (December 2023), (4) Climate Earth Demo and Holcim Case Study (February 2024), and (5) EPD Webinar - One Click Pre-verified EPD Generator and Midgard Ltd, UK (March 2024) | 2023-2024 | Cement/Concrete | Academia & NGOs/Civil Society; Arch. / Eng. / Contractors (AEC); Code Officials; EPD Generators; Gov. Procurement Officials; LCA Practitioners; Manufacturers; Policy Makers / Gov. Offices; Real Estate Owners; Regulatory Bodies; Salvage & Reuse Community; Trade / Industry Associations | Context/summary |
OneClick Guides and Research | https://oneclicklca.com/resources/guides-and-research | One Click LCA | Webpage | Guides and resources written by One Click LCA staff covering LCA, EPDs, sustainability, life-cycle costing, and other environmental factors in construction projects and products. | 2024 | Any | Academia & NGOs/Civil Society; Arch. / Eng. / Contractors (AEC); Code Officials; Gov. Procurement Officials; LCA Practitioners; Manufacturers; Policy Makers / Gov. Offices; Real Estate Owners; Regulatory Bodies; Salvage & Reuse Community; Trade / Industry Associations | Context/summary; Data collection for EPD creation; LCA for EPD creation |
OneClick Webinars | https://oneclicklca.com/resources/webinars | One Click LCA | Video | Upcoming and recorded webinar from leading sustainability experts and thought leaders across the construction and manufacturing industries. | 2024 | Any | Academia & NGOs/Civil Society; Arch. / Eng. / Contractors (AEC); Code Officials; Gov. Procurement Officials; LCA Practitioners; Manufacturers; Policy Makers / Gov. Offices; Real Estate Owners; Regulatory Bodies; Salvage & Reuse Community; Trade / Industry Associations | Context/summary |
Global EPD Requirements by Country | https://oneclicklca.com/en/resources/articles/guide-to-global-epd-requirements-by-country | One Click LCA | Webpage | This article outlines EPD requirements by country. The tables include country, standards that apply in that country/region, local considerations (e.g. Buy Clean policies in US), and EPD generation options via OneClickLCA | unknown/no date | Any | Academia & NGOs/Civil Society; Arch. / Eng. / Contractors (AEC); Code Officials; Gov. Procurement Officials; LCA Practitioners; Manufacturers; Policy Makers / Gov. Offices; Real Estate Owners; Regulatory Bodies; Trade / Industry Associations | Context/summary; PCR for EPD creation; Policy / case studies |
SE2050 Specification Guidance | https://se2050.org/resources-overview/structural-materials/specification-guidance/ | SE2050 | Webpage | This page has a compiled list of tips and strategies that have been successfully used by structural engineering firms and material experts to reduce embodied carbon with specifications. | unknown/no date | Cement/Concrete; Steel; Other | Arch. / Eng. / Contractors (AEC) | Context/summary |
Slag Cement Life Cycle Assessment Calculator | https://www.slagcement.org/lca-calculator | Slag Cement Association | Online Tool | Concrete LCA calculator for slag cement to estimate impacts of using slag cement in ready-mixed concrete. | unknown/no date | Cement/Concrete | EPD Generators; LCA Practitioners; Manufacturers; Trade / Industry Associations | EPD Creation Tools; LCA for EPD creation |
ECOM Embodied Carbon Estimator | https://se2050.org/ecom-tool/ | SE2050 | Online Tool | The Embodied Carbon Order of Magnitude (ECOM) is a basic embodied carbon estimator that allows users to determine approximate estimates of embodied carbon for a material product, an assembly of framing for comparison purposes, or even an entire structural frame. | 2023 | Any | Arch. / Eng. / Contractors (AEC) | Whole Building LCA |
Demystifying the PCR, LCA, EPD Creation Process: Standards, Tools and Trends. Part 1: Product category rules (PCRs) – What, why and how? | https://transparencycatalog.com/blog/demystifying-the-pcr-lca-epd-creation-process-standards-tools-and-trends | Sustainable Minds | Video | This course provides an overview of product category rules (PCR), program operators, the ACLCA PCR Open Standard, and EPA's draft Criteria for PCRs to Support the Label Program for Low Embodied Carbon Construction Materials | 2024 | Any | EPD Generators; LCA Practitioners; Manufacturers; Trade / Industry Associations | Context/summary; Data collection for EPD creation; EPD Creation Tools; LCA for EPD creation; PCR for EPD creation |
Sustainable Minds Transparency Catalog | https://transparencycatalog.com/ | Sustainable Minds | Online Tool | A search tool that allows users to find high-performance building & construction materials that demonstrate meeting carbon impacts and material health goals through transparency documentation. | unknown/no date | Any | Arch. / Eng. / Contractors (AEC); Gov. Procurement Officials | Existing EPD data |
Sustainable Minds PCR Catalog | https://transparencycatalog.com/na-pcr-catalog-building-products | Sustainable Minds | Online Tool | Created and curated by Sustainable Minds, the catalog is continually updated to include all PCRs that are current / extended, expired, or in development from North American program operators: | 2023 | Any | EPD Generators; LCA Practitioners; Manufacturers; Regulatory Bodies; Trade / Industry Associations | PCR for EPD creation; Resource Lists |
How to calculate embodied carbon (Second edition) | https://www.istructe.org/resources/guidance/how-to-calculate-embodied-carbon/ | The Institution of Structural Engineers | Document | This report provides a set of embodied carbon calculation principles for the structural engineering community to follow. Calculating embodied carbon in the same rigorous way across all designs will allow meaningful comparisons to be made between structural schemes, developing our understanding of embodied carbon as well as how the industry can most effectively reach net zero carbon. This guidance is equally applicable to infrastructure and building projects. | 2022 | Any | Arch. / Eng. / Contractors (AEC) | Context/summary; Whole Building LCA |
