From Cradle to Grave: EPDs Revolutionizing Sustainable Practices in the Construction Industry
As our world becomes increasingly conscious of the impact of human activities on the environment, industries across the board are looking for ways to reduce their footprint. As the Malaysian government has set the goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050, local industries and businesses are now making substantial moves towards the adoption of green practices, but it comes with its own set of challenges.
Among some of the industries that are the most significant contributors to global carbon emissions are the construction and building industries. According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), buildings and construction activities account for 38% of global energy-related carbon dioxide emissions. With such significant numbers, the industry must find ways to adopt sustainable practices to reduce its environmental impact and it starts with the Environmental Product Declaration (EPD).
EPDs in Green Building Certifications: A Path to Sustainability
The EPD is a standardised and verified document that provides transparent information about the environmental impacts of a product. It is a useful comparative tool for building and design professionals who seek to make informed decisions in regard to the sustainability of the products and materials they use in their projects. EPDs are developed in accordance with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), based on the life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology. EPDs use the LCA to determine impact figures by making a comprehensive analysis of a product’s environmental impact throughout its life cycle.
In recognition of the benefits of the EPD, there is a growing demand for it in green building certifications, such as LEED and BREEAM which are widely used globally. These credentials ensure that building materials are selected based on their environmental impact and that the building as a whole is designed and constructed in a sustainable manner. EPDs are used as a way to earn credits towards obtaining these certifications. As there is an increasing awareness within the building industry and homeowners alike about the environmental impact of buildings, green building certifications such as LEED and BREEAM serve as a guide for making sustainable choices. Consequently, developers and manufacturers are recognizing the importance of sustainability within the industry and are using EPDs as a way of showing their values to differentiate themselves from competitors.
Despite its many benefits, producing an EPD is not without its challenges. The creation of an EPD involves a rigorous assessment to measure the environmental impacts of every stage of a product’s life cycle, from raw material extraction to end-of-life disposal (also termed cradle to grave). The assessment is thorough, looking at various factors including energy use, greenhouse gas emissions, water consumption, and waste generation. The end product is an EPD that provides a clear and thorough summary of the environmental costs to manufacture a product.
This assessment process is involved – measuring and determining these environmental impacts can be time-consuming and costly, requiring specialised expertise and data. Besides, the lack of standardised methods for calculating the environmental impact of products can also make it difficult to make certain measurements in a consistent manner. In order to provide some checks and balances, EPDs are also verified by an independent third party, but this also means added time and cost which all adds up to become a major barrier for many businesses to consider making the declaration. With that being the case, perhaps the single most significant challenge to producing an EPD is a manufacturer’s willingness to take on this laboured and lengthy process.
Challenges and Leadership: Niro Ceramic Group’s Sustainable Journey
One such company displaying this level of commitment and leadership in producing environmentally responsible products is Niro Ceramic Group (NCG), a leading manufacturer of high-quality tiles for residential and commercial use. NCG has taken proactive steps toward sustainable practices by publishing verified EPDs for its tile products, Niro Granite and Portino. This involved assessing and publishing detailed information about the environmental impacts of these tile products from cradle to grave, including figures for Global Warming Potential (carbon emissions) and Non-renewable Primary Resources (non-renewable fuel or material usage), outlined in measurable terms.
By undertaking this monumental effort in transparency, NCG demonstrates its commitment towards sustainability and stands to gain from the benefits of declaring EPDs. At the operational level, the assessment helped them identify hotspots in their supply chain and manufacturing processes, which the company took as opportunities to develop efficiencies. The EPD is also a strategic move that has enhanced visibility by elevating NCG as a green building-friendly manufacturer and lent credibility to its products by substantiating its environmental claims in a transparent manner. All of this goes to show that NCG has made radical changes which not only primarily benefit the environment, but also upraised the company’s brand by demonstrating its values via action.
Niro Ceramic Group’s Holistic Commitment to Sustainability
Besides, Niro’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond its products. The company has implemented numerous initiatives to reduce its environmental impact, such as powering its office with solar energy, recycling waste, and using environmentally friendly packaging. A true showcase of the company’s values, every sustainable practice is a thoughtful choice that has become a culture that permeates every aspect of this innovative company.
As sustainability takes on greater importance in today’s world, the increased awareness of this subject has pushed the construction industry to move towards more environmentally friendly practices. NCG has distinguished itself by publishing EPDs in an impressive display of its commitment to sustainability while positioning itself as a go-to manufacturer for building and design professionals in sustainability. As the industry continues to prioritise sustainability, we can expect to see more companies like NCG leading the way towards a more sustainable future.