D Ra FT: BRE Environmental Profiles 2013

PCR for Construction Products EPD (to EN 15804:2012) – Final Version
BRE Environmental Profiles 2013
Product Category Rules for Type III

environmental product declaration
of construction products to EN
15804:2012
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FINAL VERSION
Contents
Introduction 4
1 Scope 5
2 Normative references 6
3 Terms and Definitions 7
4 Abbreviations 11
5 General Programme Information 12
5.1 Objectives 12
5.2 Types of EPD with respect to life cycle stages covered 12
5.3 Comparability of EPD of construction products 14
5.4 Additional Information 14
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5.5 Ownership, responsibility and liability for the EPD 14
5.6 Communication formats 14
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6 Product Category Rules for LCA 15
6.1 Product Category 15
6.2 Life Cycle Stages and their information modules to be included 15
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6.3 Calculation Rules for LCA – General aspects 16

6.3.1 Functional Unit 16
6.3.2 Declared Unit 16
6.3.3 Reference Service Life (RSL) 17
6.3.4 System Boundaries 17
6.3.4.1 Product stage, information modules A1 – A3 17
6.3.4.2 Construction process stage, information modules A4 – A5 18
6.3.4.3 Use stage (related to the building fabric), information modules B1 – B5 18
6.3.4.4 Use stage (related to the operation of the building), information
modules B6 – B7 19
6.3.4.5 End-of-life stage, information modules C1 – C4 19
6.3.4.6 Benefits and loads beyond the product system boundary, information
Module D 20
6.3.5 Criteria for the exclusion of inputs and outputs 22
6.3.6 Selection of data 22
6.3.7 Data quality requirements 23
6.3.8 Developing product level scenarios 23
6.3.9 Units 23
6.3.10 Imports 23
6.3.11 Treatment of renewable energy purchase schemes 23
6.3.12 Treatment of onsite Low or Zero Carbon energy generation (LZC) 24
6.3.13 Treatment of Carbon Offset Schemes 24
6.4 Calculation Rules for LCA – Specific aspects 24
6.4.1 Carbon Storage (Sequestration) 24
6.4.2 Carbonation (of concrete) 25

6.5 Inventory Analysis 25
6.5.1 Collecting data 25
6.5.2 Calculation procedures 26
6.5.3 Allocation of input flows and output emissions 26
6.5.3.1 Allocation of material and energy flows 26
6.5.3.2 Allocation procedure for future material and energy recovery 27
6.6 Impact Assessment 28
7 Content of the Environmental Product Declaration 29
7.1 Declaration of general information 29
7.2 Declaration of environmental parameters derived from LCA 30
7.2.1 Other environmental indicators 31
7.3 Scenarios and additional technical information 32
7.4 Additional information on emissions to indoor air, soil and water during
the use stage 32
7.5 Aggregation of information modules 32
7.6 Format of BRE EN 15804 EPD 32
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8 Project Report 35
8.1 Data availability for verification 35
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8.2 Validity of EPD 35
Annex A – BRE PCR Peer review statement 36
Annex B – Carbon Sequestration 37
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Annex C – Carbonation of products containing calcium oxide/calcium

hydroxide 39
4 PCR for Construction Products EPD (to EN 15804:2012) – Final Version
Introduction
Manufacturers of construction products, designers, users and owners of buildings and others active in the
building and construction sector are demanding information that will enable them to make decisions which
address environmental impacts of buildings and other construction works. An increasingly common solution
is to create environmental product declarations (EPD). These are ISO Type III environmental declarations
providing quantified environmental data for predetermined indicators using independently verified life cycle
assessment (LCA).
EPD are similar to the nutritional information found on the back of food packets. EPD present quantified
environmental information on the life cycle of a product, i.e. the impacts caused throughout its life. In
Europe, EPD for construction products are derived according to the requirements of EN 15804,
Sustainability of construction works – Environmental product declarations – Core rules for the product
category of construction products. Published in 2012 by the European Committee for Standardisation
(CEN), EN 15804 is part of a suite of standards for the assessment of the sustainability of construction
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works at both product level and building level. This suite of standards includes:
§
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EN 15643-1, Sustainability of construction works – Sustainability assessment of buildings – Part 1:
General framework
§ EN 15643-2, Sustainability of construction works – Assessment of buildings – Part 2: Framework
for the assessment of environmental performance
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§ EN 15978, Sustainability of construction works – Assessment of environmental performance of

buildings – Calculation method
§ CEN/TR 15941, Sustainability of construction works – Environmental product declarations –
Methodology for the selection and use of generic data
§ EN 15942, Sustainability of construction works – Environmental product declarations –
Communication formats: business to business
This document forms the Product Category Rules (PCR) for BRE’s Type III EPD programme. Due to the
on-going nature of the work of the CEN Technical Committee (TC 350), and the continuing developments in
LCA, it is anticipated that the information contained in this PCR will continue to evolve.
NOTE: Compliance with this PCR does not confer immunity from legal obligations. Users of this PCR
should ensure that they possess the latest issue and all amendments.
© BRE Ltd 2013

1 Scope
This is a Product Category Rule (PCR) document for the assessment of the environmental performance of
construction products. It describes BRE’s methodology for creating an EPD for any construction product or
service.
The advantage of a single PCR document covering all construction products is that it enables all sectors to
readily see how all materials are assessed at the product level. As there is currently no such PCR existing,
BRE has created a new PCR to fulfil this purpose.
This PCR document has been prepared to be in line with the requirements of EN 15804:2012,
Sustainability of construction works – Environmental product declarations – Core rules for the product
category of construction products.
The methodology underpinning the EPD has therefore also been prepared to be in conformity with the
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relevant ISO standards for Type III environmental declarations, ISO 14025:2010 and ISO 21930:2007, and
the standards relating to environmental management using life cycle assessment, ISO 14040:2006 and
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14044:2006.
NOTE: Permission to reproduce extracts from BS EN 15804:2012, Sustainability of construction works –

Environmental product declarations – Core rules for the product category of construction products is
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granted by BSI. British Standards can be obtained in PDF or hard copy formats from the BSI online shop:
www.bsigroup.com/Shop or by contacting BSI Customer Services for hardcopies only: Tel: +44 (0)20 8996
9001, Email: cservices@bsigroup.com.
© BRE Ltd 2013

2 Normative references
The following referenced and unreferenced documents are indispensable for the application of this
document.
• EN 15804:2012, Sustainability of construction works – Environmental product declarations – Core rules
for the product category of construction products
• EN 15643-1:2010, Sustainability of construction works – Sustainability assessment of buildings – Part
1: General framework
• EN 15643-2:2011, Sustainability of construction works – Assessment of buildings – Part 2: Framework
for the assessment of environmental performance
• EN 15978:2011, Sustainability of construction works – Assessment of environmental performance of
buildings – Calculation method
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• CEN/TR 15941:2010, Sustainability of construction works – Environmental product declarations –
Methodology for selection and use of generic data
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• EN 15942:2011, Sustainability of construction works – Environmental product declarations –
Communication formats: business to business
• ISO 14025:2010, Environmental labels and declarations – Type III Environmental declarations –
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Principles and procedures (identical to ISO 14025:2006)

• ISO 21930:2007, Sustainability of construction works – Environmental declaration of building products
(as referenced by EN 15804)
• ISO 14040:2006, Environmental management – Life cycle assessment – Principles and framework
• ISO 14044:2006, Environmental management – Life cycle assessment – Requirements and guidelines
© BRE Ltd 2013

3 Terms and Definitions
The technical terms and concepts employed in life cycle assessment are defined in accordance with EN
15804:2012. Terms are not defined where they retain their normal dictionary definition. Where bold type is
used within a definition, this indicates a cross reference to another term defined in this clause.
3.1 Ancillary product / Complementary product
Construction product that enables another construction product to fulfil its purpose in the intended
application, for example, fasteners used to attach structural panels to framing members.
3.2 Average data

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Data representative of a product, product group or construction service, provided by more than one
supplier. A product group or construction service can contain similar products or construction services.
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3.3 Building product / Construction product
Goods or services used during the life cycle of a building or other construction works.
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In this PCR, the term “product” used alone relates not only to product systems but can also include service
systems. In either case, the declaration is presented in a manner that clearly indicates whether the
declaration applies to goods, or only to a part of the goods or packaging, or to an element of a service. See
ISO 14025:2010, clause 7.2.2.
The manufacturing or processing of goods used as a building product may take place at the factory or on
the construction site.
The use of services can occur at any stage of the life cycle of the building or other construction works.
Whereas ISO use ‘building product’, in this PCR the term ‘construction product’ is used. There is no
difference in meaning intended between the two terms as defined above and the choice is based on the
more common usage of ‘construction product’ in the UK and Europe.
3.4 Carbonation
The formation of calcium carbonate in products containing calcium oxide or calcium hydroxide (such as
concrete) as a result of chemical reaction between carbon dioxide from the air with calcium hydroxide in the
product.
3.5 Characterisation factor
Factor derived from a characterisation model which is applied to convert an assigned life cycle inventory
analysis (LCI) result to the common unit of the category indicator.
© BRE Ltd 2013

