Professional Documents
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Version 1.3
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Institut Bauen und Umwelt e.V. Any type of reproduction, including excerpts thereof, shall re-
quire the approval of the publisher.
This document cites the standard EN 15804 in many sections. Certain clauses of the
standard texts have been omitted for reasons of readability, however not with the inten-
tion to compromise the conformity of this document with EN 15804. Those clauses are
marked as [...].
2 Scope
This document is the PCR document for building-related products and services. It spec-
ifies the calculation rules in accordance with EN 15804 for the Life Cycle Assessment of
IBU EPDs as well as the requirements on the project report to the Life Cycle Assess-
ment. A project report on the EPD must be submitted for each Environmental Product
Declaration (EPD) registered with UL Environment (ULE).
The project report represents the systematic and comprehensive summary of project
documentation with the objective of supporting the verification of an EPD. The project
report must document that the information on which the Life Cycle Assessment is based
as well as the additional information contained in an EPD meet the requirements of this
document.
The project report must contain all of the data and information of importance for the de-
tails published in the EPD and required in this set of rules. Particular care must be given
to comprehensible explanations as to how the data and information declared in the EPD
arises from the Life Cycle Assessment and how if declared the reference service life
(RSL) was established.
The structure of the project report shall follow the structure of this PCR document based
on EN 15804.
The project report must be accessible to the verifier under the conditions of confidentiali-
ty (see ISO 14025).
The goal of the study must be outlined in the project report as regards the following:
reasons for performing the study
intended use
target group, i.e. whether the information and data for an EPD is intended for
business-to-business and/or business-to-consumer communication.
The Life Cycle Assessment of the construction product must be calculated for a declared
or functional unit as specified in Part B of the Product Category Rules for the product
group which includes the product to be declared.
If the entire life cycle of the construction product is to be declared, a functional unit shall
be referred to in conformance with EN 15804.
NOTE If the entire life cycle is declared, it is imperative that a reference service life
(RSL) is indicated; see section 10.2.
Usually, the declared unit refers to the product "cradle to factory gate". If a manufacturer
sells and declares a system, the declared unit may also refer to the product "as installed"
i.e.to the construction lot (see also Section 6.5.2).
A declared/functional unit shall be declared in the exact unit(s) specified in the PCR, and
not partially, e.g. 0.1 m3 insulating material instead of 1 m3. Standard units can however
be declared (e.g. 1 m2 of a defined thickness and density of an insulating material),
whereby conversion to the declared/functional unit designated in the PCR must be pos-
sible. Details are described by Part B of the PCR applicable for a given construction
product.
The selected declared or functional unit must be documented in the project report. In
addition, a mass conversion factor of the declared unit shall be indicated.
The classification of construction products and their respective EPDs can significantly
reduce the effort associated with drawing up an EPD. The following nomenclature ap-
plies for ULE Declarations:
1. Manufacturer declaration:
A standard or reference product can also be declared which describes a specific (usually
typical) product.
The values of the Life Cycle Assessment can be derived from the declared prod-
uct for any product in the class via rules to be documented, e.g. for comparable
products of varying density or
an average or representative product is declared, or
the product with the most environmental impact is declared as representative for a
class.
The declared product must be described with regards to its technical and functional
specifications.
The system boundaries of the ULE EPD follow the modular structure in line with EN
15804.
[EN 15804, section 6.2]: The environmental information of an EPD covering all life cycle
stages (cradle to grave) shall be subdivided into the information module groups A1-A3,
A4-A5, B1-B5, B6-B7, C1-C4 and module D. Only the declaration of the product stage
modules, A1-A3, is required for compliance with this standard. The declaration of the
modules of the other life cycle stages is optional.
Information modules within any of the life cycle stages are communicated depending on
the types of EPD as specified in 6.2. They include impacts and aspects related to the
modules in which they occur (i.e. production, transport, waste processing and end-of-life
stage) Losses or wastage are also considered in the modules in which they occur).
[EN 15804, section 6.3.4.2]: The product stage is an information module required to be
included in the EPD. [] The system boundary to nature is set to include those process-
es that provide the material and energy inputs into the system and the following manu-
facturing and transport processes up to the factory gate as well as the processing of any
waste arising from those processes.
In the case of input of secondary materials or energy recovered from secondary fuels,
the system boundary between the system under study and the previous system (provid-
ing the secondary materials) is set where outputs of the previous system, e.g. materials,
products or energy or building elements, reach the end-of-waste stage (see [also EN
15804] section 6.3.4.5 and Annex B).
Flows leaving the system at the end-of-waste boundary of the product stage (A1-A3)
shall be allocated as co-products [].
The use of energy carriers such as electricity, combustibles or fuels should be consid-
ered in the module where the energy carrier is used.
The flows crossing into the system at the A1-A3 boundary are determined as follows:
Production waste that is recycled without any modification of the material inherent
characteristics (i.e. closed-loop or open-loop considered closed loop) can be con-
sidered as recycled within Modules A1-A3. This is only possible up to the volume
that was used as input in production. A co-product allocation is necessary for pro-
duction waste exceeding the volumes used as input in Modules A1-A3.
Co-product allocation is necessary for production waste where the materials are
reused (i.e. open-loop recycling).
Heat and power from energy recovery of production waste in Modules A1-A3 can
be considered closed-loop within Module A1-A3 if they are used at the same qual-
ity within Modules A1-A3 and only to the maximum amount in MJ as is required of
the respective energy quality in MJ during production (assumption: overall manu-
facturing, A1-A3, considered as a module). A co-product allocation is necessary
for energy surpluses exceeding the MJ considered closed-loop.
If an allocation procedure different from co-product allocation is chosen for flows that
reach the system at the boundary A1-A3, or datasets are chosen where allocation pro-
cedures are unknown, this procedure has to be justified or clarified as a dataset limita-
tion. Ideally, datasets should be used that clarify allocation procedures. The resulting
material and energy flows are to be described transparently in the project report with
regard to the amounts of materials and energy within Module A1-A3.
This rule applies subject to other approaches in future interpretive standards from the
product TCs for implementation of the EN 15804.
[EN 15804, section 6.3.4.2]: Loads and benefits from allocated co-products shall not be
declared in Module D (see section 6.3.4.6). If such a co-product allocation is not possi-
ble, other methods may be chosen and shall be justified. Therefore, as a general rule,
potential loads or benefits from A1-A3 will not appear in Module D.
