Even though all EPDs are based on the analysis of the building material’s life cycle, not all EPDs contain information on the environmental impact throughout the entire useful life of the material. Until now, it has been a requirement that the EPD should contain data on the material’s environmental impact in the early stages of its useful life: raw material supply, material manufacture and transport to the building site. However, the subsequent stages – including the environmental impact of the building material during use as well as during de-construction demolition – are not documented in many EPDs.
From October 2022, new EPDs also have to provide information on the environmental impact of building materials after the end of their useful life. Troldtekt’s product-specific EPDs have all been prepared in accordance with the EN 15804 standard, and to ensure maximum transparency, the EPDs also contain various data on the use stage.
The five life cycle stages covered by an EPD can be seen in the table below. The stages A1-A3 and (from 2022) C1-C4 and D are mandatory, but as can be seen, Troldtekt includes several other stages. Usually, a building material will have a greater environmental impact the more stages are reported in the EPD. Therefore, it is very important to compare the same stages when comparing different building materials.
It is also relevant to consider whether any post-installation finishing is needed, which is not included in the life cycle analysis. Troldtekt acoustic panels are supplied painted or unpainted and do not require paint or filling after installation. Therefore, no further environmental impact occurs once the panels have been installed.