The environmental product declaration (EPD): What it means for your cladding spec

From architects to construction professionals, a lot of trades deal with environmental product declarations (EPD). When choosing timber for your next cladding project, getting to grips with what an EPD is and how it affects your choice is a smart move, especially if you are looking to build sustainably. But where to start?

In this guide, we will walk through what an EPD is and what it means for your timber cladding choices.

What is an EPD?

An environmental product declaration (usually known as an EPD) is an official document which traces the environmental impact of your timber cladding. In particular, it details your timber’s life-cycle assessment (LCA), which looks at different environmental impacts your material might have from the moment it is felled to the time it is discarded.

Why Are EPDs Used in Cladding Installations?

EPDs are a brilliant way to help you find the most sustainable option for your timber cladding. By looking at the entire lifecycle of your specific cladding, you get a much better idea of the carbon footprint of your timber and whether it aligns with your eco-friendly construction goals. This goes beyond the eco credentials of timber as a whole and dives into the exact product you are considering.

Typically, EPDs are used by architects, engineers and designers, though they can also be useful to homeowners undertaking sustainable DIY projects. On your side, you are able to choose the most sustainable timber cladding for your project. On our side (the timber suppliers), we can be fully transparent with our clients and ensure that when we say ‘sustainable timber cladding’, we have the proof to back it up.

An EPD typically remains valid for five years and is created in line with recognised industry standards. In the construction sector, this means following frameworks such as ISO 14044, ISO 14025, EN 15804, or ISO 21930.

How to Use EPDs to Find Sustainable Cladding

Beyond the jargon, using an EPD to guide your timber cladding choice is actually pretty simple. The key is knowing which parts of the document matter most for your project:

1. Look at lifecycle stages: EPDs break down impacts across several phases, from raw material extraction right through to disposal processing. Focusing on the full lifespan of the timber gives you a realistic picture of its overall environmental performance, not just its benefits at the point of installation.
2. Pay attention to global warming potential (GWP): If you are aiming to reduce the carbon footprint of your build, the GWP section is a great place to start. This metric shows how much carbon is emitted – or stored, in timber’s case – throughout the product’s life cycle. Products with lower GWP values contribute less to climate change.
3. Compare like-for-like products: EPDs make it possible to compare different cladding options fairly. Explore options for timber species which are native to Europe, e.g. Oak and Larch, and compare them with those shipped from further away, Canadian Cedar and Opepe, for instance.
4. Check for third-party verification: A credible EPD is independently reviewed to ensure the data is reliable. This gives you peace of mind that the sustainability claims are not just marketing, but are backed by solid evidence.
5. Use other sustainability markers: While EPDs are incredibly useful, they are just one piece of the puzzle. That is why at EcoChoice we ensure all our timber cladding is certified by independent organisations such as the FSC or PEFC, giving you the peace of mind that your timber has been sourced from responsibly managed forests.

Buy Sustainable Timber Cladding at EcoChoice

Whether you are using EPDs or not, you can find sustainable timber cladding at EcoChoice. From Frake to Cumaru and everything in between, we work with timber providers who champion biodiversity and conservation, creating a more responsible way to supply timber.

Speak to our team about sustainable timber cladding options.