A1 Extraction and processing of raw materials (e.g. mining processes) and bio-
mass production and processing (e.g. agricultural or forestry operations)
Product Category Rules for building products Part A 7
A1 Reuse of products or materials from a previous product system
A1 Processing of secondary materials used as input for manufacturing the prod-
uct, but not including those processes that are part of the waste processing
in the previous product system
A1 Generation of electricity, steam and heat from primary energy resources, in-
cluding extraction, refining and transport thereof
A1 Energy recovery and other recovery processes from secondary fuels, but not
including those processes that are part of waste processing in the previous
product system
A2 Transportation up to the factory gate and internal transport
A3 Production of ancillary materials or pre-products
A3 Manufacturing of products and co-products;
A3 Manufacturing of packaging
A1-A3 Processing up to the end-of-waste state or disposal of final residues includ-
ing any packaging not leaving the factory gate with the product.
Regardless of the geographical coverage of a product system, the rules for defining the
end-of-waste state of this document apply.
NOTE: The output of waste during this life cycle stage may reach the end-of-waste
state when it complies with the conditions described in EN 15804 section 6.3.4.5, end-of-
life stage. They are then allocated as co-products as EN 15804, section 6.4.3.2.
[EN 15804, section 6.2]: Modules A1, A2 and A3 may be declared as an aggregated
Module A1-3.
including provision of all materials, products and energy, as well as waste processing up
to the end-of-waste state or disposal of final residues during the construction process
stage.. These information modules also include all impacts and aspects related to any
losses during this construction process stage (i.e. production, transport and waste pro-
cessing and disposal of the lost products and materials).
[EN 15804, section 6.3.4.3]: The construction stage includes the optional information
modules for:
6.5.3 B1-B5, Use stage information modules related to the basic fabric
[EN 15804, section 6.2.4]: The use stage, related to the building fabric includes:
including provision and transportation of all materials, products and related energy or
water use, as well as waste processing up to the end-of waste state or disposal of final
residues during this part of the use stage. These information modules also include all
impacts and aspects related to the losses during this part of the use stage (i.e. produc-
tion, transport, waste processing and disposal of the lost products and materials).
[EN 15804, section 6.3.4.4]: The use stage includes the optional information modules
covering the period from the handover of the building or construction works to when it is
deconstructed or demolished. The duration of the use stage of products may be different
from the required service life of a building.
The use stage includes the use of construction products, equipment and services in their
proper function. It also includes their use for protecting, conserving, moderating or con-
trolling a building, e.g. modules describing the building operation through building-related
services such as heating, cooling, lighting, water supply and internal transport (provided
e.g. by lifts and escalators). It also includes maintenance (including cleaning), repair,
replacement and refurbishment.
It is recognised that it may be difficult to separate all use stage processes and the con-
nected aspects and impacts into these individual modules. However, any deviation from
the categorisation of aspects and impacts into Modules B1-B5 and B6-B7 shall be trans-
parently reported and justified.
EXAMPLE Release of substances from the faade, roof, floor covering and other
surfaces (interior or exterior) to indoor or outdoor air, soil or water
NOTE The EPD does not need to report this information if the horizontal
standards on measurement of release of regulated substances from
construction products using harmonised test methods according to In-
door Air Quality (IAQ) test protocols are not available.
B2 Maintenance
The module Maintenance covers the combination of all planned technical and associ-
ated administrative actions during the service life to maintain the product installed in a
building, in a construction works or its parts in a state in which it can perform its required
functional and technical performance, as well as preserve the aesthetic qualities of the
product. This will include preventative and regular maintenance activity such as cleaning,
and the planned technical service, replacement of worn, damaged or degraded parts.
Water and energy usage required for cleaning as part of maintenance shall be included
in this module, and not in Modules B6 and B7.
the production and transportation of any component and ancillary products used
for maintenance, including cleaning;
transport of any waste from maintenance processes or from maintenance-
related transportation;
the end-of-life processes of any waste from transportation and the maintenance
process, including any part of the component and ancillary materials removed.
EXAMPLE Painting work on window frames, doors etc. as well as the annual in-
spection and maintenance of the (oil or gas) boiler, replacement of fil-
ters in the heat recovery or air conditioning system.
B3 repair
The module repair covers a combination of all technical and associated administrative
actions during the service life associated with corrective, responsive or reactive treat-
ment of a construction product or its parts installed in the building or construction works
to return it to an acceptable condition in which it can perform its required functional and
technical performance. It also covers the preservation of the aesthetical qualities of the
product. Replacement of a broken component or part due to damage should be as-
signed to repair, whereas replacement of a whole element due to damage should be
assigned to the module replacement. The boundary for repair shall include:
repair processes of the repaired part of a components including:
EXAMPLE For a window with broken glass, this includes the production and
transportation of new glass and packaging, and all impacts due to the
repair process (rubber seal, water for cleaning etc.), and the end-of-life
stage of the glass waste and any related packaging.
B4 Replacement
The module Replacement covers the combination of all technical and associat-
ed administrative actions during the service life associated with the return of a
construction product to a condition in which it can perform its required functional
or technical performance, by replacement of a whole construction element.
the production of the components and of ancillary materials used for replacement;
replacement process, including related water and energy use and the production
aspects and impacts of any waste of materials used during the replacement pro-
cesses;
the transportation of the component and ancillary materials used for replacement,
including production aspects and impacts of any materials damaged during trans-
portation;
the end-of-life processes of any losses suffered during transportation and the re-
placement process, including the components and ancillary materials removed.
EXAMPLE For a carpet being replaced at the end of its service life, this includes
the production and transportation of the new carpet and packaging,
and all impacts due to the installation process (adhesive, vacuum
cleaning etc.), and the end-of-life stage of the original carpet, any
waste from the installation of the replacement carpet, packaging waste
and adhesive.
B5 Refurbishment
The module refurbishment covers the combination of all technical and associated ad-
ministrative actions during the service life of a product associated with the return of a
building or other construction works or their parts to a condition in which it can perform
its required functions. These activities cover a concerted programme of maintenance,
the production of the components and ancillary materials used for refurbishment
refurbishment process and related water and energy use including production as-
pects and impacts of any wastage of materials used during the refurbishment pro-
cess;
the transportation of the component and ancillary materials used for refurbish-
ment, including production aspects and impacts of any losses during transporta-
tion
the end-of-life processes of any losses suffered during transportation and the re-
furbishment process, including the components and ancillary materials removed.
6.5.4 B6-B7, Use stage information modules relating to operation of the building
[EN 15804, section 6.2.5]: The use stage relating to the operation of the building in-
cludes:
B6 operational energy use (e.g. operation of a heating system and other tech-
nical building-related installed services);
B7 Operational water use;
These information modules include provision and transport of all materials, products, as
well as energy and water provisions, waste processing up to the end-of-waste state or
disposal of final residues during this part of the use stage.