Embodied carbon basics for structural engineers on-demand course | https://www.istructe.org/resources/training/embodied-carbon-basics-on-demand-course/ | The Institution of Structural Engineers | Video | This on-demand course is designed to help you understand how to calculate the embodied carbon of a structure through videos, independent study and expert guidance. The course will provide those with little experience of embodied carbon with the basic skills required to bring embodied carbon accounting into all aspects of design. It will also consolidate knowledge and fill the gaps for those with some experience of embodied carbon. | 2021 | Any | Arch. / Eng. / Contractors (AEC) | Context/summary |
Sustainable Pavement Program | https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/pavement/sustainability/ | U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration | Webpage | The program page for the US DOT Sustainable Pavement Program, which has the goal of advancing the knowledge and practice of sustainability related to pavement systems. Resources include the Sustainable Pavements Technical Working Group, recorded webinars, technical documents and presentations, pavement LCA tool, and other related programs. |
2024 | Asphalt | Arch. / Eng. / Contractors (AEC); EPD Generators; Gov. Procurement Officials; Manufacturers; Trade / Industry Associations | Context/summary; Data collection for EPD creation; EPD Creation Tools; LCA for EPD creation; Resource Lists |
TECH BRIEF: ENVIRONMENTAL PRODUCT DECLARATIONS Communicating Environmental Impact for Transportation Products (pdf) |
https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/pavement/sustainability/hif21025.pdf | U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration | Document | Short document summarizing EPDs | 2021 | Asphalt; Any | Arch. / Eng. / Contractors (AEC); Gov. Procurement Officials; Manufacturers; Trade / Industry Associations | Context/summary |
EDC Innovation: EPDs for Sustainable Project Delivery Explained | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m2ZtDne50fw | U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration | Video | Short video describing the usefulness of EPDs. | 2023 | Asphalt | Arch. / Eng. / Contractors (AEC); Gov. Procurement Officials; Manufacturers; Trade / Industry Associations | Context/summary |
EPDs for Sustainable Project Delivery: Factsheet (pdf) | https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/innovation/everydaycounts/edc_7/docs/EDC-7FactsheetEPDs.pdf | U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration | Document | The resource introduces EPDs, their benefits, and the state of practice for EPDs. It outlines IRA's objectives and forthcoming EPA programs as well. | unknown/no date | Asphalt | Arch. / Eng. / Contractors (AEC); Gov. Procurement Officials; Manufacturers; Trade / Industry Associations | Context/summary; Policy / case studies |
Sustainable Pavements – From Aspirational to Attainable Video | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MmFd5nujRtI | U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration | Video | This resource discusses the high level FHWA strategic plan for more sustainable pavements. EPDs and LCAs are introduced, and the video presents examples of how they apply to pavements. | 2023 | Asphalt | Arch. / Eng. / Contractors (AEC); Gov. Procurement Officials; Manufacturers; Trade / Industry Associations | Context/summary; Policy / case studies |
Fundamentals on Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) and Product Category Rules (PCRs) Webinar Recording | https://youtu.be/Y4OqVR6U2Us | U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration | Video | DOT recorded webinar about LCAs and EPDs for pavement Topics addressed: - What are EPDs (content, uses) - What are PCRs (content, uses) - Status of EPDs and PCRs (2021) - What resources are available through the FHWA Sustainable Pavements Program? - Use of EPDs in agency procurement |
2021 | Asphalt | Arch. / Eng. / Contractors (AEC); Gov. Procurement Officials; Manufacturers; Trade / Industry Associations | Context/summary; PCR for EPD creation; Policy / case studies |
EPDs for Sustainable Project Delivery | https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/pavement/sustainability/epds/ | U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration | Webpage | Sub-page of the Sustainable Pavements Program that links to FHWA resources on EPDs for Sustainable Project Delivery, including an overview page, summary of Current Practice, and a Resources page with further written content and recordings. | 2023 | Asphalt | Gov. Procurement Officials | Context/summary; Resource Lists |
Pavement Sustainability (pdf) | https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/pavement/sustainability/hif14012.pdf | U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration | Document | Guide to LCAs and sustainability in the pavement/concrete industry. Explains significant contributors to pavement emissions and offers suggestions for methods to lower GWP. | 2014 | Asphalt | EPD Generators; Gov. Procurement Officials; LCA Practitioners; Manufacturers; Trade / Industry Associations | Context/summary; LCA for EPD creation |
Life Cycle Assessment of Pavements (pdf) | https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/pavement/sustainability/hif15001.pdf | U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration | Document | Guide explaining LCA, how to interpret and perform them and how they relate to the pavement industry. | 2014 | Asphalt | EPD Generators; Gov. Procurement Officials; LCA Practitioners; Manufacturers; Trade / Industry Associations | LCA for EPD creation |
