Environmental product declarations are independently verified reports based on life-cycle assessment (LCA) studies. The LCA studies must have been conducted according to a set of common rules (“product category rules,” or PCRs) for each product category and then peer-reviewed.

EPDs are managed and created by “program operators” — organizations that ensure that the EPDs meet the various requirements. In the U.S. you’ll see those from UL, SCS, ASTM or NSF, though there are a few other that are coming around.

Broadly speaking, there are 3 main types of EPDs that we come across:

• Industry Wide
• Product Specific Type III, Internally Reviewed
• Product Specific Type III, Externally Reviewed

In this section, we’ll break down everything you need to know about finding compliant EPDs!

There are multiple types of documentation that contribute towards ingredient reporting. The three most common the Badger sees are:

• Health Product Declarations
• Declare Labels
• Cradle to Cradle certifications (or material health certificates).

In this section, we’ll take a look at what each one is, and what they need to show to comply with the LEED credits.

Now onto the main course – where should I be looking for products that meet the LEED requirements? The Badger’s about to tell you!

We’ll offer a precursor beforehand: the Badger does not endorse, recommend, prefer, sponsor, etc. any of the brands and products listed. Nor is this a comprehensive list of every single product that exists with an EPD or HPD.
What follows are product categories that are found on nearly any construction project:

• Insulation
• Flooring
• Gypsum Board
• Ceiling Tile & Grid
• Paint
• Doors & Hardware