The boundary of the module Energy use to operate building integrated technical sys-
tems shall include energy use during the operation of the product (the integrated build-
ing technical system), together with its associated environmental aspects and impacts
including processing and transportation of any waste arising on site from the use of en-
ergy.
Integrated building technical systems are installed technical equipment supporting oper-
ation of a building or construction works. This includes technical systems for heating,
cooling, ventilation, lighting, domestic hot water and other systems for sanitation, securi-
ty, fire safety, internal transport and building automation and control and IT communica-
tions.
The module Operational water use by technical building-related systems covers the
period from the handover of the building or construction works to when the building is
demolished.
The boundary of the module Operational water use by technical building-related sys-
tems shall include water use during the operation of the product (the building integrated-
technical system), together with its associated environmental aspects and impacts con-
sidering the life cycle of water including production and transportation and waste water
treatment.
Including provision and transport, provision of all materials, products and related energy
and water use.
[EN 15804, section 6.3.4.5]: The end-of-life stage of the construction product starts
when it is replaced, dismantled or deconstructed from the building or construction works
and does not provide any further functionality. It can also start at the end-of-life of the
building, depending on the choice of the products end-of-life scenario.
During the end-of-life stage of the product or the building, all output from dismantling,
deconstruction or demolition of the building, from maintenance, repair, replacement or
refurbishing processes, all debris, all construction products, materials or construction
elements etc. leaving the building, are at first considered as waste. This output however
reaches the end-of-waste state when it complies with all of the following criteria:
The criterion for overall adverse environmental or human health impacts shall refer to
the limit values for pollutants set by regulations in place at the time of assessment and
where necessary shall take into account adverse environmental effects. The presence of
any hazardous substances exceeding these limits in the waste or showing one or more
properties as listed in existing applicable legislation, e.g. Resource Conservation and
Recovery Act (RCRA), Subtitle 3, prevents the waste from reaching the end-of-waste
state.
The end-of-life system boundary of the construction product system to module D is set
where outputs, i.e. secondary materials or fuels, have reached the end-of-waste state
(see EN 15804, section 6.4.3).
NOTE 2 Only when materials have reached the end-of-waste-state can they be
considered as materials for energy recovery, provided the energy re-
covery process has an energy efficiency rate higher than 60%.
6.5.6 Benefits and loads beyond the product system boundary, information
module D
Reuse, recovery and/or recycling potentials, expressed as net impacts and bene-
fits.
[EN 15804, section 6.3.4.6]: Information module D aims at transparency for the envi-
ronmental benefits or loads resulting from reusable products, recyclable materials and/or
useful energy carriers leaving a product system, e.g. as secondary materials or fuels.
Any declared benefits and loads from net flows (for calculation of the net amounts see
6.4.3.3) leaving the product system that have not been allocated as co-products and that
have passed the end-of-waste state shall be included in module D.
The information in module D may contain technical information as well as the quantified
predetermined LCA derived parameters. The quantified predetermined parameters shall
be those described in clause 7.
means annual energy input into the system from fuels contrib-
uting to the production of steam (/)
0,97 is a factor accounting for energy losses due to bottom ash and
radiation
NOTE: For North America, the standard default assumption shall be thermal
treatment of waste unless the proper justification can be provided for
other methods with supporting documentation.
At production facilities in the US, regionally specific grid mix data on electricity
shall be based on EPAs eGRID database. 1 Preference should be given to subna-
tional consumption mixes that account for power trade between these regions. Al-
ternatively, US production mixes of the three continental interconnections (East,
West, Texas) as well as those of Hawaii and Alaska may be used.
At production facilities outside of the US, comparable country-specific processes
shall be used provided they comply with the current state of the art.
At production facilities in several countries, the applicable power mixes shall be
assessed specifically for each country or combined weighted by production vol-
umes in the respective countries.
If green power is used, it must be specified separately and not reported in inven-
tory or impact assessment results. If there is a transparent path, such as in the
EU, where chain of custody of green power can be traced by kwh and origin (not
just CO2e attributes), there shall be an explanatory note stating how the certifi-
cates are used in the calculations. Certificates must be available for the entire pe-
riod of EPD validity. If certificates cannot be provided for the full 5 years when is-
suing the EPD, IBU/the program operator must request the certificates for the
preceding 5 years in order to extend the Declaration.
1
http://www.epa.gov/cleanenergy/energy-resources/egrid
16 Product Category Rules for building products Part A
CO 2 certificates shall not be included in the Life Cycle Assessment but may be reported
separately, apart from LCA results. The following CO 2 certificates can be recognized in
IBU and ULE EPDs:
Other certificates can be considered if they comply with the criteria on which this selec-
tion is based.
Owing to the fact that the EPDs are always valid for a period of 5 years, the manufactur-
er must provide evidence of discontinuation of CO 2 pollution rights in order to obtain full
recognition.
CO2 credits shall be specified separately and not reported in inventory or impact as-
sessment results. There shall be clear delineation between the product life cycle impacts
and then any carbon offsets or credits used to mitigate this impact. If there is a transpar-
ent path where chain of custody of green power can be traced by kwh and origin (not
just CO2e attributes), there shall be an explanatory note stating how the certificates are
used in the calculations.
The description of the system boundary in the project report includes the following ele-
ments:
Description of an analysis period for each of the modules considered in the Life
Cycle Assessment, possible presentation using a flow chart
Omissions of life cycle stages, processes or data requests
Assumptions as regards power generation, including reference to the year in
question
Offsetting methods for possible CO 2 certificates
Assumptions as regards other relevant background data (see also section 7.3) where
relevant for presenting the system boundary
[EN 15804, section 6.3.5]: Criteria for the exclusion of inputs and outputs (cut-off rules)
in the Life Cycle Assessment and information modules and any additional information
are intended to support an efficient calculation procedure. They shall not be applied in
order to hide data. Any application of the criteria for the exclusion of inputs and outputs
shall be documented.
The following procedure shall be followed for the exclusion of inputs and outputs:
All inputs and outputs to a (unit) process shall be included in the calculation for
which data is available. Data gaps may be filled by conservative assumptions with
average or generic data. Any assumptions for such choices shall be documented;
In case of insufficient input data or data gaps for a unit process, the cut-off criteria
shall be 1% of renewable and non-renewable primary energy usage and 1% of
the total mass of that unit process. The total neglected input flows, e.g. per mod-
Product Category Rules for building products Part A 17
ule A1-A3, A4-A5, B1-B5, B6-B7, C1-C4 and module D [] shall be a maximum
of 5% of energy usage and mass. Conservative assumptions in combination with
plausibility considerations and expert judgement can be used to demonstrate
compliance with these criteria;
Particular care should be taken to include material and energy flows known to
have the potential to cause significant emissions into air and water or soil related
to the environmental indicators of this standard. Conservative assumptions in
combination with plausibility considerations and expert judgement can be used to
demonstrate compliance with these criteria.