3.6 Declared unit
Quantity of a construction product for use as a reference unit in an EPD, based on LCA, for the
expression of environmental information needed in information modules, for example kg, m, m2, m3.
The declared unit shall only be used where the function and the reference scenario for the whole life cycle,
at the building level, cannot be stated.
3.7 Functional equivalence
The comparability of one or more products or services using common functional performance criteria. It is
considered in the context of a building or an assembly of construction products, and is the basis on which
a functional unit can be defined.
3.8 Functional unit
Quantified performance of a product system for a construction product for use as a reference unit in an
EPD based on LCA.
3.9 Gate
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Point at which the construction product or material leaves the factory before it becomes an input into
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another manufacturing process or before it goes to the distributor, a factory or building site.
3.10 Generic data

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Data that is publicly available, and may be average data or specific data
3.11 Information module
Compilation of data to be used as a basis for a Type III environmental declaration, covering a unit
process or a combination of unit processes that are part of the life cycle of a product.
3.12 Non-renewable energy
Energy from sources which cannot be replenished on a human time scale (fossil sources) for example coal,
oil, natural gas and uranium.
3.13 Non-renewable resource
Resource that exists in a fixed amount that cannot be replenished on a human time scale. In the context of
EN 15804:2012, this relates to a resource that could be used for energy but is used as a raw material, for
example oil (petrochemicals) for polymer manufacture. Consequently, water is excluded from this indicator.
3.14 PCR review
Process whereby a third party panel verifies the product category rules.
3.15 Product category
Group of products that can fulfill equivalent functions.
© BRE Ltd 2013

3.16 Product category rules (PCR)
Set of specific rules, requirements and guidelines for developing Type III environmental declarations for
one or more product categories. This BRE PCR applies to the product category “construction products”.
3.17 Programme operator
Body that conducts an ISO Type III environmental product declaration programme, such as BRE.
3.18 Radioactive waste
Waste containing radioactive material. Radioactive waste is categorised by the International Atomic Energy
Agency (IAEA) as exempt waste (EW), low and intermediate-level waste (LILW), or high-level waste (HLW).
LILW is further sub-divided according to the half-lives of the radionuclides it contains into “short lived” (less
than 30 years) and long lived (more than 30 years). The IAEA classification of radioactive waste considers
qualitative and quantitative factors including activity levels and heat content.
In this PCR the radioactive waste indicator described in EN15804:2012 is taken to represent the total mass
of LILW and HLW. High level nuclear waste is reported as additional information because:
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- The World Nuclear Association estimates that HLW accounts for over 95% of the radioactivity
produced from electricity generation
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- HLW is the most problematic waste to deal with and presents the greatest risks to humans and
ecosystems
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- HLW is the only category of radioactive waste from electricity generation that must be declared
under the fuel mix disclosure requirements of European Directive 2003/54/EC
3.19 Reference service life
Service life of a construction product that is known or to be expected under a particular set, i.e. a
reference set, of in-use conditions and which may form the basis of estimating the service life under other
in-use conditions.
The reference service life is applied to the functional unit or declared unit. See EN 15804:2012, Annex A.
3.20 Renewable energy
Energy from renewable sources (typically non-fossil sources) for example solar, wind, hydro (excluding
pumped-through hydro) and biomass.
3.21 Renewable resource
Resource that is grown, naturally replenished or cleansed on a human time scale, for example, trees in
forests, grasses in grasslands and fertile soil. A renewable resource is capable of being exhausted, but may
last indefinitely with proper stewardship.
In this PCR water has been excluded from the definition of renewable resource, and is only reported in the
‘net fresh water’ indicator described in EN 15804:2012.
© BRE Ltd 2013

3.22 Secondary fuel
Fuel recovered from previous use or from waste which substitutes primary fuels. See EN 15804:2012,
clause 3.28, Notes 1, 2, 3 and 4.
3.23 Secondary material
Material recovered from previous use or from waste which substitutes primary materials. See EN
15804:2012, clause 3.29, Notes 1, 2 and 3.
3.24 Sequestration (of carbon)
The removal and long-term storage of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through the use of natural
carbon sinks, primarily in forests in the form of increasing plant biomass.
3.25 Service life
The period of time from construction/installation during which a building or its components meets or
exceeds its performance requirements.
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3.26 Specific data
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Data representative of a product, product group or construction service, provided by one supplier.
3.27 Study period
The period of time over which the environmental impacts of a building or its components shall be
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measured.
3.28 Third party
Person or body that is recognised as being independent of the parties involved, as concerns the issues in
question.
3.29 Type III environmental declaration / environmental product declaration (EPD)
Environmental declaration providing quantified environmental data using predetermined parameters and,
where relevant, additional environmental information. The predetermined parameters are based on the ISO
14040 series of standards, which is made up of ISO 14040:2006 and ISO 14044:2006.
The additional environmental information may be quantitative or qualitative.
3.30 Waste
EN 15804:2012 defines waste as ‘substance or object which the holder discards or intends or is required to
discard’.
© BRE Ltd 2013

4 Abbreviations
EPD Environmental Product Declaration
LCA Life Cycle Assessment
LCI Life Cycle Inventory
PCR Product Category Rules
RSL Reference Service Life ft

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© BRE Ltd 2013

5 General Programme Information
5.1 Objectives
For the PCR to be used to produce EPD for construction products and services that:
1. Provide a measurable and verifiable data source for the assessment of the environmental performance
of buildings.
2. Enable interested parties to compare the environmental impacts of different construction products as
they are used within a building, based on units of equivalent functionality. EN 15804:2012, clause 5.3,
on comparability of EPD for construction products sets out the strict requirements for comparison.
3. Provide a means of collecting relevant data for the preparation of building level tools for comparing the
environmental impacts of construction products and compliant software tools.
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5.2 Types of EPD with respect to life cycle stages covered
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This PCR adopts the information module approach required by EN 15804:2012 (see Figure 5.1). There are
three types of EPD based on this PCR, as shown in Table 5.1.
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Table 5.1: The three types of EPD
EPD Type Life cycle stages included Units Use for comparison
Cradle to Covering product stage information A1 to A3 (raw Declared unit Shall not be used
gate material supply, transport, manufacturing of products, for comparison
and all upstream processes from cradle to gate). This
comprises the minimum of processes that shall be
required in a declaration for compliance with EN
15804:2012
Cradle to Covering product stage information as a minimum, plus Declared unit Shall not be used
gate with any other information modules from both the use stage or functional for comparison
options and the end-of-life stage (B1 through to C4). Benefits unit
and loads beyond the system boundary (Module D) may
be included
Cradle to Covering all of the life cycle stages as a minimum, Functional Can be used for
grave including end-of-life at or beyond the study period. unit comparison if the
Benefits and loads beyond the system boundary functional unit is
(Module D) may be included equivalent
© BRE Ltd 2013

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PCR for Construction Products EPD
Benefits and loads
Use stage
Life cycle stages Product Construction Related to the
End-of-life beyond the system
Related to the building fabric building operation boundary
Modules A1 A2 A3 A4 A5 B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B6 B7 C1 C2 C3 C4 D
Manufacturing
Refurbishment
Replacement
Maintenance
Raw material
Construction
Operational
Operational
energy use
Demolition
processing
water use
Transport
Transport
Transport
Disposal
supply
Waste
Repair
Use
Reuse / Recovery /
Recycling potential
Scenarios
1
Cradle to Gate M M M
Type of Cradle to Gate

M M M O O O O O O O O O O O O O O
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EPD with option(s)2,4
Cradle to
M M M M M M M M M M M M M M M M O
Grave3,4
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Key M mandatory O optional
1
Notes for a declared unit
2
for a declared unit or functional unit
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3
for a functional unit
4
Reference Service Life to be included only if all scenarios are included
Figure 5.1: Illustration of mandatory and optional elements and information modules for construction products, adapted from EN
15804:2012.
It is possible to have an EPD for a material (e.g. cement), for a product or component (e.g. brick or bricks
and mortar), and for an assembly of products or components (a building element e.g. an external wall),
which can then be used at both product level and building level assessments. Note that the EPD of an
assembly of materials, products or components can incorporate the results of the EPD of all the constituent
materials and construction products. This is described in section 5.4 (Modularity) in ISO 14025:2010.
5.3 Comparability of EPD of construction products

In principle, comparison of the environmental performance of construction products using EPD information
shall only be carried out at the building level using the same functional unit in a complete life cycle (cradle
to grave EPD), as it should be based on their use in and impacts on the building.
Comparison at sub-building level can also be carried out subject to conditions, provided the technical and
functional performances are identical. See EN 15804:2012 and ISO 14025:2010 for further guidance. This
PCR shall apply the same conditions as listed in EN 15804:2012, clause 5.3 and ISO 14025:2010, clause
6.7.2.
5.4 Additional Information