Data Needs for Pavement LCA: What Agencies Need to Know (pdf) | https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/pavement/sustainability/pubs/hif19101.pdf | U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration | Document | Guide explaining LCA data needs and considerations for federal agencies from pavement industries. | 2020 | Asphalt | Gov. Procurement Officials; Manufacturers; Trade / Industry Associations | Data collection for EPD creation; LCA for EPD creation |
FHWA Climate Challenge - Quantifying Emissions of Sustainable Pavements | https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/infrastructure/climatechallenge/ | U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration | Document | The FHWA is providing funding and technical assistance to quantify greenhouse gas emissions from materials and practices for the design, construction, and maintenance of pavements. | 2022 | Asphalt | Gov. Procurement Officials; Manufacturers; Trade / Industry Associations | Context/summary; Resource Lists |
Sustainable Pavement Program | https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/pavement/sustainability/ | U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration |
Webpage | Webpage giving an overview of the Sustainable Pavements Program, its goals and accomplishments. Provides a list of technical resources for pavement producers. | unknown/no date | Asphalt | EPD Generators; Gov. Procurement Officials; LCA Practitioners; Manufacturers; Trade / Industry Associations | Context/summary; Policy / case studies; Resource Lists |
LCA Pave Tool | https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/pavement/lcatool/ | U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration |
Spreadsheet | LCA Pave is a Microsoft® Excel® based tool developed by FHWA that can be used to assess environmental impacts of pavement material and design decisions. | unknown/no date | Asphalt; Cement/Concrete; Steel; Other | Academia & NGOs/Civil Society; Gov. Procurement Officials; LCA Practitioners; Manufacturers; Trade / Industry Associations | Whole Building LCA |
Tech Brief: Environmental Product Declarations (pdf) | https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/pavement/sustainability/hif21025.pdf | U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration | Document | Overview of EPDs and how they pertain to the asphalt industry, as well as how they are used in decision-making and harmonized with PCRs. | unknown/no date | Asphalt | Arch. / Eng. / Contractors (AEC); EPD Generators; Manufacturers; Trade / Industry Associations | Context/summary; PCR for EPD creation |
Sustainable Facilities Tool - Green Procurement Compilation | https://sftool.gov/greenprocurement | U.S. General Services Administration | Online Tool | Database of certified sustainable products and services of various industries. Designed for federal buyers, program managers and contractors. Users can search for products and view options, as well as the requirements they must meet. | unknown/no date | Any | Arch. / Eng. / Contractors (AEC); EPD Generators; Gov. Procurement Officials; LCA Practitioners; Manufacturers; Regulatory Bodies; Salvage & Reuse Community; Trade / Industry Associations | Existing EPD data |
The Materials Movement: Creating Value with Better Building Materials | https://americas.uli.org/research/centers-initiatives/uli-randall-lewis-center-for-sustainability-in-real-estate/building-healthy-places-initiative/industry-buildings-community/materialsmovement/ | Urban Land Institute | Document | This document provides a description of how to incorporate sustainable, low carbon building materials into new projects. It also provides examples of innovative low carbon building material projects. | 2024 | Any | Arch. / Eng. / Contractors (AEC); Gov. Procurement Officials; Real Estate Owners | Context/summary |
Industrial Deep Decarbonization Initiative | https://www.industrialenergyaccelerator.org/areas-of-work/the-industrial-deep-decarbonisation-initiative/ | United Nations Industrial Deep Decarbonization | Webpage | The Industrial Deep Decarbonization Initiative (IDDI) aims to spur early demand for low and near-zero emission steel, cement and concrete through green public procurement by (1) developing guidelines to harmonize emission accounting methodologies, and developing standards to define low and near-zero emission product; (2) Developing a global framework on low and near-zero emission steel, cement and concrete with publicly accessible data that is easy to navigate using tailored digital tools, and (3) Establishing globally recognized targets for the public procurement of low and near-zero emission steel, cement and concrete. | unknown/no date | Cement/Concrete; Steel | Academia & NGOs/Civil Society; Arch. / Eng. / Contractors (AEC); EPD Generators; Gov. Procurement Officials; LCA Practitioners; Manufacturers; Policy Makers / Gov. Offices; Real Estate Owners; Regulatory Bodies; Trade / Industry Associations | Context/summary |
Embodied Carbon in Building Materials for Real Estate (pdf) | https://americas.uli.org/wp-content/uploads/ULI-Documents/Greenprint-Embodied-Carbon-Report_FINAL.pdf | Urban Land Institute | Document | This report outlines the business case for reducing embodied carbon in real estate and provides pathways that developers can follow. | 2019 | Any | Academia & NGOs/Civil Society; Arch. / Eng. / Contractors (AEC); Gov. Procurement Officials; Real Estate Owners | Context/summary; Whole Building LCA |
The Developer's Guide to Embodied Carbon: Intervention Points for Building Greener | https://knowledge.uli.org/en/reports/research-reports/2024/the-developers-guide-to-embodied-carbon | Urban Land Institute | Online Tool | Interactive report that guides teams through strategies for reducing embodied carbon at every stage of the real estate development process, from early visioning through a project's end-of-life. | 2024 | Any | Real Estate Owners | Context/summary; Policy / case studies; Resource Lists |