[EN 15804, section 6.4.1]: Data collection shall follow the guidance provided in EN ISO
14044:2006, 4.3.2.
[EN 15804, section 6.4.2]: The calculation procedures described in EN ISO 14044 shall
apply. The same calculation procedures shall be applied consistently throughout the
study.
When transforming the inputs and outputs of combustible material into inputs and out-
puts of energy, the caloric value of fuels ([H i ] lower calorific value) shall be applied ac-
cording to scientifically based and accepted values specific to the combustible material.
The data collection and calculation procedures shall be documented in the project re-
port.
With the exception of the required Modules A1 to A3 which describe the manufacture of
a product and are therefore already known, all other modules are calculated on the basis
of assumptions or so-called scenarios.
[EN 15804, section 6.3.8]: Scenarios shall support the calculation of information
modules covering processes that deal with any one or all of the life cycle stages of the
construction product except for the required modules A1 to A3; scenarios shall support
the assessment of the environmental performance of a building in its life cycle stages
construction, use stage, end-of-life [...].
Scenarios shall be provided only for the environmental assessment. A scenario shall be
based on the relevant technical information defined in this standard (see 5.4 and 7.3, for
additional information). The kind of technical information the scenario is based on, is
described in 7.3. With the help of the scenario, the predetermined parameters of the
EPD are derived by applying the calculation rules given in this standard.
A scenario shall be realistic and representative of one of the most probable alternatives.
(If there are, e.g. three different applications, the most representative one, or all three
scenarios shall be declared). Scenarios shall not include processes or procedures that
are not in current use or which have not been demonstrated to be practical.
Scenarios are communicated in accordance with 5.4: for EPD that declare optional in-
formation modules, the additional technical information related to the scenarios underly-
ing these modules are a required part of the information of the declared information
modules.
If an optional module declares the life cycle, the relevant technical information, e.g. recy-
cling or reuse rates, must be documented in the project report with reference to the re-
spective literary source.
[EN 15804, section 6.3.6]: As a general rule, specific data derived from specific produc-
tion processes or average data derived from specific production processes shall be the
first choice as a basis for calculating an EPD. In addition, the following rules apply:
The following specific requirements on data quality shall apply to EPDs in accordance
with these PCR:
Data shall be as current as possible. Data sets used for calculations shall have
been updated within the last 10 years for generic data and within the last 5 years
for producer-specific data.
Data sets shall be based on 1 year of averaged data; deviations shall be justified.
If future production conditions are to be incorporated at the time of generating
the EPD, the following shall apply:
Processes which do not have an influence on the manufacturing process
(e.g. procurement of green electricity) can be integrated in the Declara-
tion. For green electricity, this means that the Declaration may not be is-
sued until such a time as procurement takes place and is verified by con-
tract.
For processes which have an influence on the manufacturing process
(e.g. new furnace), data must be available over a certain period of time
which provides a representative set of data for the new process. This
need not be a full year; 3-4 months often suffice in this case.
The time period over which inputs to and outputs from the system shall be ac-
counted for is 100 years from the year for which the data set is deemed repre-
sentative. A longer time period shall be used if relevant;
The technological coverage shall reflect the physical reality for the declared
product or product group;
Generic data: Guidance for the selection and use of generic data is provided in
CEN/TR 15941. Generic data shall be checked for plausibility.
Data sets shall be complete according to the system boundaries and criteria for
the exclusion of inputs and outputs (see section 6.3.5).
NOTE For guidance on how to deal with data gaps refer to CEN/TR 15941 or
Annex A for Reference Service Life.
Until pre-verified generic data sets are available as per EN 15804 and CEN/TR 15941,
the following rules shall apply for selecting the background data base:
Companies operating in Germany shall use the GaBi database for energy,
transport and auxiliaries if intending to register EPDs in the German national
EPD database..
Indicate the data sets used and their sources (e.g., name of database, literary
source), including the year for which the data set is representative
Document the representativeness of data sets used
Document the treatment of missing data
Evaluate the data quality
7.5 Allocations
[EN15804, section 6.4.3.1]: Most industrial processes produce more than the intended
product. Normally more than one input flow is needed to produce one product and some-
times products are co-produced with other products. As a rule the material flows be-
tween them are not distributed in a simple way. Intermediate and discarded products can
be recycled to become inputs for other processes. When dealing with systems involving
multiple products and recycling processes, allocation should be avoided as far as possi-
ble. Where unavoidable, allocation should be considered carefully and should be justi-
fied.
[]
The use of upstream data, which do not respect the allocation principles described in this
standard, shall be clearly stated and justified in the project report. This data shall be in
line with EN ISO 14044:2006 allocation rules.
The principle of modularity shall be maintained. Where processes influence the products
environmental performance during its life cycle, they shall be assigned to the module in
the life cycle where they occur [...].
The sum of the allocated inputs and outputs of a unit process shall be equal to the inputs
and outputs of the unit process before allocation. This means no double counting or
omission of inputs or outputs through allocation are permitted.
[EN15804, section 6.4.3.2]: Allocation shall be avoided as far as possible by dividing the
unit processes to be allocated into different sub-processes that can be allocated to the
co-products and by collecting the input and output data related to these sub-processes.
If a process can be sub-divided but the respective data is not available, the in-
puts and outputs of the system under study should be partitioned between its
different products or functions in a way which reflects the underlying physical
relationships between them, i.e. they shall reflect the way in which the inputs
and outputs are changed by quantitative changes in the products or functions
delivered by the system.
As regards allocating plant data to the declared products, this means: Energy carriers
used or ancillary materials and consumables in the plant which cannot be allocated to a
specific product on the basis of the processes or via a recipe must be allocated by mass
(per t). Allocation of plant data to the declared products must be documented.
[EN15804, section 6.4.3.2]: In the case of joint co-production where the processes can-
not be sub-divided, allocation shall respect the main purpose of the processes studied,
allocating all relevant products and functions appropriately. The purpose of a plant and
therefore of the related processes is generally declared in its permit and should be taken
into account. Processes generating a very low contribution to the overall revenue may be
neglected. Joint co-product allocation shall be allocated as follows:
Allocation shall be based on physical properties (e.g. mass, volume) when the
difference in revenue from the co-products is low;
In all other cases, allocation shall be based on economic values;
Material flows carrying specific inherent properties, e.g. energy content, elemen-
tary composition (e.g. biogenic carbon content), shall always be allocated reflect-
ing the physical flows, irrespective of the allocation chosen for the processes.