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The following two categories of information which are not derived from LCA are addressed by this PCR:
Additional technical information, consisting of physical data characterising the product’s functional
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performance during the life cycle beyond the product stage of the life cycle, i.e. in construction, use, and
end-of-life stages, shall be provided by the manufacturer where applicable. This information is used to
support the consistent development of scenarios in respective modules for the evaluation of these life cycle
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stages at the building level.
Additional information on emissions to indoor air, soil and water during the use stage, describing release of
dangerous substances to indoor air, soil and water which are not covered by impact assessment shall also
be provided, subject to the availability of harmonised measurement methods as provided by Technical
Committees of CEN, such as TC 351.
See section 7.3 and 7.4 in this PCR for further guidance on reporting of additional information.
5.5 Ownership, responsibility and liability for the EPD

The manufacturer (or group of manufacturers) is the sole owner, and has liability and responsibility for an
EPD. See EN 15804:2012, clause 5.5.
5.6 Communication formats

EPD produced using this PCR can either be for business to consumer communication (formatted according
to conditions listed in ISO 14025:2010) or for business to business communication (formatted in
accordance with EN 15942:2011).
© BRE Ltd 2013

6 Product Category Rules for LCA
6.1 Product Category

This PCR document sets out the product category rules for all construction products. Where specific rules
apply for particular groups, these shall be clearly stated.
6.2 Life Cycle Stages and their information modules to be included

As specified in Figure 5.1, the environmental information in a BRE EPD covering all life cycle stages (cradle
to grave) shall be subdivided into the following information module groups:
• Product stage comprising:
A1 – raw material supply, including processing of secondary material input

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A2 – transport of raw material and secondary material to the manufacturer
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A3 – manufacture of the construction products, and all upstream processes from cradle to gate
Note: modules A1, A2 and A3 may be declared as one aggregated module A1 – 3

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• Construction process stage comprising:
A4 – transport of construction products to the building site
A5 – the building installation/construction
• Use stage (related to building fabric):
B1 – use of the installed product, service or appliance
B2 – maintenance of the product
B3 – repair of the product
B4 – replacement of the product
B5 – refurbishment of the construction product
• Use stage (related to operation of building):
B6 – operational energy
B7 – operational water use
• End-of-life stage comprising:
C1 – demolition of the building/building product
© BRE Ltd 2013

C2 – transport of the demolition waste comprising the end-of-life construction product to waste
processing facility
C3 – waste processing operations for reuse, recovery or recycling
C4 – final disposal of end-of-life construction product
• Benefits and loads beyond the system boundary:
D – reuse/recovery/recycling potential evaluated as net impacts and benefits
The product stage (modules A1 – A3) comprises the minimum processes that shall be included in the EPD.
In order to evaluate the impacts of the product in the life cycle stages that depend on the building context,
scenarios have to be defined to identify the specific conditions and assumptions of the evaluation. This is to
ensure that the product data used in this product level assessment are applicable in a building level
assessment. For example, the building type in which a carpet product is to be installed and the scope of the
building assessment will determine the scenarios in the building life cycle, and these in turn determine the
scenarios that shall be evaluated for the installation (A4 – A5), the use pattern (B1 – B7) and the end of life
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(C1 – C3) excluding final disposal (which will be product dependent). See EN 15978:2011 for more
information on building life cycle stages scenario definition for building level assessment.
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6.3 Calculation Rules for LCA – General aspects
6.3.1 Functional Unit

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In conducting an LCA, a functional unit is a quantified performance of a product system under study, for use
as a reference unit for the inputs and outputs of the system. This reference unit enables different product
systems capable of performing the same function to be compared. To generate an LCA-based EPD for a
construction product, the functional unit of a construction product is based on:
• The quantified, relevant functional use or performance characteristic of the construction product
when integrated into a building, taking into account the functional equivalent of the building.
• The product’s reference service life (see 6.3.3 of this PCR) or required service life of the building,
as this relates functional performance of a construction product over a relevant time period (study
period).
The EPD shall state the conversion factors required to calculate between the functional unit and the
declared unit (for example densities, unit volumes).
6.3.2 Declared Unit

The declared unit shall be applied in place of a functional unit when an EPD is based on a cradle to gate
LCA, and, also on a cradle to gate with options LCA where suitable. The declared unit in the EPD shall be
one of the unit types listed below:
• Mass (tonne), e.g. 1 tonne of brick.
•
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Area (m ), e.g. 1 square metre of carpet.
• Length (m), e.g. 1 metre of pipe.
© BRE Ltd 2013

• Volume (m3), e.g. 1 cubic metre of timber.
• Item (piece), e.g. 1 radiator.
6.3.3 Reference Service Life (RSL)

The reference service life of a product is considered within the context of its use in a building, and is
relevant to the use stage assessment. In cradle to grave assessments some materials, components or
building elements may be expected to need maintenance, refurbishment or replacement before the end of
the study period. This is dealt with in the PCR by determining a reference service life for each material,
component or building element, as informed by the manufacturer. The RSL depends on the functional
performance of the product, the construction stage, and the reference conditions of the use stage.
Therefore, the RSL can only be determined for a cradle to grave EPD or a cradle to gate EPD with options
where modules A1 – A5 and B1 – B5 have been provided. The RSL shall be verifiable.
Using information provided by the manufacturer, the number of maintenance, refurbishment or replacement
operations is calculated by considering the likelihood that the component will be replaced within the study
period. This shall be taken into account in the EPD. Note that the RSL is not the same as the study period
(see Section 3.24 in this PCR). See EN 15804:2012, Annex A (normative) for requirements and guidance
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on determining RSL.
In the context of a building level assessment, if a component in an element is expected to be replaced

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within the study period and can be replaced without removing the rest of the building element, then only the
materials associated with that particular component will be replaced. If other components of the building
element, or the entire element, must be replaced because of the shorter lived components, then all the
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relevant components or element will be replaced within the assessment, even if the materials removed
have a potentially longer lifetime.
6.3.4 System Boundaries

System boundaries have been established in accordance with the provisions of ISO 14044:2006, 4.3.3.4
and EN 15804:2012, 6.3.4. This BRE PCR covers the following types of EPD:
• Cradle to gate
• Cradle to gate with options
• Cradle to grave
The EPD shall present data covering the relevant life cycle stages as illustrated in Figure 5.1.
The environmental information of an EPD covering all life cycle stages (cradle to grave) shall be subdivided
into the information modules groups A1 – A3, A4 – A5, B1 – B5, B6 – B7, C1 – C4, and Module D if
included.
6.3.4.1 Product stage, information modules A1 – A3

The product stage shall include the following information modules as stated in EN 15804:2012, clause
6.3.4.2:
• A1, raw material extraction and processing, and the processing of secondary material input (e.g.
recycling processes)
© BRE Ltd 2013

• A2, transport of raw materials and inputs to the manufacturer
• A3, manufacturing of the products, and packaging
This stage includes the provision of all materials, products and energy, as well as waste processing up to
the end-of-waste state (i.e. no longer considered a waste material, as defined in EN 15804:2012, clause
6.3.4.5) or disposal of final residues during the product stage. In addition to the outputs of the product
stage, the system boundary also includes any other output leaving the system that has a value associated
with it. Such outputs shall be identified as co-products of the system.
Modules A1, A2 and A3 are typically declared as one aggregated module A1 – A3, but may be declared
separately.
The contribution of capital equipment and infrastructure (e.g. a factory building or manufacturing equipment,
roads, pipelines) is not normally considered in LCA and is not included here. Maintenance of equipment is
also not included in the LCA except for frequently consumed items which are included in the inventory if
they meet the data 1% cut-off rule or cannot be excluded according to the rules in 6.3.5 below.
All energy used in factories and factory support offices is included. Head offices and sales offices etc. are
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excluded. For renewable energy schemes, see 6.3.11 below.
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6.3.4.2 Construction process stage, information modules A4 – A5
The construction process stage shall include the following information modules as stated in EN
15804:2012, clause 6.3.4.3:
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• A4, transport of construction product from the manufacturer (factory gate) to the building site
• A5, installation into the building, and wastage from installation
This stage also includes waste processing up to the end-of-waste state or disposal of final residues. In
addition, the energy from storage of construction products, i.e. provision of heating, cooling, humidity
control, etc. where applicable may be included where data is available. The transport and installation of the
construction product are dependent on the context of the building where the construction product is used.
For a building level assessment, ancillary products and any energy or water required for installation as well
as on-site operations for the construction product shall be included.
6.3.4.3 Use stage (related to the building fabric), information modules B1 – B5

The use stage relating to the building fabric shall include the following information modules as stated in EN
15804:2012, clause 6.3.4.4.2:
• B1, use or application of the installed product
• B2, maintenance
• B3, repair
• B4, replacement
• B5, refurbishment
© BRE Ltd 2013