Product Category Rule Standards and Related Initiatives | https://www.epa.gov/vcs/product-category-rule-standards-and-related-initiatives | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency | Document | A summary of the US Government's participation in PCR standards and related initiatives | 2024 | Asphalt; Cement/Concrete; Glass; Steel; Other; Any | Academia & NGOs/Civil Society; Arch. / Eng. / Contractors (AEC); Code Officials; EPD Generators; Gov. Procurement Officials; LCA Practitioners; Manufacturers; Policy Makers / Gov. Offices; Real Estate Owners; Regulatory Bodies; Salvage & Reuse Community; Trade / Industry Associations | Context/summary; PCR for EPD creation; Policy / case studies |
The Building System Carbon Framework: A common language for the building and construction value chain | https://www.wbcsd.org/resources/decarbonizing-construction/ | World Business Council for Sustainable Development | Webpage | Background and purpose of Decarbonizing Construction guide. | 2020 | Any | Academia & NGOs/Civil Society; Arch. / Eng. / Contractors (AEC); Gov. Procurement Officials; Real Estate Owners; Trade / Industry Associations | Context/summary |
Decarbonizing Construction: Guidance for investors and developers to reduce embodied carbon | https://www.wbcsd.org/contentwbc/download/12455/185688/1 | World Business Council for Sustainable Development | Document | Guide to product life cycle, embodied carbon, and where emissions are generated throughout a building's value chain. Mentions the Building System Carbon Framework as an emissions reporting tool. | 2020 | Any | Academia & NGOs/Civil Society; Arch. / Eng. / Contractors (AEC); Gov. Procurement Officials; Real Estate Owners; Trade / Industry Associations | Context/summary; Whole Building LCA |
2050 Materials Product Sustainability Data | https://2050-materials.com/ | 2050 Materials | Online Tool | Database of construction materials and products and their EPDs/sustainability information. | unknown/no date | Asphalt; Cement/Concrete; Glass; Steel; Other | Arch. / Eng. / Contractors (AEC); Gov. Procurement Officials; Real Estate Owners | Existing EPD data |
Mindful Materials Common Materials Framework Search Portal | https://portal.mindfulmaterials.com/ | Mindful Materials | Online Tool | mindful MATERIALS' (beta) Product Portal that allows brands and users to search for products by broad impact by digitally mapping data represented from product certifications and standards, to areas of impact in the mM Common Materials Framework. EPDs and embodied carbon are a part of Climate Health. | unknown/no date | Asphalt; Cement/Concrete; Glass; Steel; Other | Arch. / Eng. / Contractors (AEC); EPD Generators; Gov. Procurement Officials; Manufacturers; Real Estate Owners | Existing EPD data; Resource Lists |
GSA Inflation Reduction Act and Embodied Carbon | https://www.gsa.gov/real-estate/gsa-properties/inflation-reduction-act | U.S. General Services Administration | Webpage | Summary of the General Services Administration's use of IRA funding for meeting the administration's goal of a net-zero emissions buildings portfolio by 2045. Includes program details, funding streams, and educational materials. | 2024 | Any | Academia & NGOs/Civil Society; Arch. / Eng. / Contractors (AEC); Code Officials; EPD Generators; Gov. Procurement Officials; LCA Practitioners; Manufacturers; Policy Makers / Gov. Offices; Regulatory Bodies; Trade / Industry Associations | Context/summary; Policy / case studies; Resource Lists |
EPA ENERGY STAR Industrial Management | https://www.energystar.gov/industrial_plants | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency | Webpage | Assists manufacturers of all sizes to improve energy efficiency and save money in their operations, including supporting Buy Clean priority materials | 2024 | Asphalt; Cement/Concrete; Glass; Steel | Manufacturers; Trade / Industry Associations | Context/summary; Policy / case studies; Resource Lists |
ENERGY STAR Buy Clean Procurement on Low Carbon Construction Materials | https://www.energystar.gov/industrial_plants/energy_star_plant_certification/buy_clean_procurement_and_energy_star_0 | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency | Webpage | Guidance on how to incorporate ENERGY STAR Industrial scores into procurement practices. | unknown/no date | Any | Arch. / Eng. / Contractors (AEC); Gov. Procurement Officials; Policy Makers / Gov. Offices; Real Estate Owners | Context/summary; EPD Creation Tools; Policy / case studies |
EPA Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines for Construction Products | https://www.epa.gov/smm/comprehensive-procurement-guidelines-construction-products | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency | Webpage | Recycled-content recommendations for various construction materials and products. | 2023 | Other | Arch. / Eng. / Contractors (AEC); Gov. Procurement Officials; Manufacturers; Salvage & Reuse Community | Context/summary; Resource Lists |
EPA Best Practices for Reducing, Reusing, and Recycling Construction and Demolition Materials | https://www.epa.gov/smm/best-practices-reducing-reusing-and-recycling-construction-and-demolition-materials | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency | Webpage | Guidance on the use of salvage and reused construction materials. | 2023 | Any | Arch. / Eng. / Contractors (AEC); Gov. Procurement Officials; Salvage & Reuse Community | Context/summary; Resource Lists |
HomebuildersCAN Carbon Action Network | https://rmi.org/homebuilderscan/ | RMI | Webpage | Informational website about HomebuildersCAN, a program offshoot of Carbon Action Network for home builders. | 2024 | Any | Arch. / Eng. / Contractors (AEC) | Context/summary |