NOTE 3 Products and functions are the outputs and/or services provided by
the process, having a positive economic value.
Various products are processed together within an individual process, e.g. in a waste
incineration plant, a bio-power station or a landfill site. Allocation is performed on the
basis of physical classification of the material flows. If necessary, the environmental im-
pacts linked with the inputs are distributed depending on how they influence the subse-
quent production processes.
[EN15804, section 6.4.3.3]: The end-of-life system boundary of the construction product
system is set where outputs of the system under study, e.g. materials, products or con-
struction elements, have reached the end-of-waste state. Therefore, waste processing of
the material flows (e.g. undergoing recovery or recycling processes) during any module
of the product system (e.g. during the production stage, use stage or end-of-life stage)
are included up to the system boundary of the respective module as defined above.
Where relevant [], informative module D declares potential loads and benefits of sec-
ondary material, secondary fuel or recovered energy leaving the product system. Module
D recognises the design for reuse, recycling and recovery concept for buildings by indi-
cating the potential benefits of avoided future use of primary materials and fuels while
taking into account the loads associated with the recycling and recovery processes be-
yond the system boundary.
NOTE 1 Module D also contains benefits from exported energy from waste dis-
posal processes declared in Module C4.
Where a secondary material or fuel crosses the system boundary, e.g. at the end-of-
waste state, and if it substitutes another material or fuel in the following product system,
the potential benefits or avoided loads can be calculated based on a specified scenario
which is consistent with any other scenario for waste processing and is based on current
average technology or practice.
If todays average is not available for the quantification of potential benefits or avoided
loads, a conservative approach shall be used.
by adding all output flows of a secondary material or fuel and subtracting all in-
put flows of this secondary material or fuel from each sub-module first (e.g. B1-
B5, C1-C4 etc.), then from the modules (e.g. B, C), and finally from the total
product system thus arriving at net output flows of secondary material or fuel
from the product system;
by adding the impacts connected to the recycling or recovery processes from
beyond the system boundary (after the end-of-waste state) up to the point of
functional equivalence where the secondary material or fuel substitutes primary
production and subtracting the impacts resulting from the substituted production
of the product or substituted generation of energy from primary sources;
by applying a justified value-correction factor to reflect the difference in function-
al equivalence where the output flow does not reach the functional equivalence
of the substitution process.
In module D substitution effects are only calculated for the resulting net output flow.
NOTE 2 Avoided impacts from allocated co-products are not part of Module D
information [].
When selecting the substituted processes, the following shall apply for energetic utiliza-
tion of packaging:
For production locations in the US, regionally specific inventory data on electricity
based on the current version of EPAs eGRID database shall be used. Prefer-
ence should be given to subnational consumption mixes that account for power
trade between these regions. Alternatively, US production mixes of the three con-
tinental interconnections (East, West, Texas) as well as those of Hawaii and
Alaska may be used. Substituted thermal energy shall be accounted for as ther-
mal energy from natural gas, indicating the year of reference.
For production locations outside of the US, the respective location where energy
is provided must be taken into consideration.
In the case of production facilities in Germany, the current average Strom
Deutschland index shall be used for power and the Thermal energy from natural
gas index for heat, indicating the year of reference.
When selecting the substituted processes, the following end-of-life scenario shall apply
for energetic utilisation of the product:
In the case of a primary market in the US, regionally specific inventory data on
electricity based on the current version of EPAs eGRID database shall be used.
Preference should be given to subnational consumption mixes that account for
power trade between these regions. Alternatively, US production mixes of the
three continental interconnections (East, West, Texas) as well as those of Hawaii
and Alaska may be used. Substituted thermal energy shall be accounted for as
thermal energy from natural gas, indicating the year of reference.
For production locations outside of the US, the respective location where energy
is provided must be taken into consideration.
In the case of a primary market in Germany, the current average Strom
Deutschland index shall be used for power and the Thermal energy from natu-
ral gas index for heat, indicating the year of reference.
Allocations performed must be described in the project report, at least (if relevant):
The project report must document the modelling of the unit processes on which the Life
Cycle Assessment is based in a transparent manner and taking into account the ISO
14025 provisions governing data confidentiality. The documentation can be done in
tabular form or as flow charts (e.g. screenshots from Life Cycle Assessment pro-
grammes), whereby the following must be clarified:
Attribution of company data to data sets from Life Cycle Assessment pro-
grammes
Allocation of process data to the (sub-)sections of the life cycle in the Life Cycle
Assessment
The results of the Life Cycle Assessment must be described in the project report in tabu-
lar form for all Modules A1 to D. The Life Cycle Inventory Analysis indicators to be de-
clared and the estimated impacts must also be indicated.
If individual modules or entire life cycle stages are not declared, the corresponding fields
in the table must be marked as MND (module not declared).
8.1 Indicators for the Life Cycle Inventory Analysis as per EN 15804
The following environmental parameters use data from the inventory analysis. They de-
scribe the use of renewable and non-renewable material resources, renewable and non-
renewable primary energy and water. The parameters are required and shall be speci-
fied as follows in the EPD:
Use of renewable primary energy excluding the renewable primary MJ, calorific value ([H i ]
energy resources used as raw materials lower calorific value)
Use of renewable primary energy resources used as raw materials MJ, calorific value ([H i ]
lower calorific value)
Total use of renewable primary energy resources (primary energy MJ, calorific value ([H i ]
and primary energy resources used as raw materials) lower calorific value)
Use of non-renewable primary energy excluding non-renewable MJ, calorific value ([H i ]
primary energy resources used as raw materials lower calorific value)
Use of non renewable primary energy resources used as raw ma- MJ, calorific value ([H i ]
terials lower calorific value)
Total use of non-renewable primary energy resources (primary MJ, calorific value ([H i ]
energy and primary energy resources used as raw materials) lower calorific value)
Use of secondary materials kg
Use of renewable secondary fuels MJ, calorific value ([H i ]
lower calorific value)
Use of non-renewable secondary fuels MJ, calorific value ([H i ]
The use of the primary energy, which is used as raw material, is calcu-
lated as the energy content from the mass of the components
tent composition) multiplied with the respective lower calorific value (of
the components).
NOTE 2 Any combustible material recovered from previous use or from waste
from the previous product system and used as a fuel in a following sys-
tem is a secondary fuel.
NOTE 3 Secondary materials are substances that have been recovered from a
use stage or from waste of a previous product system and are used as
an input in another product system.