Information module B1 refers to emissions to the environment, for example release of substances from
painted surfaces and these shall be reported as additional information on release of dangerous substances
to indoor air, soil and water once horizontal measurement standards have been published by CEN TC 351
(see NOTE 1 in EN 15804:2012, clause 6.3.4.4.2). Note that known emissions to the environment during
the application of products such as painting will be reported as part of construction (installation) process
stage, A5 above.
At the product level, maintenance (B2) covers all actions for maintaining the product as installed in a
building during the product’s service life, for example cleaning of floor finish products. The impacts of this
stage are therefore directly related to the context of the building, and shall be assessed with defined
scenarios. This also applies to repair (B3), replacement (B4) and refurbishment (B5); and the assessment
shall include production, transportation, use of energy and water, and any associated wastage and end-of-
life processes.
6.3.4.4 Use stage (related to the operation of the building), information modules B6 – B7
The use stage related to the operation of the building shall include the following information modules as
stated in EN 15804:2012, clause 6.3.4.4.3:
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• B6, operational energy use
•
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B7, operational water use
The boundary of these modules shall include the energy and water use during the operation of the product,
together with its associated environmental aspects and impacts including processing and transportation of
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any waste arising on site from the use of energy / water. This should cover integrated technical building
systems for building services elements, e.g. for heating, ventilation and cooling, lighting, domestic water
services, communication and IT, internal transport (e.g. lifts), fire and security.
Operational energy use can be obtained for example using Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) for
energy ratings for dwellings, and the impacts of the life cycle stages of the equipment required to supply
energy to the building shall be assessed in the respective modules A1 – A5, B2 –B5, and C1 – C4.
Operational water use covers the study period for the assessment, beginning from handover of the building
to the user.
6.3.4.5 End-of-life stage, information modules C1 – C4

As stated in EN 15804:2012, clause 6.3.4.5, the end-of-life stage of a construction product starts when it is
replaced, dismantled or deconstructed from the building (or at the building’s end-of-life) and does not
provide any further functionality. Products which reach the end of life during the construction stage (A4 –
A5) and the use stage (B1 – B7) have their end-of-life considered within the life cycle stage in which it
arises. The treatment of end-of-life of products in any life cycle stage is assessed following the procedures
set out in this section.
This stage includes the following information modules:
• C1, de-construction , demolition
• C2, transport to waste processing
• C3, waste processing for reuse, recycling, and energy recovery
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• C4, disposal and the associated processes
During the end-of-life stage, all outputs from the system (i.e. leaving the building) are considered to be
waste until they reach the end-of-waste state. The end-of-waste state is reached when any such material or
output complies with the following criteria (see EN 15804:2012, clause 6.4.3):
• It is commonly used for specific purposes
• There is an existing market or demand for it
• It fulfils technical requirements for specific purposes
• Its use will not lead to overall adverse effects
The benefits and loads from the use of end-of-waste state materials in another product system (i.e. beyond
the system boundary) are reported in Module D, see 6.3.4.6 in this BRE PCR. Note that materials for
energy recovery are materials that have reached the end-of-waste state and are used in an energy
recovery process with an energy efficiency rate (of the process) higher than 60%.
The potential benefits from utilising energy arising from a waste disposal process in information module C4,
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e.g. incineration of waste and landfill gas can also be presented in Module D, using current average
substitution processes. See EN 15804:2012, clause 6.3.4.5.
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6.3.4.6 Benefits and loads beyond the product system boundary, information Module D
The stage shall include the information module as stated in EN 15804:2012, clause 6.3.4.6. The system
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boundary between modules C and D is set where the system outputs (materials, products or construction
elements) have reached the end-of-waste state.
Module D covers the net benefits and loads arising from the reuse of products or the recycling or recovery
of energy from end-of-waste state materials resulting from the construction stage (A4 – A5), the use stage
(B1 – B7) and the end of life stage (C1 – C4). Typically, any outputs leaving the system from modules A1 –
A3 are accounted for as a co-product if they have a value associated with them or as a waste if there is no
value associated with them. Consequently it is expected that there will generally be no Module D
declarations arising from Modules A1 – A3. The figure below provides graphical guidance on the application
of Module D.
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Figure 6.1: Module D Principles
Examples of secondary materials include metals and thermoplastics at end-of-life, while energy carriers
include any combustible material which is fed into an energy recovery process that has process efficiency
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greater than 60%.
Module D is applied only to products/materials which substitute other materials or fuels in another product
system (e.g. as secondary materials and energy carriers) and have reached the end-of-waste state.
Further, Module D can only 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. See EN
15804:2012, clause 6.4.3.3. The reuse, recovery or recycling scenario must be clearly stated in the EPD.
Double counting must be avoided by excluding flows of co-products, and by calculating the net output flows
of the secondary material or fuel from the product system. The following is an example of net output flow
calculation for a secondary material:
1. If a product, e.g. metal, has an output at the end of life of 0.8 kg of scrap, which is considered an
end-of-waste state material from Module C4, this is the output flow of the system. If the recycling
rate is 90%, then recycling this scrap implies replacing 0.72 kg of virgin input material in another
system. The benefit of avoiding 0.72 kg virgin material production is presented in Module D. If the
scrap needs further processing before being used in the new system, the associated burdens must
be taken into consideration
2. Now if the initial product had a scrap input of 0.5 kg per kg in its Module A, then only a net output
flow of 0.8 – 0.5 = 0.3 kg is calculated, and using the same recycling rate of 90%, the benefit of
avoiding 0.27 kg of virgin material is presented in Module D
3. If the initial product had a scrap input of 0.9 kg per kg in its Module A, then a negative net output
flow of 0.8 – 0.9 = -0.1 kg is calculated. This shall be presented as a load in Module D.
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For further guidance in the calculation of the net benefits and loads in Module D, see EN 15804:2012,
clause 6.4.3.3 and in this BRE PCR, clause 6.5.3.2. Module D does not affect the other modules as it is
independent of other calculation rules.
6.3.5 Criteria for the exclusion of inputs and outputs

The criteria for the exclusion of inputs and outputs are to be applied as stated in clause 6.3.5 of EN
15804:2012.
The inventory process gathers all the inputs to the plant that are associated with a product, including
product ingredients, packaging materials and consumable items. For many processes, a large number of
substances and materials are used in very small quantities and it is unrealistic to gather data on all of
these.
However, it is important that significant environmental effects are not omitted by ignoring low mass flows of
substances. Analysis may later reveal that these substances do not significantly affect the overall result but
it is important that data is provided to enable this conclusion to be drawn. To achieve this, the following
conventions are applied:
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In case of insufficient data or data gaps for a unit process, the cut-off criteria shall be 1% of the total mass
input of that process. The total of neglected input flows per module shall be a maximum of 5% of energy
usage and mass. The exception is if they have any of the following in which case they have to be included:
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• Significant effects of or energy use in their extraction, their use, or disposal
• Are classed as hazardous waste

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Mass balance checks ensure the inputs stated are sufficient to produce all the outputs, including waste
arising. Where there are insufficient inputs to account for all outputs, the input inventories shall be adjusted
proportionally to 100% to balance this deficit.
6.3.6 Selection of data

In general, a combination of generic and manufacturer-specific data shall be the preferred choice for use in
calculating an EPD as follows:
• Specific or average data that has been derived from specific production processes shall be used in
the production/manufacturing LCA. Specific data may also be used for upstream processes (raw
material production) where available
• Generic data shall be used for all other upstream and downstream processes that are beyond the
control of the manufacturer (i.e. raw material production, construction product installation, use and
end-of-life respectively)
Where a cradle to grave EPD has been calculated using generic data for downstream processes, e.g. for
the disposal scenario in the end-of-life stage, to ensure consistency and comparability, both the use stage
and the end-of-life stages shall be based on the same additional technical information stated by the
manufacturer for the development of the scenarios for the life cycle assessment. The technological,
geographical and time period of the generic data used shall be documented in the project report (see
CEN/TR 15941 for guidance on selection and use of generic data).
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6.3.7 Data quality requirements

In accordance with ISO 14044:2006, 4.2.3.6, the quality of the data used to calculate the EPD shall be
addressed in the project report. In addition, the specific requirements listed in EN 15804:2012, clause 6.3.7
shall apply for construction products. The most current, available data shall be used to calculate an EPD.
The manufacturer-specific data shall cover a production period of 1 year and this data period shall be
documented, and deviations from this data range shall be justified. Generic or specific data used for the
calculations shall have been updated within the last 5 years for manufacturer-specific data and within the
last 10 years for generic data.
For guidance on how to deal with data gaps refer to CEN/TR 15941.
6.3.8 Developing product level scenarios

Realistic and representative scenarios shall be based on relevant technical information and shall support
the calculation of the information modules as shown in Figure 5.1 and the assessment of the environmental
performance of a building (building level assessment) in construction, use and end-of-life stages. See EN
15804:2012, clause 6.3.8: 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).
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6.3.9 Units
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SI units shall be used. Exceptions are:
• Resources used for energy input (kWh or MJ)

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• Water use (cubic metres)
• Temperature (degrees Celsius)
• Time (minutes, hours, days, years)
• Transport (tonnes, kilometres)
6.3.10 Imports
The inputs and outputs attributed to imports of materials and products are, wherever possible, based upon
analyses appropriate to the country of origin and include the energy of transportation. Where data for the
country of origin are not available, the input and output data are based upon the most comparable product
(internationally or domestically produced) with an addition made for the transportation from the country of
origin.
6.3.11 Treatment of renewable energy purchase schemes