Low Carbon Concrete Workshop: A Deep Dive on Specifications | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ObAsN7bb4x8 | RMI | Video | This webinar includes a panel of experts and practitioners, including state DOT agency staff, who unpack key specification adjustments that can enable optimized, high-performance, low-carbon concrete mix design, with the goal of informing state DOTs, local municipalities, and tribal governments looking to optimize concrete ready mix designs to reduce environmental impact and meet climate goals. | 2023 | Cement/Concrete | Arch. / Eng. / Contractors (AEC); Gov. Procurement Officials; Policy Makers / Gov. Offices | Policy / case studies |
Low Carbon Concrete Workshop: Practical Application of Limestone Calcined Clay Cement at State DOTs | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rx3dvMii0hY | RMI | Video | This webinar focuses on limestone calcined clay cement (LC3) technology and its relevant applications for departments of transportation in concrete infrastructure projects. | 2023 | Cement/Concrete | Arch. / Eng. / Contractors (AEC); Gov. Procurement Officials; Policy Makers / Gov. Offices | Policy / case studies |
Low Carbon Concrete Workshop 1: Buy Clean Implementation Case Studies | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZ9DXV-ls6s | RMI | Video | This webinar aims to educate state DOT and municipal agency staff from around the country on the fundamentals about 'Buy Clean' policy pilots for low carbon concrete, low carbon concrete pilot implementation case studies from Colorado DOT and the City of Portland, Oregon, and setting goals for advancing low carbon concrete procurement at their agency. | 2023 | Cement/Concrete | Gov. Procurement Officials; Policy Makers / Gov. Offices | Policy / case studies |
Options To Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions Attributable To Building Materials | https://www.oregon.gov/bcd/codes-stand/Pages/energy-efficiency.aspx | Oregon Building Codes Division | Document; Webpage | This legislative report prepared by Oregon Building Codes Division includes findings and recommendations on options for, and the feasibility of, reducing greenhouse gas emissions that result from materials used in building construction, including the use of EPDs, WBLCA, and building reuse to reduce emissions in Oregon. | 2025 | Cement/Concrete | Code Officials; Gov. Procurement Officials; Policy Makers / Gov. Offices; Regulatory Bodies | Policy / case studies |
A Design Guide to State and Local Low-Carbon Concrete Procurement (pdf) | https://www.nrdc.org/sites/default/files/low-carbon-concrete-procurement-guide.pdf | National Resources Defense Council | Document | A resource that provides a brief overview of concrete's relationship to climate change and offers principles to define procurement policy, and presents policy levers that can contribute to effective public procurement of low-carbon concrete. | 2022 | Cement/Concrete | Arch. / Eng. / Contractors (AEC); Gov. Procurement Officials; Policy Makers / Gov. Offices; Regulatory Bodies; Trade / Industry Associations | Context/summary; Policy / case studies |
Sector Supplement for Measuring and Accounting for Embodied Emissions in the Built Environment (pdf) | https://ghgprotocol.org/sites/default/files/wri-embodied-emissions-sector-supplement-2022_1.pdf | Brightworks Sustainability and WAP Sustainability | Document | This document was developed as a supplement to the GHG Protocol's Scope 3 Standard with references to the Corporate and Product Life Cycle Standards. The protocol sets out minimum requirements for measuring and reporting embodied emissions in order to meet best practices. | 2021 | Any | Arch. / Eng. / Contractors (AEC); LCA Practitioners | Context/summary; Whole Building LCA |
Guide to Building Reuse for Climate Action | https://www.aia.org/resource-center/guide-building-reuse-climate-action | American Institute of Architects | Document; Webpage | This resource is for architects engaged in renovating and adapting existing buildings to mitigate and adapt to climate change. Its primary goal is to equip architects with the necessary knowledge to make informed decisions that promote sustainability and resilience while minimizing costs. | 2024 | Any | Academia & NGOs/Civil Society; Arch. / Eng. / Contractors (AEC); Real Estate Owners; Trade / Industry Associations | Context/summary; Policy / case studies; Whole Building LCA |
Building Emissions Accounting for Materials (BEAM) Estimator Tool | https://www.buildersforclimateaction.org/beam-estimator.html | Builders for Climate Action | Online Tool; Webpage | This embodied carbon calculator allows users to calculate the carbon footprint of their buildings materials in single family and low rise residential projects. The tool draws from available EPDs to provide life cycle assessments of building materials. | 2024 | Any | Arch. / Eng. / Contractors (AEC) | Whole Building LCA |
C.Scale | https://www.cscale.io/ | c.scale | Online Tool | This whole life carbon calculation tool estimates emissions from the construction, renovation, and operation of buildings. The model combines regionally-specific background data, forward-looking projections, peer-reviewed findings, and industry-leading models to assess the relative impact of a variety of carbon reduction measures on a project's embodied, operational, and landscape carbon footprints. | 2024 | Any | Arch. / Eng. / Contractors (AEC) | Whole Building LCA |
EPD Advisory Services | https://www.epa.gov/form/embodied-carbon-questions | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency | Webpage | EPA is offering free EPD advisory services to support the construction industry and other stakeholders in measuring and creating disclosures of embodied carbon of construction materials. | 2024 | Any | Academia & NGOs/Civil Society; Arch. / Eng. / Contractors (AEC); Code Officials; EPD Generators; Gov. Procurement Officials; LCA Practitioners; Manufacturers; Policy Makers / Gov. Offices; Real Estate Owners; Regulatory Bodies; Salvage & Reuse Community; Trade / Industry Associations | EPD Creation Tools |
