What is an EPD for timber?

An Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) is a standardised document that quantifies the environmental impact of a product across its lifecycle. For timber, an EPD reports impacts such as global warming potential, acidification, eutrophication, and resource depletion for each lifecycle stage — from forest management through manufacturing, use, and end-of-life.

An Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) is a standardised document that quantifies the environmental impact of a product across its lifecycle. For timber, an EPD reports impacts such as global warming potential, acidification, eutrophication, and resource depletion for each lifecycle stage — from forest management through manufacturing, use, and end-of-life. EPDs are produced according to EN 15804+A2 (construction products) and verified by independent third parties. They provide the data needed for whole-building lifecycle assessments and are increasingly required for green building certifications (BREEAM, LEED, DGNB).

Why this matters

This question relates to EPD (Environmental Product Declaration) for Timber: How to Read It, which covers the broader topic in detail. Understanding this specific aspect helps architects, builders, and timber dealers make informed specification decisions.

For full context and additional technical detail, see our comprehensive guide:

→ EPD (Environmental Product Declaration) for Timber: How to Read It

Related questions

• What lifecycle stages does a timber EPD cover?
• How is biogenic carbon reported in timber EPDs?
• How do I compare EPDs from different timber manufacturers?

About this answer

This answer is part of the PuurModulair Knowledge Base — comprehensive timber specification guidance for architects, builders, and dealers across the UK, EU, and Scandinavia. All technical content is reviewed by qualified timber technologists before publication.