Many energy suppliers offer “Green Supply” tariffs to their customers. The structure of these tariffs, their
relationship with carbon markets, regional and national energy regulation, and their eventual effectiveness
in providing additional low impact energy varies widely. The significant potential for double counting of
benefits makes their inclusion in EPD problematic.
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In the UK for example, in February 2009 the UK energy regulator, Ofgem, published its final Green Supply
Guideline1 for energy generators. The Guideline aims to establish a system of independent third party
accreditation for Green Supply tariffs based on key principles of transparency, evidence of supply and
additionality. The scope of the Guideline is for domestic and small business supply only but may be
extended to cover industrial use in the future. However, at the time of writing no system of independent
third party accreditation has been established for Green Supply in the UK and BRE is not aware of any
such scheme operating outside the UK.
When calculating impacts associated with standard energy supply national or regional average energy
models shall be used. This requirement may be reassessed if evidence from a credible accreditation
system can be provided.
6.3.12 Treatment of onsite Low or Zero Carbon energy generation (LZC)

Benefits associated with onsite Low or Zero Carbon energy generation may be recognised in EPD
produced according to this PCR subject to the following requirements:
• If the LZC installation is an “Accredited Renewable” then evidence that all certificates and tradable
permits associated with the declared consumption have been accounted for must be provided. In
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the UK renewables installations are accredited by the energy regulator, Ofgem, via the Renewables
and CHP Register. Relevant certificates and permits are Renewables Obligation Certificates
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(ROCs), Climate Change Levy Exemption Certificates (LECs) and Renewable Energy Guarantee of
Origin (REGOs). Outside the UK equivalent evidence shall be provided.
• A written statement shall be provided to confirm that any benefits claimed have not been traded via
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UNFCCC mechanisms, emissions trading schemes (e.g. EU ETS) or voluntary carbon markets. If
the installation received funds via market mechanisms then this must be declared and any
associated benefits accounted for so as to avoid double counting.
• If the LZC installation is too small to qualify as an Accredited Renewable then evidence that the
LZC product has been certificated by an accredited Certification Body shall be provided. In the UK
such schemes include the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) and the CEN Solar
Keymark scheme. UK Certification Bodies are accredited by United Kingdom Accreditation
Services (UKAS). Outside the UK equivalent evidence shall be provided.
• Any benefits associated with net exports from onsite LZC generation (supply minus onsite demand)
shall not be attributed to products covered by the EPD.
6.3.13 Treatment of Carbon Offset Schemes

Benefits associated with carbon offset schemes shall not be included in EPD conducted to this PCR.
6.4 Calculation Rules for LCA – Specific aspects
6.4.1 Carbon Storage (Sequestration)

Carbon sequestration refers to the long-term storage of carbon in biomaterials such as timber and
agricultural products. In this PCR, carbon sequestration is evaluated in the product stage (A1 – A3) for
http://www.ofgem.gov.uk/Sustainability/Environment/Policy/Documents1/Green%20supply%20guidelines%
20final%20proposals%20open%20letter.pdf accessed November 2012
© BRE Ltd 2013

timber construction products. Both a mass balance and a carbon balance shall be carried out to ensure that
the carbon dioxide equivalent emissions computed for the product system takes into account the actual
carbon stored within the construction product.
Sequestered carbon is an inherent physical property, and the content leaving the system either in co-
products, secondary materials, or materials for reuse, recycling, incineration or landfill disposal is
considered when evaluating the carbon content of the construction product and the quantity of carbon
dioxide needed to sequester that amount of carbon.
See Annex B of this PCR for guidance on calculating the amount of carbon sequestered in construction
products.
6.4.2 Carbonation (of concrete)

This PCR takes into account the carbonation of calcium oxide (CaO) or calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) within
construction products. The reaction is only for surfaces exposed to air, and is dependent on the porosity
and the strength of the product.
For products containing pure lime, 100% of the calcium oxide is assumed to carbonate within a short time
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after construction / installation. Therefore, the carbonation of lime is considered in the construction stage
(A5) for both quick lime and hydrated lime, and is equivalent to the carbon dioxide expelled from the
calcium carbonate in making the lime.
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For products containing cementitious material the amount of carbonation can be calculated for both low-
strength and high strength concrete, mortars, and screeds, taking into account the effect of the strength of
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the concrete on the rate of carbonation. This is evaluated in the use stage (B1).
Recycled concrete is also expected to continue to carbonate, as well as end-of-life concrete that has been
disposed of in landfill (end-of-life stage, C4) as the concrete is crushed and exposed to air. Consequently a
scenario can be presented where recycled concrete is generated and Module D is reported. The amount of
carbonation is based on the typical particle size, the existing level of carbonation and the likely depth of
further carbonation. Following a reduction in particle size, the amount of carbonation is expected to
increase in the secondary life of concrete, and a secondary life factor is introduced to take into account the
carbonation over an assigned secondary life period.
See Annex C of this BRE PCR for further guidance on calculating the carbonation of concrete.
6.5 Inventory Analysis
6.5.1 Collecting data

Data collection shall follow the guidance provided in EN ISO 14044:2006, 4.3.2
In addition to manufacturing process data (covering 1 year of production, deviations from this period shall
be justified), manufacturers shall provide a process flow diagram, including any major transportation stages
with a clearly marked system boundary to indicate included and excluded processes. The resulting
inventory is checked for balance in mass and water (including taking into account of evaporation of water).
The total mass flowing into the system boundary must be accounted for with an equivalent mass flow out of
the system boundary. The material input and output, the water use and the energy consumption data are
checked for appropriateness compared to known systems.
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6.5.2 Calculation procedures

The calculation procedures described in EN ISO 14044:2006 and EN15804:2012 shall apply. The same
calculation procedure shall be applied consistently throughout the study.
6.5.3 Allocation of input flows and output emissions
6.5.3.1 Allocation of material and energy flows

Allocation procedures shall be according to ISO 14044:2006, clause 4.3.4, and the rules stated in EN
15804:2012 are based on the ISO 14044 guidance. However, the basic procedures and assumptions used
in ISO 14044 have been refined in order to reflect the goal and scope of EN 15804 and EN 15643-2:2011.
For multiple products (co-products), the materials, energy flows and associated emissions are allocated to
the different products as shown in Figure 6.2 by process subdivision, appropriate physical property, or on
the basis of revenue contribution. In the Figure, %R is percentage of revenue generated.
This allocation hierarchy also applies to process wastes from the product stage (A1 – A3), which are sold
on for subsequent reuse or value recovery, as process wastes are considered as co-products if they have
reached the end-of-waste state. Any waste processing that occurs in any module of the product system
under study is included in the system boundary of the respective module, i.e. the impacts are allocated
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within the life cycle stage that generates them. Therefore, this allocation procedure is not applicable to
wastes from the other stages (A4 – C4). The net impacts of which can be reported in Module D. See 6.5.3.2
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of this PCR.
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Figure 6.2: BRE allocation preference
Examples of physical property for allocation include mass, volume or surface area, etc. For economic
allocation (allocation by value), a percentage revenue contribution of less than 1% is considered as very
low.
6.5.3.2 Allocation procedure for future material and energy recovery

The end-of-life system boundary of the product system is set where the system outputs (e.g. materials,
products or construction elements) have reached the end of waste state. When a material leaves the
system boundary at the end-of-waste state in Modules A4 – C4, the potential loads and benefits of net
flows (see 6.3.4.6 of this PCR, and EN 15804:2012 clause 6.4.3.3) of reusable products, recyclable
materials and/or useful energy carriers leaving the product system can be declared in Module D based on a
specified scenario (see EN 15804:2012, clause 6.4.3.3). This scenario shall be consistent with any other
scenario for waste processing and be based on current average technology or practice.
The method for calculating the net impacts is detailed in clause 6.4.3.3 of EN 15804:2012.
© BRE Ltd 2013

6.6 Impact Assessment

As specified in the modification to EN 15804:2012 clause 6.5, the impact assessment shall be carried out
for the following impact categories using baseline characterisation factors from CML – IA version as
required by EN 15804:2012:
- Global Warming (Climate Change)
- Ozone Depletion
- Acidification of Soil and Water
- Eutrophication
- Photochemical Ozone Creation
- Depletion of Abiotic Resources (Elements)
- Depletion of Abiotic Resources (Fossil)

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7 Content of the Environmental Product Declaration
7.1 Declaration of general information