EPA's Efforts to Improve Product Category Rules for Environmental Product Declarations (slides) (pdf) | https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2024-03/pcr-webinar-slide-deck_3.21.2024-508.pdf | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency | Document | A public slide deck that provides an overview of EPA's efforts to support PCRs for EPD development | 2024 | Any | Academia & NGOs/Civil Society; EPD Generators; LCA Practitioners; Manufacturers; Trade / Industry Associations | PCR for EPD creation |
EPA's Efforts to Improve Product Category Rules for Environmental Product Declarations (webinar) | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jIxfCZGqNmc | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency | Video | A webinar that provides an overview of EPA's efforts to support PCRs for EPD development | 2024 | Any | Academia & NGOs/Civil Society; EPD Generators; LCA Practitioners; Manufacturers; Trade / Industry Associations | PCR for EPD creation |
Product Category Rule Criteria (pdf) | https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2024-10/final-pcr-criteria_8-7-24_5081.pdf | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency | Document | A guidance document for PCRs to follow to be considered conformant by EPA. | 2024 | Any | Academia & NGOs/Civil Society; EPD Generators; LCA Practitioners; Manufacturers; Trade / Industry Associations | PCR for EPD creation |
Draft EPD Criteria for Data Quality and Transparency (pdf) | https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2024-12/c-more_draft_epd_criteria_data_quality_transparency.pdf | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency | Document | A guidance document that defines a robust EPD for EPA consideration. | 2024 | Any | Academia & NGOs/Civil Society; EPD Generators; LCA Practitioners; Manufacturers; Trade / Industry Associations | EPD Creation Tools |
Interim Digital Data Format for EPDs (pdf) | https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2024-12/c-more_interim_digital_data_format_epds.pdf | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency | Document | A guidance document that outlines how digital EPDs will need to be submitted to EPA. | 2024 | Any | Academia & NGOs/Civil Society; EPD Generators; LCA Practitioners; Manufacturers; Trade / Industry Associations | EPD Creation Tools |
Data Quality Assessment Method to Support the Label Program for Low Embodied Carbon Construction Materials (Version 1) (pdf) | https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2024-08/dqa-method_v2_final.pdf | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency | Document | A guidance document that outlines a methodology for systematically evaluating the quality of LCI data used in LCAs underlying PCRs and EPDs. | 2024 | Any | Academia & NGOs/Civil Society; EPD Generators; LCA Practitioners; Manufacturers; Trade / Industry Associations | Data collection for EPD creation; LCA for EPD creation |
Data Quality Assessment Method Template (Version 1) (pdf) | https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2024-08/dqa-method_v2_final.pdf | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency | Online Tool; Spreadsheet | A template to use when applying EPA's Data Quality Assessment Method. | 2024 | Any | Academia & NGOs/Civil Society; EPD Generators; LCA Practitioners; Manufacturers; Trade / Industry Associations | Data collection for EPD creation; LCA for EPD creation |
FHWA Technical Brief: Embodied Carbon Benchmarks (pdf) | https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/lowcarbon/Embodied_Carbon_Benchmarks_Tech_Brief.pdf | U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration |
Document | This guidance document introduces the key concepts regarding the development and use of benchmarks to establish global warming potential threshold values to qualify materials and products for the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Low Carbon Transportation Materials Grants (LCTM) Program. | 2024 | Asphalt; Cement/Concrete; Steel; Other | Academia & NGOs/Civil Society; Arch. / Eng. / Contractors (AEC); Code Officials; Gov. Procurement Officials; Manufacturers; Policy Makers / Gov. Offices; Regulatory Bodies; Trade / Industry Associations | Context/summary |
ENERGY STAR Industries in Focus: Asphalt Pavement Production | https://www.energystar.gov/industrial_plants/industrialfocus/asphalt_pavement_production | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency | Online Tool; Webpage | The Asphalt Pavement Production focus is a coordination between EPA's ENERGY STAR program, the National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA), and U.S. asphalt pavement producers to reduce energy consumption and costs at the plant level through proven practices and technologies | 2024 | Asphalt | Academia & NGOs/Civil Society; Manufacturers; Policy Makers / Gov. Offices; Regulatory Bodies; Trade / Industry Associations | Context/summary; Resource Lists |
ENERGY STAR Industries in Focus: Cement Manufacturing | https://www.energystar.gov/industrial_plants/measure-track-and-benchmark/energy-star-energy-1 | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency | Online Tool; Webpage | The "cement focus" is a partnership between EPA's ENERGY STAR program and U.S. cement producers to improve energy efficiency within their operations. Tools are available here to help improve manufacturing energy efficiency, save money, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. | 2024 | Cement/Concrete | Academia & NGOs/Civil Society; Manufacturers; Policy Makers / Gov. Offices; Regulatory Bodies; Trade / Industry Associations | Context/summary; Resource Lists |