[EN15804, section 7.2.5]: The parameters describing waste categories and other ma-
terial flows are output flows derived from LCI. They are required and shall be included in
the EPDs follows:
Life Cycle Inventory Analysis indicators describing the output material flows:
NOTE 1 The parameters [...] describing the output material flows are also
part of the additional information for scenarios on end-of-life, see
7.3.4, Table 12.
NOTE 2 The parameters describing the output material flows are calculated
on the gross amounts leaving the system boundary when they have
reached the end-of-waste state as described in Annex B.
NOTE 3 The declaration of components for re-use and materials for recy-
cling: fulfils the conditions of 6.3.4.5, end-of-life stage.
NOTE 4 The parameter Materials for energy recovery does not include ma-
terials for waste incineration. Waste incineration is a method of
waste processing and is allocated within the system boundaries.
Waste incineration plants have a lower energy efficiency rate than
power plants stations using secondary fuels. Materials for energy
recovery are based on thermal energy efficiency rate of the a power
plant station not less than 60% or 65% for installations after 31st of
December 2008 in order to be in line with the distinction made by
the EC.See Section 6.5.2.
NOTE 5 "Exported energy" refers to energy that is exported from waste in-
cineration plants and landfills. "
The output material flows are declared in the module from which they cross the sys-
tem boundary, as a rule when they reach the end of waste status.
The table shall be preceded by a statement that LCIA results are relative expressions
and do not predict impacts on category endpoints, the exceeding of thresholds, safety
margins or risks.
For conformance with EN 15804 and compatibility with the German Institute for Con-
struction & Environments (IBU) Part A PCR document, LCIA results shall additionally be
reported as follows.
Abiotic depletion potential (ADP-fossil fuels) MJ, calorific value ([H i ] lower calorific value)
for fossil resources
[EN15804, section 6.5]: The characterisation factors of the European Reference Life
Cycle Data Base (ELCD) are used taking consideration of the respective ELCD updates.
The characterisation factors for the use of abiotic resources must be taken from the CML
(Institute of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Leiden, Nether-
lands). The characterisation factor for the use of abiotic resources (fossil substances) is
the respective calorific value ([H i ] lower calorific value) at the fossil fuel extraction point.
The characterization factors CML-IA version 4.1 from October 2012 apply (Institute of
Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science University of Leiden, Netherlands), which
are identified as "base-line". Until the 31.12.2013 the characterization factors -IA version
3.9 of November 2010, which are identified as baseline, may also be used. The respec-
tive indication of the used characterization factors shall be given in the project report and
in the EPD.
The amendment of EN 15804 will include an annex listing all characterization factors
from CML-IA version 4.1, October 2012.
Long-term emissions (> 100 years) are not taken into consideration in the impact esti-
mate.
Apart from the results of the impact estimate, the following must also be indicated in the
project report:
The aggregation factors of the Life Cycle Inventory Analysis and the estimated impact
indicators should be interpreted in the project report with reference to the declared unit
and specifications essentially influencing the result, i.e. at least:
[EN15804, section 8.2]: []
[Interpretation of] the results [based on a dominance analysis of selected indica-
tors (for the relevant modules)];
[the relationship between the Life Cycle Inventory Analysis results and the re-
sults of the impact estimate];
assumptions and limitations associated with the interpretation of results as de-
clared in the EPD, both methodology and data related;
the variance from the means of LCIA results should be described, if generic data
are declared from several sources or for a range of similar products;
data quality assessment;
full transparency in terms of value-choices, rationales and expert judgements.
[EN15804, section 8.3]: The project report shall include any documentation on additional
environmental information declared in the EPD as required in this standard. Such docu-
mentation on additional environmental information may include, e.g. as copies or refer-
ences:
[EN 15804, section 6.3.3]: RSL information to be declared in an EPD covering the use
stage shall be provided by the manufacturer. The RSL shall refer to the declared tech-
nical and functional performance of the product within a building. It shall be established
in accordance with any specific rules given in European product standards and shall
take into account ISO 15686-1, -2, -7 and -8. Where European product standards pro-
vide guidance on deriving the RSL, such guidance shall have priority.
Information on the products RSL requires specification of compatible scenarios for the
product stage, construction process stage and use stage. RSL is dependent on the
properties of the product and reference in-use conditions. These conditions shall be de-
clared together with a RSL and it shall be stated that the RSL applies for the reference
conditions only.
[]
Requirements and guidance on the estimation of service life are given in the normative
Annex A [to EN 15804].
11 References
6.1 If the entire life cycle of the Language updated to shall and conformance:
construction prod- If the entire life cycle of the con-
uct is to be de- struction product is to be declared,
clared, a functional a functional unit shall be referred to
unit can be re- in conformance with EN 15804.
ferred to in com-
pliance with EN
15804.
6.1 The mass reference of the In addition, a mass conversion factor of the
declared unit shall declared unit shall be indicated.
be indicated
6.2, 6.5 IBU Declarations, IBU EPDs ULE Declarations, ULE EPDs
6.5.1 The flows reaching the sys- The flows crossing into the system at the A1-
tem at the A1-A3 A3 boundary are determined as
boundary are de- follows.
termined as fol-
lows.
6.5.3, Maintenance, repair and re- More precise language: Maintenance, repair
Section placement of a and replacement of a whole sec-
B2 whole section of tion of the building as part of a
the building as part complete building project would be
of a complete considered as refurbishment under
measure for the section B5
building would be
considered as re-
furbishment.
6.5.4 Guidance on the selection of Standard updated to: ASHRAE Level I - III
standards for cal- Procedures for Commercial Build-
culating operation- ing Energy Audits (PCBEA), Sec-
6.5.5 The presence of any hazard- Standard updated to the Resource Conserva-
ous substances tion and Recovery Act (RCRA),
exceeding these Subtitle 3
limits in the waste
or showing one or
more properties as
listed in existing
applicable legisla-
tion, e.g. in the
European Waste
Framework Di-
rective, prevents
the waste from
reaching the end-
of-waste state.
6.5.8 CO2 certificates can be in- Language updated: CO2 certificates shall
cluded in the Life not be included in the Life Cycle
Cycle Assess- Assessment but may be re-ported
ment. The follow- separately, apart from LCA results.
ing CO2 certifi- The following CO2 certificates can
cates can be rec- be recognized in IBU and ULE
ognized in IBU EPDs:
EPDs:
Owing to the fact that the Language updated: Owing to the fact that
EPDs are always the EPDs are always valid for a pe-
valid for a period riod of 5 years, the manufacturer
34 Product Category Rules for building products Part A
of 5 years, the must provide evidence of discon-
manufactur-er tinuation of CO2 pollution rights in
must provide evi- order to obtain full recognition.
dence of discon-
tinuation of CO2 CO2 credits shall be specified separately and not
pollution rights in reported in inventory or impact assessment re-
order to obtain full sults. There shall be clear delineation between
crediting. the product life cycle impacts and then any car-
bon offsets or credits used to mitigate this impact.