All EPD issued using this PCR shall follow the format presented here, in line with EN 15804:2012 clause 7,
and shall include the parameters identified in this PCR:
a) The name, address, and a description of the manufacturer(s)
b) The description of the construction product’s use and the functional or declared unit of the
construction product to which the data refers, and any relevant product performance standards
c) Construction product identification by name (e.g. including production code) and a simple visual
representation of the building product to which the data relates
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d) A description of the main product components and or materials; to enable the user of the EPD to
understand the composition of the product as delivered and also to support safe and effective
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installation, use and disposal of the product
e) Name of the programme used and the programme operator’s name, address, logo and website
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f) The reference for the PCR
g) The date the declaration was issued and the 5 year period of validity
h) Information on which stages are not considered, if the declaration is not based on an LCA covering
all life cycle stages
i) A statement that EPD of construction products from different programmes may not be comparable,
unless they comply with EN 15804. For information on specific circumstances in which EPD can be
used for comparison, see EN 15804:2012, clause 5.3
j) Where an EPD is declared as an average environmental performance for a number of products, a

statement to that effect shall be included in the declaration together with a description of the range
or variability of the life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) results if significant
k) The site(s), manufacturer or group of manufacturers for whom the EPD is representative
l) The declaration of material content of the product shall list as a minimum substances contained in
the product that are listed in the “Candidate List of Substances of Very High Concern for
authorisation” when their content exceeds the limits for registration with the European Chemicals
Agency. See EN 15804:2012, clause 7.1 (k), Notes 2 and 3
m) Information on where explanatory material may be obtained
n) Demonstration of verification of EPD according to ISO 14025:2010, as shown in Table 7.1 below,
shall be completed and reproduced in the EPD:
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Table 7.1: Demonstration of verification
CEN standard EN 15804 serves as the core PCRa
Independent verification of the declaration, according to EN ISO 14025:2010
□ internal □ external
(Where appropriateb) Third party verifier:
<Name of the third party verifier>

a
Product category rules
b
Optional for business-to-business communication; mandatory for business-to-consumer communication
(see EN ISO 14025:2010, 9.4)
7.2 Declaration of environmental parameters derived from LCA

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To illustrate the product system studied, the EPD shall contain a simple flow diagram of the processes
included in the LCA. They shall be sub-divided at least into the life cycle stages of the product: production,
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and if applicable construction, use and end-of-life (see Figure 5.1). See EN 15804:2012, clause 7.2.1. The
environmental impacts shall be declared and reported using the parameters and units shown in Table 7.2
below. All results shall be reported to 3 significant figures.
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Table 7.2: Parameters for describing environmental impacts
Impact Category Parameter Unit
Global Warming (Climate Change) Global warming potential, GWP kg CO2 eq., 100
years
Ozone Depletion Depletion potential of the stratospheric ozone kg CFC 11 eq.

layer, ODP
Acidification for Soil and water Acidification potential of soil and water, AP kg SO2 eq.
3-
Eutrophication Eutrophication potential, EP kg (PO4) eq.
Photochemical Ozone Creation Formation potential of tropospheric ozone, POCP kg C2H4 eq.
Depletion of Abiotic Resources – Abiotic depletion potential for non-fossil kg Sb eq.

elements resources, ADP-elements
Depletion of Abiotic Resources – Abiotic depletion potential for fossil resources, MJ, net calorific
fossil fuels ADP-fossil fuels value
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7.2.1 Other environmental indicators

The following environmental information, describing resource use, waste and other output flows, which is
derived from LCI, but not assigned to the impact categories listed in Table 7.1, shall be included in the EPD
as shown in Table 7.3 below.
Table 7.3: Other environmental information
Parameter Unit
Resource use
Use of renewable primary energy excluding renewable primary energy MJ, net calorific value
resources used as raw materials
Use of renewable primary energy resources used as raw materials MJ, net calorific value
Total use of renewable primary energy resources MJ, net calorific value
Use of non-renewable primary energy excluding non-renewable primary MJ, net calorific value
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energy resources used as raw materials
Use of non-renewable primary energy resources used as raw materials MJ, net calorific value
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Total use of non-renewable primary energy resources MJ, net calorific value
kg
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Use of secondary material
Use of renewable secondary fuels MJ, net calorific value
Use of non-renewable secondary fuels MJ, net calorific value
Net use of fresh water m3
Waste to disposal
Hazardous waste kg
Non-hazardous waste kg
Radioactive waste disposed (total low, intermediate and high level waste) kg
Radioactive waste (high level waste) kg
Other output flows
Components for reuse kg
Materials for recycling kg
Materials for energy recovery kg
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Parameter Unit
Export energy MJ per energy carrier
For additional guidance, see NOTES in clauses 7.2.3, 7.2.4 and 7.2.5 in EN 15804:2012.
Indicators that have not been determined shall be reported as INA (Indicator Not Assessed) and reasons
for omitting this information shall be given.
7.3 Scenarios and additional technical information

The selection of scenarios in the life cycle stages that depend on the building context should reflect the
specific conditions and assumptions that support the use of the product data in both the product level and in
a building level assessment (see Figure 5.1 in this BRE PCR).
These scenarios are for optional life cycle stages in a cradle to gate with options EPD, and if these optional
stages are declared then the scenarios shall be specified and included in the EPD. For a cradle to grave
EPD, all modules shall be calculated for specified scenarios and declared in the EPD.
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Additional technical information supporting scenario development that is declared shall comply with EN
15804:2012 clause 7.3, and shall be declared separately from the LCA derived parameters. See Tables 7 –
12 in EN 15804:2012 for examples of technical information for different modules in the life cycle stages,
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including parameters and units.
7.4 Additional information on emissions to indoor air, soil and water during the use
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stage
Additional information on emissions to indoor air, soil and water during the use stage for construction
products exposed to interior spaces of the building shall be required when horizontal measurement
standards are published by CEN TC 351, as stated in EN 15804:2012 clause 7.4.
7.5 Aggregation of information modules

The indicators declared in the individual information modules of a product life cycle A1 to A5, B1 to B7, C1
to C4 and Module D as described in Figure 5.1 shall not be added up to give sub-total results for the
modules A, B, C or D respectively. As an exception, information modules A1, A2 and A3 may be
aggregated to give results for the product stage – the underlying data for these modules are not based on
scenarios.
7.6 Format of BRE EN 15804 EPD

EPD template is available on Programme Operator (BRE) website, but the format to be expected is as
shown:
Company Information Name and address details
Product declared Name and picture
EPD details Declaration Number and period of validity
Demonstration of verification
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General information Unit of assessment, Life cycle stages covered, programme operator details, and comparability
Product information Product description, declaration of material contents, manufacturing process,

construction/installation , RSL and end-of-life as applicable, and any relevant product
performance standards
LCA Calculation rules, boundaries, process flow diagram, etc.
Results: The LCA results shall be provided for the following stages, where the indicator is not
assessed this shall be stated accordingly:
Benefits
and loads
Construction
Product stage Use stage End-of-life stage beyond the
stage
system
boundary
A1 A2 A3 A4 A5 B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B6 B7 C1 C2 C3 C4 D
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Reuse/Recovery/Recycling
Construction, Installation
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Operational energy use
Operational water us
Waste processing
Refurbishment
Manufacturing
Replacement
Raw material
Maintenance
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Demolition
Transport
Transport
Transport
Disposal
potential
Repair
use
Results: LCA results shall be for the following:
Environmental impacts Units
Global warming potential, GWP kg CO2 eq.
Depletion potential of the stratospheric ozone layer, ODP kg CFC 11 eq.
Acidification potential of soil and water, AP kg SO2 eq.
3-
Eutrophication potential, EP kg (PO4) eq.
Formation potential of tropospheric ozone, POCP kg C2H4 eq.
Abiotic depletion potential for non-fossil resources, ADP-elements kg Sb eq.
Abiotic depletion potential for fossil resources, ADP-fossil fuels MJ
Resource use Units
Use of renewable primary energy resource, as energy source MJ
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Use of renewable primary energy resource, as raw materials MJ
Total use of renewable primary energy resources MJ
Use of non-renewable primary energy resource, as energy source MJ
Use of non-renewable primary energy resource, as raw materials MJ
Total use of non-renewable primary energy resources MJ
Use of secondary material kg
Use of renewable secondary fuels MJ
Use of non-renewable secondary fuels use MJ
3
Net use of fresh water m
Waste to disposal Units

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Hazardous waste kg
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Non-hazardous waste kg
Radioactive waste (total) kg

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Radioactive waste (high level waste) kg
Other output flows Units
Components for reuse kg
Materials for recycling kg
Materials for energy recovery kg
Export energy MJ per carrier
Interpretation Interpretation of LCA results, aided by graphical representation of environmental impacts;

representativeness of results and applicability as appropriate
Additional Information Scenarios and additional technical information, emissions and test details (if applicable), etc.
References Applicable references must be stated, in addition to (i) BRE General Programme Instructions (ii)
BRE PCR (iii) ISO 14025 and (iv) EN 15804
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8 Project Report
The project report summarises the project documentation in a systematic and comprehensive way in order
to support effective verification of the EPD.
The project report supports the data published in the EPD and sets out how the EPD was prepared in
accordance with this PCR, including a list of all assumptions made. The project report shall record that the
LCA based information and the additional information as declared in the EPD meet the requirements of EN
15804:2012. It shall be made available to the verifier with the requirements on confidentiality stated in ISO
14025:2010. The project report is not part of the public communication.
The project report shall follow the instructions given in ISO 14044 clause 5.2 and EN 15804:2012 clauses
8.2 and 8.3.
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8.1 Data availability for verification
To facilitate verification it is considered good practice to make the following information available to the
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verifier, taking into account data confidentiality according to EN 15804:2012, clause 8.4:
a) Analysis of material and energy flows to justify their inclusion or exclusion, including mass and water
balance
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b) Quantitative description of unit processes that are defined to model processes and life cycle stages of
the declared unit
c) Attribution of process and life cycle data to datasets of an LCA software (if used)
d) LCIA results per modules of unit processes, e.g. structured according to life cycle stages
e) LCIA results per production plant / product if generic data is declared from several plants or for a range
of similar products
f) Documentation that substantiates the percentages and figures used for the calculations in the end-of-
life scenario and the RSL values
g) Documentation that substantiates the percentages and figures (number of cycles, prices, etc.) used for
the calculations in the allocation procedure, if it differs from the PCR.
8.2 Validity of EPD