ENERGY STAR Industries in Focus: Glass Manufacturing | https://www.energystar.gov/industrial_plants/measure-track-and-benchmark/energy-star-energy-6 | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency | Online Tool; Webpage | The "glass manufacturing focus" is a partnership between EPA's ENERGY STAR program and glass manufacturing companies to improve energy efficiency within their operations. Tools are available here to help improve manufacturing energy efficiency, save money, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. | 2024 | Glass | Academia & NGOs/Civil Society; Manufacturers; Policy Makers / Gov. Offices; Regulatory Bodies; Trade / Industry Associations | Context/summary; Resource Lists |
ENERGY STAR Industries in Focus: Iron & Steel Manufacturing | https://www.energystar.gov/industrial_plants/measure-track-and-benchmark/energy-star-energy-5 | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency | Online Tool; Webpage | The "iron and steel manufacturing focus" is a partnership between EPA's ENERGY STAR program and iron and steel manufacturing companies to improve energy efficiency within their operations. Tools are available here to help improve manufacturing energy efficiency, save money, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions | 2024 | Steel | Academia & NGOs/Civil Society; Manufacturers; Policy Makers / Gov. Offices; Regulatory Bodies; Trade / Industry Associations | Context/summary; Resource Lists |
ENERGY STAR Industries in Focus: Metal Casting | https://www.energystar.gov/industrial_plants/measure-track-and-benchmark/energy-star-energy-7 | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency | Online Tool; Webpage | The "metalcasting focus" is a partnership between EPA's ENERGY STAR program, the American Foundry Society, and metalcasting companies to improve energy efficiency within their operations. Tools are available here to help improve manufacturing energy efficiency, save money, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. | 2024 | Steel; Other | Academia & NGOs/Civil Society; Manufacturers; Policy Makers / Gov. Offices; Regulatory Bodies; Trade / Industry Associations | Context/summary; Resource Lists |
ENERGY STAR Industries in Focus: Ready Mix Concrete Manufacturing | https://www.energystar.gov/industrial_plants/measure-track-and-benchmark/energy-star-energy-1- | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency | Online Tool; Webpage | The "ready mixed concrete focus" is a partnership between EPA's ENERGY STAR program, the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA) and U.S. concrete producers to improve energy efficiency within their operations. Tools are available here to help improve manufacturing energy efficiency, save money, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. | 2024 | Cement/Concrete | Academia & NGOs/Civil Society; Manufacturers; Policy Makers / Gov. Offices; Regulatory Bodies; Trade / Industry Associations | Context/summary; Resource Lists |
EPD Benchmark for National Asphalt Pavement Association Version 2.0 (pdf) | https://www.asphaltpavement.org/uploads/documents/EPD_Program/NAPA-SIP108-EPDBenchmarkForAsphaltMixtures-Aug2024.pdf | National Asphalt Pavement Association | Document | The objective of this study is to evaluate the factors that influence the Global Warming Potential (GWP) of asphalt mixture production and to propose a phase-by-phase method for regionalized benchmarking. | 2024 | Asphalt | Arch. / Eng. / Contractors (AEC); Manufacturers; Trade / Industry Associations | Context/summary; Existing EPD data |
Appendix D: NRMCA Member National and Regional LCA Benchmark (Industry Average) Report – Version 3 (pdf) | https://www.nrmca.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/NRMCA_REGIONAL_BENCHMARK_April2020.pdf | National Ready Mixed Concrete Association | Document | This document presents the key life cycle impact assessment indicators for both the U.S. national and eight NRMCA regions for nine benchmark ready mixed concrete products, which vary by compressive strength and cementitious material content. | 2022 | Cement/Concrete | Arch. / Eng. / Contractors (AEC); Manufacturers; Trade / Industry Associations | Context/summary; Existing EPD data |
Global Warming Potential Impacts of Domestic Steel Construction Products (pdf) | https://www.aisc.org/globalassets/aisc/sustainability/steel-industry-report-for-fhwa-lctm-program-dec-2024.pdf | American Institute of Steel Construction | Document | This document outlines methodologies, assumptions, and results for use by and in support of the Federal Highway Administration's Low Carbon Transportation Materials Program. | 2024 | Steel | Arch. / Eng. / Contractors (AEC); Manufacturers; Trade / Industry Associations | Context/summary; Existing EPD data |
Building an Industry Average for EPDs: How the Asphalt Industry Can Participate in Developing an Industry Average for IRA Programs | https://member.asphaltpavement.org/Shop/Product-Catalog/Product-Details?productid={93F68A7B-65EF-ED11-8849-00224827B16D} | National Asphalt Pavement Association | Video | Webinar on the IRA's effect on the asphalt industry, the industry's participation plans, and how asphalt plants can use NAPA's Eco Label tool to participate. | 2023 | Asphalt | EPD Generators; Manufacturers; Trade / Industry Associations | Context/summary; Data collection for EPD creation; Existing EPD data; LCA for EPD creation |
Environmental Product Declarations: What They Are and How to Use Them | https://member.asphaltpavement.org/Shop/Product-Catalog/Product-Details?productid={92C863A5-38A6-EC11-983F-002248352FE3} | National Asphalt Pavement Association | Video | Webinar educating pavement manufacturers on EPDs and how they relate to the asphalt industry. | 2022 | Asphalt | EPD Generators; Manufacturers; Trade / Industry Associations | Context/summary |
