ENVIRONMENTAL PRODUCT DECLARATIONS (EPD)

What is an EPD?

According to the EPD International System, a global programme for Environmental Declarations, EPDs transparently report objective, comparable and third-party verified data about products and services' environmental performances from a lifecycle perspective.

 

Why did Steelcon produce EPDs?

As an industry leader in structural steel, Steelcon has been watching the transition to net zero in the construction industry very closely and we are constantly questioning and examining how we can support our clients in the transition to a low-carbon economy. Facing challenges related to the availability of plant-specific EPDs for structural steel, Steelcon recognized an opportunity to assist our clients in achieving their carbon goals through the creation of a plant-specific Type III EPDs for SIN Beam and our Open Web Steel Joists and Joist Girders.

 

How are EPDs produced?

Steelcon's EPDs are based on an independent, critically reviewed Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of a product's production life cycle, from the initial raw materials through to transportation and manufacturing. Due to usage variety, the “use” and “end of life” impact of their life cycle is not recorded. The LCAs utilized Steelcon data from the resources used, waste/emissions generated, and data associated with the transport of raw materials.

 

What standards exist for EPDs and do Steelcon's EPDs comply?

Steelcon's EPDs were produced in conformance with stringent Type III ecolabel requirements established by the International Standards Organization and the general program requirements of the EPD program provider.

 

Are there different “types” of EPDs?

Yes, and not all EPDs are created equal. There are a variety of EPD standards and types, including generic (industry wide) and product specific, as well as EPDs that have received third-party external verification (Type III) and EPDs that have not undertaken verification (Type II). Plant-specific EPDs that have been third-party externally verified are valued higher by building certification schemes such as LEED due to their increased accuracy and specificity and are therefore worth more points.

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Steelcon's EPDs are plant-specific Type III EPDs.

 

Can I compare Steelcon's EPDs to other EPDs for steel beams?

Environmental declarations from different programs (ISO 14025) may not be comparable. Comparison of the environmental performance of products using EPD information shall be based on the product’s use and impacts at the building level, and therefore EPDs may not be used for comparability purposes when not considering the whole building life cycle. EPD comparability is only possible when all stages of a life cycle have been considered. However, variations and deviations are possible. Example of variations: Different LCA software and background LCI datasets may lead to differences results for upstream or downstream of the life cycle stages declared. The environmental impact results of steel products in this document are based on a declared unit and therefore do not provide sufficient information to establish comparisons. The results shall not be used for comparisons without knowledge of how the physical properties of the steel product impact the precise function at the construction level. The environmental impact results shall be converted to a functional unit basis before any comparison is attempted.

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Do EPDs expire and how often are they reviewed?

Steelcon's EPDs are valid for a five-year period from publication. An annual review is required to stay in compliance with the EPD program and to ensure the EPD accurately reflects the product sold on the market.

 

Can Steelcon provide any other EPDs?

At this time, we can provide the Steelcon SIN Beam EPD and the Steelcon Open Web Steel Joists and Joist Girders EPDs, and if available, EPDs from the mills where our raw materials are ordered from. As members of the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC), we are also able to use AISC industry-average EPDs.