EPD are valid for 5 years from the date of issue, after which the EPD shall be reviewed and verified.
An EPD does not have to be recalculated after 5 years if the underlying data has not changed significantly.
A significant change is deemed to be a change in the product composition or production process which
results in a change of greater than +/- 10% of any one of the declared parameters of the EPD.
© BRE Ltd 2013

Annex A – BRE PCR Peer review statement
The following experts in LCA and buildings have undertaken a critical review of this final draft PCR:
• Wayne Trusty, President, Wayne B Trusty & Associates Limited (Chair)
• Jane Anderson, Principal Consultant, PE INTERNATIONAL
• Sverre Fossdal, Verification Leader, The Norwegian EPD Foundation
Peer review statement
The review was performed according to Clause 8.1.2 of ISO 14025:2006(E), taking into consideration the
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EN 15804 standard. With the exception of the following points, the panel confirms that the PCR is in
compliance with the referenced standards, and commends BRE for its work and its willingness to take
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account of and incorporate Panel comments throughout the process.
There are two areas where the panel could not confirm compliance. Because the PCR is still at a final draft
stage and has not yet been released for stakeholder review or public comment, the panel cannot confirm
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consultation as required under ISO 14025:2010. Further, the BRE General programme of instructions have
not yet been finalised and were not available to the review panel. As a result, the panel cannot confirm that
the PCR meets the ISO 14025 requirement that it fulfil those instructions.
© BRE Ltd 2013

Annex B – Carbon Sequestration
This section describes how the BRE EN 15804 PCR deals with carbon sequestration in construction
products made from biomaterials.
1. Introduction
In this PCR, carbon sequestration refers to the long-term storage of carbon in biomaterial construction
products (such as timber, wood-based panels, plant fibres e.g. hemp and flax, plant oils e.g. palm and
linseed, sheep’s wool etc.), and is considered in the product stage (information modules A1 – A3).
Sequestered carbon is an inherent physical property and, therefore, only physical allocation shall be used.
Furthermore, sequestered carbon shall be calculated as only that present in the biomaterial in the finished
construction product (declared or functional unit), and not that sequestered in the amount of biomaterial
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input required to make the product. The carbon balance of the producing system is currently excluded from
the assessment, since there is not yet sufficiently robust information available to enable its contribution to
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be included.
The carbon content ( C f ) used for the calculation of sequestered carbon in the product must be
documented and justified.
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Sequestered carbon will be assumed to remain in the product for the product’s service life and no carbon
storage benefit scenarios will be allowed2. Appropriate models will be applied for the disposal routes for the
product arising during life cycle stages B and C; these models will account for the releases associated with
the sequestered carbon, e.g. the landfill model will address emissions including CO2 and methane with the
emissions for landfill in the UK adapted according to GasSim3.
GHG emissions associated with land use change will be included according to the Intergovernmental Panel
on Climate Change’s (IPCC) Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories. These impacts shall be
allocated according to the hierarchy set out in Figure 6.2.
2. Calculating CO2 eq. emissions
Example for Solid Timber:
Each carbon atom within the timber construction product has been sequestered from a carbon dioxide
molecule in the atmosphere. If the carbon content of the product is known, then the amount of carbon
sequestered in the product can be calculated. The sequestering of carbon requires the absorption of CO2;
this implies that to sequester 1 atom of carbon needs the uptake of 1 molecule of CO2.
An example of the calculation for the amount of CO2 required to produce a given mass of timber is
presented below:
2
prEN 16485:2012 currently includes a technical scenario for calculating a carbon storage benefit.
3
http://www.gassim.co.uk/
© BRE Ltd 2013

m.mCO2
Mass of CO2 sequestered = mdry (timber ) × C f ×
m.mC Eqn. 1
Where C f = percentage of carbon in dry matter, for timber = 0.5 (50%)
m.m CO2 = molecular mass of CO2 (44)
m.mC = atomic mass of carbon (12)
m dry (timber ) = dry weight of the timber in the finished product. If the moisture content4 ( mc as a
decimal) and the wet weight ( m wet ) of the timber are known, m dry = m wet ( mc + 1)
By substituting for the masses of carbon and CO2, Eqn. 1 above becomes:
44
Mass of CO2 sequestered = mdry (timber ) × 0.5 ×
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12
= m dry (timber ) × 1.833
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Eqn. 2
For example, using Eqn. 2 above, the amount of CO2 sequestered in 1 m3 of timber with a density of 370
kg/m3 at 12% moisture content (dry mass basis) is 605.6 kg. For this PCR, this amount of CO2 in air shall
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be included as a negative emission of biogenic CO2 to the total CO2 equivalent emissions of the respective
timber construction product for the calculation of GWP.
4
The moisture content of timber and wood-based panels is typically calculated on a dry mass basis. Paper
and some wood-based panels sometimes used a wet mass basis for moisture content (i.e. dry material +
water = 100%). For a wet mass basis moisture content, m dry = mwet (1 − mc )
© BRE Ltd 2013

Annex C – Carbonation of products containing calcium oxide/calcium hydroxide
This section describes how the BRE EN 15804 PCR deals with the carbonation of calcium oxide within
construction products.
1. Introduction
The BRE PCR takes into account the carbonation of calcium oxide (CaO) within products containing lime.
The reaction is only for surfaces exposed to air, and is dependent on the porosity and the strength of the
concrete product, and particle size (for crushed concrete products). Different assumptions have been made
for different products.
2. Products Containing Lime
For products containing pure lime, 100% of the CaO is assumed to carbonate within a short time after
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construction/installation in the building. Therefore, the carbonation of lime is considered in the construction
stage (information module A5) for both quick lime and hydrated lime. The amount of carbonation is
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equivalent to the CO2 expelled from the calcium carbonate in making the lime.
3. Virgin Products Containing Cementitious Material

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The amount of carbonation for cement based products has been calculated based on the approach
provided in a Danish report “Guidelines- Uptake of carbon dioxide in the life cycle inventory of concrete”5,
and from information supplied by the Concrete Centre in the UK. This document can be obtained from the
Concrete Centre or BRE.
The approach covers two aspects: the depth of carbonation which can be expected in different elements
and the amount of carbonation where it occurs. For products containing cementitious material, the amount
of carbonation can be calculated for both low-strength and high strength concrete, mortars, and screeds,
taking into account the effect of the strength of the concrete on the rate of carbonation. This is evaluated in
the use stage (information module B1).
Based on results from the study, and advice from the Concrete Centre, concrete products have been split
into two groups. For either group, the assumptions about the relative rate of different types of products are
similar. For all concrete it is the area exposed rather than weight of the material that is the key factor in
determining how much CO2 will be absorbed.
3.1 Group 1
For the first group, covering concrete blocks, low strength concrete and mortars and screeds, the
assumption is that the total depth of the product will carbonate within the building lifetime. This is based on
estimates provided within the Danish report which give a depth of carbonation for ‘sheltered’ and indoors’
5
Kirsten Pommer & Claus Pade, “Guidelines- Uptake of carbon dioxide in the life cycle inventory of
concrete”, Danish Technological Institute, October 2005 prepared as part of the Nordic Innovation Centre
Project, “CO2 Uptake During the Concrete Life Cycle”
© BRE Ltd 2013

locations of 97 mm over 60 years. Since carbonation occurs from both sides of the block, the total
theoretical depth of carbonation would be approximately 200 mm, which is greater than the depth of most
blocks, low strength concrete and mortars. For screeds, most are less than 100 mm thick and will therefore
carbonate even though only one face is exposed.
The amount of carbonation (kg) per m3 of concrete (i.e. amount of CO2 reabsorbed through carbonation) is
therefore based on the percentage of CaO which will carbonate and the amount of CaO within the product,
see Eqn. 1 below. For these products, based on data provided by the Concrete Centre, the assumption is
that 63% of the CaO will carbonate. The amount of CaO can be calculated from the amount of cement
within the concrete product, the percentage of clinker within the cement and the percentage of CaO within
the clinker, see Eqn. 2.
m.mCO2
Carbonation (kg/m3) = 0.63 × M CaO × Eqn. 1
m.mCaO
Where 0.63 = amount of CaO that will carbonate
m.m CO2 = molecular mass of CO2 (44)