How to Develop EPDs for Portable Asphalt Plants + More Benefits of Emerald Eco-Label | https://member.asphaltpavement.org/Shop/Product-Catalog/Product-Details?productid={E6600201-227F-EE11-8179-6045BDDA475B} | National Asphalt Pavement Association | Video | Webinar on updates to NAPA's Eco Label asphalt LCA estimation tool. Educates viewers on how to use it to develop asphalt EPDs. | 2023 | Asphalt | EPD Generators; Manufacturers; Trade / Industry Associations | Context/summary; Data collection for EPD creation; EPD Creation Tools; LCA for EPD creation; PCR for EPD creation |
How to Reduce Costs and Environmental Impacts with NAPA's Emerald Eco-Label Tool Update | https://member.asphaltpavement.org/Shop/Product-Catalog/Product-Details?productid={EF60579C-A1DA-EB11-BACB-000D3A186610} | National Asphalt Pavement Association | Video | Webinar on updates to NAPA's Eco Label asphalt LCA Estimation tool, specifically the Optimizer toolkit, and how it can be used for plant optimization and GHG reduction. | 2021 | Asphalt | EPD Generators; Manufacturers; Trade / Industry Associations | Context/summary; EPD Creation Tools |
How to Use Version 2 of Emerald Eco-Label: NAPA's EPD Tool | https://member.asphaltpavement.org/Shop/Product-Catalog/Product-Details?productid={4753BBCF-6FAB-EC11-983F-0022482D94B6} | National Asphalt Pavement Association | Video | Webinar on updates to NAPA's Eco Label asphalt LCA estimation tool. | 2022 | Asphalt | EPD Generators; Manufacturers; Trade / Industry Associations | EPD Creation Tools |
Specialization in Asphalt Sustainability Implementation: Tools — EPDs | https://member.asphaltpavement.org/Shop/Product-Catalog/Product-Details?productid={F9A571B7-7701-EA11-A811-000D3A4DBF2F} | National Asphalt Pavement Association | Video | Webinar on EPDs and their impact on the construction industry, green construction laws in Louisiana, and NAPA's Eco Label asphalt GHG estimation tool. | 2017 | Asphalt | EPD Generators; Manufacturers; Trade / Industry Associations | EPD Creation Tools |
How to make an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) | https://oneclicklca.com/en/resources/ebooks-and-research/how-to-make-environmental-product-declaration | One Click LCA | Document | This resource outlines the process of creating an EPD step by step and how to use it. | 2020 | Any | Manufacturers | Context/summary; Data collection for EPD creation; EPD Creation Tools; LCA for EPD creation; PCR for EPD creation |
Demystifying the PCR, LCA, EPD Creation Process: Standards, Tools and Trends. Part 1: Product category rules (PCRs) – What, why and how? | https://transparencycatalog.com/blog/demystifying-the-pcr-lca-epd-creation-process-standards-tools-and-trends | Sustainable Minds | Video | This course provides an overview of product category rules (PCR), program operators, the ACLCA PCR Open Standard, and EPA's draft Criteria for PCRs to Support the Label Program for Low Embodied Carbon Construction Materials | 2024 | Any | EPD Generators; LCA Practitioners; Manufacturers; Trade / Industry Associations | Context/summary; Data collection for EPD creation; EPD Creation Tools; LCA for EPD creation; PCR for EPD creation |
Demystifying the PCR, LCA, EPD Creation Process: Standards, Tools and Trends. Part 2: LCAs and EPDs – What, why and how | https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/6456187580888982367 | Sustainable Minds | Video | This is a webinar resource, the topics covered include: • The purpose of a PCR and why now it's critical they all get created the same way • What and who is a program operator • The PCR creation process, how it works • The ACLCA PCR Open Standard, what it is and how it's used • How the EPA built on the ACLCA work in its draft Criteria for PCRs to Support the Label Program for Low Embodied Carbon Construction Materials • The function of the PCR committee and member responsibilities (how much work is it really?); who should participate • Sustainable Minds' updated technical program to create ACLCA conformant PCRs faster and (yes) less expensively • PCR component tour: the rules for how the LCA is done and what's included in the environmental product declaration (EPD) • The pros & cons of creating EPDs using ISO 21930 as the core PCR vs. creating a product-group specific PCR • How PCR projects get funded |
2024 | Any | EPD Generators; LCA Practitioners; Manufacturers; Trade / Industry Associations | Context/summary; Data collection for EPD creation; EPD Creation Tools; LCA for EPD creation; PCR for EPD creation |
Demystifying the PCR, LCA, EPD Creation Process: Standards, Tools and Trends. Part 3: Tools and Trends – What, why and how | https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/6456187580888982367 | Sustainable Minds | Video | This is a webinar resource, the topics covered include: • The purpose of a PCR and why now it's critical they all get created the same way • What and who is a program operator • The PCR creation process, how it works • The ACLCA PCR Open Standard, what it is and how it's used • How the EPA built on the ACLCA work in its draft Criteria for PCRs to Support the Label Program for Low Embodied Carbon Construction Materials • The function of the PCR committee and member responsibilities (how much work is it really?); who should participate • Sustainable Minds' updated technical program to create ACLCA conformant PCRs faster and (yes) less expensively • PCR component tour: the rules for how the LCA is done and what's included in the environmental product declaration (EPD) • The pros & cons of creating EPDs using ISO 21930 as the core PCR vs. creating a product-group specific PCR • How PCR projects get funded |
2024 | Any | EPD Generators; LCA Practitioners; Manufacturers; Trade / Industry Associations | Context/summary; Data collection for EPD creation; EPD Creation Tools; LCA for EPD creation; PCR for EPD creation |