Project: Experimental Media Performing Arts Center. Architects: Grimshaw Architects

LCAs are essential in providing systematic assessment of environmental impacts. However, in comparisons of one product to another using LCA results it is essential that the same attributes be compared, and within the same boundaries of consideration. EPDs that are based on PCRs that specify the parameters to be considered for a given family of products, ensures that consistency. Bowyer notes that "while LCAs provide valuable information, there are opportunities to play games." He recalls several recently published LCAs that concluded concrete was environmentally preferable to wood as a building material. "We looked closely at those LCAs, and found that they were comparing buildings that weren't thermally equivalent. This is an example of why EPDs are necessary—to compare functionally equivalent units and establish system boundaries so that information is truly comparable."

Type of Eco-label. Strictly speaking, an EPD is a Type III eco-label per ISO criteria. It is not to be confused with types I and II ecolabels, which have their own ISO criteria. Type I eco-labels designate environmentally preferable products with respect to one or more product attributes and involve verification by a third party and consideration of lifecycle environmental impacts. They act like a stamp of approval on products that meet the ISO criteria, and indicate overall environmental preference within a product category. Type II eco-labels are self-declared, usually by the manufacturer of a product, and not subject to third party verification. Type III eco-labels are EPDs, third-party verified and based on full life cycle assessment detailing environmental impacts associated with a product or service, and performed in accordance with international protocols. "Many companies were making environmental claims anyway, and ISO came out with guidelines for them to follow even if they are self-reporting," says Bowyer. "But ultimately, we'll be looking at a global requirement for Type III declarations."

Same Funtional Units. It's necessary to read the fine print in an EPD, all the way down to the functional unit of the product or material under consideration. The EPD is based on only one functional unit. When comparing windows, it's essential to select EPDs where the window unit is of the same size, or the same square footage in the case of wood vs. aluminum siding, for example.

Cradle-to-Gate vs Cradle-to-Grave. LCA methodologies can differ, and one important consideration is investigating cradle-to-gate environmental impacts as opposed to cradle-to-grave impacts. Cradle-to-grave is the full life cycle assessment from resource extraction, or "cradle" to use phase and disposal phase, or "grave." Cradle-to-gate is an assessment of a product life cycle from the resource extraction "cradle" through manufacturing to the factory "gate," which measures impacts up until a product is transported to the consumer. While the cradle-to-grave analysis is more extensive, it might not always be necessary, depending on the material involved. "Particularly for a business-to-business product such as lumber, a cradle-to-gate analysis may be more appropriate," says O'Connor. "But when that lumber is made into a consumer product such as decking or siding, a cradle-to-grave analysis is the more appropriate methodology."

The Future Calls

With the European Union proposing regulations that mandate EPDs, and a growing movement to embrace EPDs in Europe and Asia, can a U.S. system be far behind? Certainly a lot is happening. Webinars and workshops on EPDs and PCRs are sprouting up. The American Society for Testing of Materials (ASTM) Committee E-60 is in the process of refining PCRs for building products. Executive orders are mandating green building programs. Advocates are calling for national legislation to support EPD.

Certainly the benefits of EPDs are far reaching. According to the Institute for Environmental Research & Education's Schenk, "The simple fact of disclosure has proven to be a very effective spur to pollution prevention, as companies see where they stand vis-à-vis their competition. Decreasing pollution leads to better public health, lower medical costs, and therefore an economically stronger nation. EPDs provide a low cost method to decrease the environmental impacts of the economy, and ongoing measurement provides an embedded continuous improvement mechanism."

Or, as architect Michael Green puts it, "Someday I can see a world where reading a high carbon footprint on a material or service will be a revulsion paramount to seeing trans fats on a nutritional guide: both are addictive, but with labels we can no longer hide while making unhealthy choices."

RESOURCES

EPDs for western redcedar decking and siding, along with select other EPDs for wood-related products can be seen at: For western redcedar products For wood particleboard (SAIB) For office paper (International Paper) For paper products generally (Paper Profile):

 

ENDNOTES

1. http://bau-umwelt.de/hp549/Wodden-materials.htm 2. http://www.wrcla.org/installation_and_finishing/finishing_cedar_decks/default.htm 3. http://bau-umwelt.de/hp421/Declarations.htm

 

The Western Red Cedar Lumber Association (WRCLA) has been "the voice of the cedar industry." Its members account for 65% of the world's production of Cedar. WRCLA works with architects, designers and builders to ensure the right product is specified. The association offers extensive resources including specification, installation guides and assistance is sourcing materials. For architects, these include online and in-person seminars eligible for AIA Learning Credits, live technical support through the architect advisory service program and access to sample materials and other resources to aid product selection. Visit the website or call 1 866 778 9096 for more information.  www.wrcla.org