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m.mCaO = molecular mass of CaO (56)
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M CaO = mass of CaO within the concrete product (kg/m3), obtained as shown below:
Mass of CaO, M CaO = QCem × %C Cem × %CaOC

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Eqn. 2
Where QCem = amount of cement in the concrete (kg/m3)
%C Cem = percentage of clinker in cement (80% for ready mix, 90% for precast and paving)
%CaOC = percentage of CaO within clinker (65%)
By substitution, Eqn. 1 above becomes
44
Carbonation (kg/m3) = 0.63 × QCem × %C Cem × 0.65 × Eqn. 3
56
44
If ( 0.63 × 0.65 × ) in Eqn. 3 above is replaced by ‘ z ’, then the equation can be re-written thus:
56
Carbonation (kg/m3) = z × QCem × %C Cem Eqn. 4
3.2 Group 2
The second group covers high strength ready mix and precast concrete and paving.
© BRE Ltd 2013

For these products, because the strength of the concrete is higher, the amount of carbonation is less during
the building lifetime, and the Danish Guidelines provide an estimate of the depth of carbonation expected,
and therefore factors which can be used to provide indicative carbonation and mass of carbon dioxide
reabsorbed for various elements. Additionally, where concrete is recycled or landfilled (10% of concrete
arising), further carbonation is assumed to take place as the concrete is broken up and exposed to air. This
PCR attributes the carbonation that takes place for recycled concrete within the EPD for the recycled
concrete (see Section 4 below). For concrete that is landfilled, this carbonation is attributed to the original
product.
The amount of carbonation within crushed landfilled concrete is based on the typical particle size, the
existing level of carbonation and the likely depth of further carbonation. The Concrete Centre provided BRE
with Secondary Life Factors ( E ) to take account of the carbonation of landfilled concrete over a 100 year
secondary life, allowing a longer period for the remaining CaO to carbonate, see table below. The mass of
CO2 absorbed (kg) for these high strength concrete layers, as a function of the area exposed, is therefore
calculated as shown in Eqn. 4:
Carbonation (
= K×S× )
SP × (z × QCem × %C Cem ) × E Eqn. 4
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Where K = depth of carbonation (m)
S = surface area (m2)

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SP = study period, 100 years

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E = Secondary Life Factor to take account of carbonation of concrete in landfill at EOL

Carbonation in ready mix, precast, and paving concrete is calculated using Eqn. 4 as follows, where:
Ready Mix Precast Paving
Depth of carbonation (m) 0.00125 0.00233 0.001
Quantity of cement (kg/m3) 290 350 300
% clinker in cement 80 90 90
Secondary Life Factor, E 2.02 1.39 1.67
1m2 of ready mix ( )

= 0.00125 × 1 × 100 × ( z × 290 × 0.8 ) × 2.02 = 1.88kgCO 2
1m2 of precast = (0.00233 × 1 × 100 )× ( z × 350 × 0.9 ) × 1.39 = 3.28kgCO 2
1m2 of paving = (0.001 × 1 × 100 )× ( z × 300 × 0.9 ) × 1.67 = 1.45kgCO 2
For concretes using cement replacements, it is necessary to include a correction factor. Table 4.3 of the
Danish report provides correction factors, and by extrapolation from the table, the following factors are
applied to high strength concretes using pulverised fuel ash (PFA) and ground granulated blast furnace
slag (GGBS):
© BRE Ltd 2013

§ 30% PFA 30: 10% higher (i.e. multiply by 1.10)
§ 50% GGBS: 25% higher (i.e. multiply by 1.25)
4. Crushed Concrete for recycling
Concrete which is recycled as either aggregate or hardcore is expected to continue to carbonate. The
amount of carbonation within recycled concrete is based on the typical particle size, the existing level of
carbonation and the likely depth of further carbonation.
For concrete which is recycled as hardcore, the average particle size has been assumed to be 150mm in
diameter (data from The Concrete Centre). For buried infrastructure which is where we assume hardcore is
used, the depth of carbonation is 0.75mm × year (from the Danish report) which over 100 years means
that 73% of the concrete will not be able to carbonate, assuming uniform carbonation around the particle.
However the existing level of carbonation of concrete post demolition needs to be considered, as concrete
which has already carbonated cannot carbonate again. BRE has taken the amount of carbonation which
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has already taken place as 5% at demolition – this is based on the amount of carbonation within a typical
m3 of RMC, paving or precast compared to the maximum possible.
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The amount of carbonation for concrete recycled as hardcore is therefore reduced by 75% to account for
the concrete within the 150mm diameter particles which will not carbonate, and by 5% to account for the
concrete which has already carbonated. BRE has taken 200 kg/m3 as the typical amount of cement clinker
per m3. The amount of carbonation for recycled concrete is therefore obtained by substituting in Eqn. 3 as
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shown below:
Carbonation = 25% × 95% × z × QCem × %C Cem
Where QCem × %CCem = 200 kg/m3, carbonation for recycled concrete is:
1m3 of recycled concrete = 0.25 × 0.95 × z × 200 = 15.3kgCO2
Note: for non-concrete hardcore there is no carbonation, and for hardcore sourced from low strength
concretes or blocks, there will also be no carbonation as the concretes will have fully carbonated during
use.
For concrete that is recycled as graded aggregate, the particle sizes are much smaller. Data from a WRAP
report6 were used to estimate the typical particulate sizes. All particles 14mm and smaller would be able to
carbonate, with larger particles carbonating to varying degrees, giving a total ability to carbonate of 91% if
the carbonation rate for buried infrastructure is used.
The amount of carbonation for concrete recycled as graded aggregate (not within concrete) is therefore
reduced by 9% to account for the concrete within the different diameter particles which will not carbonate,
3
and by 5% to account for the concrete which has already carbonated. BRE has taken 200 kg/m as the
6
C R Sowerby, TRL Limited, “Low-strength Concrete Ground Engineering Applications for Recycled and
Secondary Aggregates”, WRAP, June 2004, Table 5.1
© BRE Ltd 2013

typical amount of cement clinker per m3. Again, using Eqn. 3, and where QCem × %C Cem = 200 kg/m3, the
amount of carbonation for concrete recycled as graded aggregate is obtained as follows:
1m3 of Recycled concrete as graded aggregate = 0.91 × 0.95 × z × 200 = 55.6kgCO2
For concrete that is recycled as aggregate into concrete (i.e. recycled concrete aggregate, RCA), the rate of
carbonation will relate to the type of concrete. For low strength concretes, the assumption is that the
concrete will still fully carbonate. For high strength concretes, the uncarbonated cement within the RCA will
be added to the amount of cement within the concrete to calculate the additional carbonation. Taking 20%
replacement of coarse aggregate, approximately 240 kg of RCA would be used per m3, which will increase
the Cement content, and therefore the typical amount of carbonation by 10%. This factor will therefore be
used for concretes containing 20% RCA.
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© BRE Ltd 2013

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PCR for Construction Products EPD (to EN 15804:2012) – Final Version

BRE Environmental Profiles 2013

Product Category Rules for Type III

6.3 Calculation Rules for LCA – General aspects 16

6.4.2 Carbonation (of concrete) 25

Annex C – Carbonation of products containing calcium oxide/calcium

§ EN 15978, Sustainability of construction works – Assessment of environmental performance of

© BRE Ltd 2013

NOTE: Permission to reproduce extracts from BS EN 15804:2012, Sustainability of construction works –

© BRE Ltd 2013

Principles and procedures (identical to ISO 14025:2006)

© BRE Ltd 2013

3 Terms and Definitions

3.1 Ancillary product / Complementary product

3.2 Average data

3.5 Characterisation factor

© BRE Ltd 2013

3.6 Declared unit

3.7 Functional equivalence

3.8 Functional unit

3.10 Generic data

3.11 Information module

3.12 Non-renewable energy

3.13 Non-renewable resource

3.14 PCR review

3.15 Product category

Group of products that can fulfill equivalent functions.

© BRE Ltd 2013

3.16 Product category rules (PCR)

3.17 Programme operator

3.18 Radioactive waste

3.19 Reference service life

3.20 Renewable energy

3.21 Renewable resource

© BRE Ltd 2013

3.22 Secondary fuel

3.23 Secondary material

3.24 Sequestration (of carbon)

3.25 Service life

3.27 Study period

3.28 Third party

3.29 Type III environmental declaration / environmental product declaration (EPD)

The additional environmental information may be quantitative or qualitative.

© BRE Ltd 2013

EPD Environmental Product Declaration

LCA Life Cycle Assessment

LCI Life Cycle Inventory

PCR Product Category Rules

RSL Reference Service Life ft

© BRE Ltd 2013

5 General Programme Information

Table 5.1: The three types of EPD

© BRE Ltd 2013

Type of Cradle to Gate

5.3 Comparability of EPD of construction products

5.4 Additional Information

stages at the building level.

5.5 Ownership, responsibility and liability for the EPD

5.6 Communication formats