If CO2 certificates are only pro- If there is a transparent path where chain of cus-
vided for one year, either one-fifth tody of green power can be traced by kwh and
can be incorporated in the annual origin (not just CO2e attributes), there shall be an
report or the validity of the certifi- explanatory note stating how the certificates are
cate is limited to one year and used in the calculations.
can only be extended unchanged
following presentation of the cer-
tificates.
7.5.3 When selecting the substi- Language updated to: When selecting the
If a scenario for the use stage of a drive system is declared, at least the indication of
the following information shall be given in Chapter 4 of the EPD (LCA scenarios and
further technical information):
Assumption for the load of the drive system during the use stage (assumed
mass of the door / gate)
Assumption of the opening width or the opening angle during the use stage
Assumption of the annual number of cycles (one cycle = one opening and
one closing process)
Measured value of the energy consumption under the declared load for one cy-
cle (kWh/cycle)
Building metals
Depending on the type of metal, purity of metal scrap and/or the requirements on
purity of the recycled metal, the substitution point before or after remelting the
scrap can be applied for calculating the substitution potential in Module D. When
using copper in the construction industry, it can generally be assumed that pure
copper scrap directly substitutes (primary) copper cathodes.
Structural steel
For the environmental impacts and aspects of blast furnace slag and fly ash an
economical allocation approach according to EN 15804 shall be chosen. All the
loads from granulation, drainage and transportation of blast furnace slag shall be
attributed to 100% to the granulated blast furnace slag. Any deviation of this rule
shall be justified in order to guarantee compliance with EN 15804.
Cement
For the environmental impacts and aspects of blast furnace slag and fly ash an
economical allocation approach according to EN 15804 shall be chosen. All the
loads from granulation, drainage and transportation of blast furnace slag shall be
attributed to 100% to the granulated blast furnace slag. Any deviation of this rule
shall be justified in order to guarantee compliance with EN 15804.
38 Product Category Rules for building products Part A
The secondary fuels used in the cement industry, are consid-
ered secondary fuels and not as waste, regardless of the geographical location of
the furnace. Therefore, the emissions from burning these secondary fuels shall be
dedicated to the cement product system. These emissions,
e.g. CO2 equivalents may be additionally shown separately.
Roofing tiles
Fibre cement
Floor coverings
Plasterboard
Wood element
Limestone
Energy consumption
For lamps and components for luminaires, operating hours are specified by the manufac-
turer. The lifetime the number of years before the specified operating hours will be real-
ized depends on and varies according to the use stage scenario of the lighting installa-
tion the lamps or components for luminaires will be installed in.
Hence, the reference service life time recommended for calculation of the use stage is
predefined by fixed parameters. The values of the described parameters according to
the respective usestage scenarios are specified in the table Use Stage: Energy Con-
sumption Calculation.
The parameter Pa refers to the circuit power of a system consisting of a lamp and if
necessary additional components, such that the system can be used to create light
from supply voltage.
The parameter tD refers to the expected lifetime. The figure should be specified by the
manufacturer according to an applicable standard, e.g. IEC/PAS 62612 or method, e.g.
F50.
Pa = P
Pa tD
nominal circuit power, product lifetime,
manufacturer data manufacturer data
active power
Pp = Pc + Pem Pa = P - Pp
non-daylight ty = 8760 Pa t D , F CP , F D
controls passive emergency module daylight operating Product constant Daylight dependency Non-daylight dimming Occupancy reference service lifetime
nominal circuit power, operating hours per
power, passive power, hours per year, illuminance factor, factor, according to factor, according to dependency factor, of installation in years,
manufacturer data year, according to standard year time in
manufacturer data manufacturer data passive power active power according to scenario according to scenario scenario scenario according to scenario according to scenario
scenario hours
F CP FD FN FO a[a] Pc tD tD
Outdoor Custom manufacturer data manufacturer data 1 manufacturer data 1 manufacturer data 1 manufacturer data 1 manufacturer data switched-on mode switched-off mode
b. Energy consumption model for components for luminaires
The energy consumption model for components for luminaires is described by the formula
For the calculation, a system consisting of lamps and the component for luminaires, such as
to create light from supply voltages, should be considered. If necessary, additional compo-
nents should be considered to obtain such a system.
The maximum circuit power of this system over the lifetime, P, consists of the active power Pa
and the passive power Pp,
P = Pa + Pp
The passive power Pp consists of two parts: The power Pc of the controls to supply a bus system, and
the power Pem of the emergency modules to maintain a self-contained emergency unit,
Pp = Pc + Pem.
If the emergency modules power Pem is not constant, the average emergency modules power over
the lifetime should be chosen.
The parameters Pa and Pp as well as Pc and Pem should be specified by the manufacturer.
The parameters tD refers to the product lifetime in hours, specified by the manufacturer. If Pp 0, a
time period for passive power equal to tD is assumed, making up for the factor of 2 in the energy con-
sumption calculation formula.
The parameters FCP refers to the productspecific constant illuminance factor. The parameter should
be specified by the manufacturer to reflect the energy saving potential due to a preprogrammed
dimming characteristic for constant illuminance.
The parameter FD is a correction factor to indicate the energy saving potential of a dimmable compo-
nent. The magnitude is given in the table Use Stage: Energy Consumption Calculation.
The above formula is derived from EN 15193:2007, 4.1.1. An alternative equivalent standard
can be presented and jusitified with appropriate documentation.
The formula contains manufacturer provided magnitudes and application specific magni-
tudes. For a luminaire, an application has to be chosen and values have to be consistently
used according to this choice. Applications based on EN 15193:2007. Where necessary,
additional applications have been added, following the scheme outlined in the EN
15193:2007.
The parameter P refers to the maximum circuit power of a luminaire over the lifetime. It con-
sists of the active power Pa and the passive power Pp,
P = P a + P p.
The passive power Pp consists of two parts: The power Pc of the controls to supply a bus sys-
tem, and the power Pem of the emergency modules to maintain a self contained emergency
unit,
Pp = Pc + Pem.
The figures Pa , Pp , Pc and Pem should be specified by the manufacturer as described in the
previous sections a. Energy consumption model for lamps and b. Energy consumption model
for components for luminaires.
The parameters tD and tN refer to daylight and nondaylight time usage. The respective magni-
tudes are application specific. Magnitudes are specified in EN 15193:2007. The parameter ty
is the standard year time (8760 hours).
The parameters FO and FD refer to the occupancy dependency factor and the daylight depend-
ency factor. These parameters are application specific. FD reflects the energy saving potential
of a dimmable luminaire due to dimming during daylight operating hours. FO reflects the ener-
gy saving potential due to a builtin presence detector. The respective application specific
values are given in EN 15193:2007.
The parameters FCP refers to the product specific constant illuminance factor. The parameter
should be specified by the manufacturer to reflect the energy saving potential due to a pre
programmed dimming characteristic for constant illuminance. The parameters FCP is a prod-
uctspecific substitute for the applicationspecific constant illuminance factor FC as described
in the EN 15193:2007. The substitution is necessary to obtain product specific results.
The parameter FN refers to the nondaylight dimming factor. It reflects the energy saving po-
tential of luminaires during nondaylight hours. This factor does not have an influence on the
applications originally specified in EN 15193:2007.
The parameter a is the application specific empiric lifetime of the luminaire given in years.The
magnitudes for the respective applications are summarized in the table Use Stage: Energy
Consumption Calculation.
If none of the predefined use stage scenarios is applicable, a representative scenario should
be created following the indicated scheme. The scenario should be unambiguously docu-
mented.
Ceramic materials
Lightweight concrete
Depending on the type of metal, purity of metal scrap and/or the requirements on pu-
rity of the recycled metal, the substitution point before or after remelting the scrap
can be applied for calculating the substitution potential in Module D. When using
copper in the construction industry, it can generally be assumed that pure copper
scrap directly substitutes (primary) copper cathodes.
Mineral mortar
When using the sample Environment Product Declarations (sample EPDs) of the In-
dustrieverband Werkmrtel e.V. (IWM) for masonry mortar, plaster mortar or screed
mortar, compliance with the respective mixture range applied and the calculations of
the Life Cycle Assessment parameters based on that is ensured with the aid of an
evaluation system within the framework of the appropriate instructions.
It is permissible to use the averaged data representative for the respective country in
the case of sand, cement, limestone / lime hydrate, gypsum/anhydrite, filling agents,
light additives and any ancillary materials, additives and water used. Alternatively,
average data or specific data can be used for the corresponding end product; the se-
lected approach must be documented. In the case of standard and standardised mix-
tures, average data suffices; in the case of mixtures subject to approval in Germany,
the mixtures filed at the Deutsches Institut fr Bautechnik (DIBt) must be used.
Mineral panels
Aerated concrete
The following formula serves as a basis for calculating the usage scenario for the described
product and its application (according to the NWO 10-14 Profile on drinking water require-
ments and waste water output of the DGNB Building Certification New Buildings - Residen-
tial Buildings) However, an alternative equivalent standard can be presented and jusitified
with appropriate documentation as well as country household statistics by the relevant
Federal Agency.
wb I = (n NU * f I * as I * 345 d/a)/1000
with:
n NU Number of users
The number of users is calculated in Profile 14 according to the area of the building. In the
event of a declared product, average household size in Germany is assumed:
The installation-specific factors are adopted from Profile 14 and listed in the following table:
Washbasin 120
WC economy 4
button
WC 1
Bathtub 180
Shower 120
The installation-specific connection value corresponds with the flow rate of the declared
product.
Based on DIN 18599 Part 8 (Energy performance of buildings Calculation of the net, final
and primary energy demand for heating, cooling, ventilation, hot water and lighting Part 8:
Net and final energy demand for water heating systems), the net energy demand for hot wa-
ter can be calculated in kWh/a for the application described in the Declaration. An alternative
equivalent standard for net energy demand can be presented and justified with appropriate
documentation.
Q = *c * V * 345d/a* n NU * ( m - k )
with:
8.6.1_Nutzung_-_Gas_Niedertemperatur_20-120_kW
Additional scenarios for establishing the net energy demand are permissible.
Foam plastics
Laminates
Where glued products are involved, the mix of adhesives available on the market (for
group EPDs) or specific data can be used for calculation purposes. The approach
selected must be documented. In the case of non-glued bonds, the binding method
must be declared in the EPD.
The resource aspect of wood must be balanced via the features inherent as a mate-
rial as a CO 2 resource point from the atmosphere and the lower calorific value as
consumption of renewable energy carriers.
Synthetic yarns
As for the commonly used dyes for coloration of yarns no LCA data are available, alternative-
ly, proceed as follows (see also GUTs Life cycle assessment study on textile floor cover-
ings):
- As a substitute for organic pigments the equivalent amount of soot (technically) is used.
- As a replacement substance for dyes, that are applied with aqueous dyeing process, the
equivalent amount of anthraquinone is used.
- for yarns that are dyed after the mechanical processing (tufting or weaving), the amount of
TiO2, which is used as a matting agent has to be considered.
- As a measure for the required amount of dyestuff, the amount of dyestuff required to
achieve a "medium-gray color tone" (in a trichromatic color system) has to be used.
Upstream processes
For purposes of mutual recognition under ULE and IBU, the following will apply:
Note: If no (manufacturer) specific data set for the PA-6 production is available, a mixed da-
ta set consisting of 50% Gabi record DE: PA 6 (caprolactam via cyclohexane) and 50% of
NL: PA 6 (caprolactam via phenol-route) has to be used instead. The Plastics Europe data
set for PA 6 is currently under revision and should no longer be used until an updated data
set is published.
For all others polymers used in the manufacture of carpet yarns specific data sets should be
used where possible. If no specific data sets are available, "Plastics Europe" data sets can
be used instead. Appropriate information on the update scenario for these data sets should
be respected.
Manufacturing process
- All the necessary finishing processes (air-entangling, fixation and Heat Setting etc)
- all coloring processes (Note: in the case of undyed yarns, the coloring process of the carpet
has to modeled as part of manufacturing process).
- Any other relevant input and output flows (energy, waste water, emissions into the envi-
ronment, etc.) are taken into account.
- The manufacturing process ends with the packaging of the yarn in delivery ready state. If
yarns are delivered on reusable yarn carriers, it has to be mentioned.
Downstream processes
Transport to the customer, the use stage and the 'end-of-life' are not considered, since this
can only be defined in connection with the manufacturing process of the textile floor covering.
If special means for transport are available, this can be specified. Otherwise truck transport is
assumed to the customers and is considered in the preparation of the carpet-EPD.
Results
The balanced results for the modules A1, A2 and A3 should be reported separately. Where it
can be shown that this, due to lack of data (preliminary) is not possible, an aggregation of
individual results (A1-A3) is possible.
Bricks