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MANUAL FOR MACHINE-READABLE EPD
DATE 2019-09-09
MANUAL FOR MACHINE-READABLE EPD
TRANSFORMING EPD INFORMATION IN THE MACHINE-READABLE FORMAT
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TABLE OF CONTENT
1. Background
..............................................................................................................................................................3
1.1. Machine-readable EPD
...............................................................................................................................3
1.2. Background of the format development
......................................................................................................3
1.3. Applications
................................................................................................................................................3
1.4. Creating machine-readable EPDs
..............................................................................................................4
2. EPD Editor
................................................................................................................................................................4
2.1. Installation
..................................................................................................................................................4
2.2. Set-up connection to the online data hub
...................................................................................................6
2.3. Synchronize reference data
........................................................................................................................6
3. Creating Digital EPD files
.........................................................................................................................................8
3.1. Dataset information
.....................................................................................................................................9
3.2. Modelling and validation
...........................................................................................................................
12 3.3. Administrative information
........................................................................................................................
14 3.4. Environmental indicators
..........................................................................................................................
15 3.5. Uploading the dataset to the hub
..............................................................................................................
19
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1. BACKGROUND
The International EPD® System allows for the possibility to
adapt the information given to specific user needs and
market applications by introducing the concept of
“machine-readable EPDs”, transferring some of the information of
an
EPD into a machine-readable format (xml-file), and published on
www.data.environdec.com in addition to
www.environdec.com. For more information about machine-readable
EPDs please contact the Secretariat.
1.1. MACHINE-READABLE EPD
Machine-readable EPD-information is stored in a file format in a
separate database hosted by the International EPD®
System that can be used for different applications and will open
new ways to make use of the communication of the
environmental performance of products. All digitalized data is
linked to the EPDs published in the International EPD®
System and therefore enables communication of environmental
impacts of products in a quantitative, credible,
comparable and understandable way based on an established
communication format.
As visualized in Figure 1 below, the information from the EPD
consisting of the LCA-data and metadata are stored in a
structured way facilitating the use of the information in other
applications.
Figure 1. Examples of machine-readable EPDs
1.2. BACKGROUND OF THE FORMAT DEVELOPMENT
Following developments in the International Open Data Network
for Sustainable Building (InData) working group, the
structure and format of the data is aligned with the format
discussions in the InData network.
The InData initiative is based on already existing instruments,
and standards. It thus uses the so called ILCD+EPD
data format. The ILCD data format, developed by the European
Commission’s DG JRC, is widely used in the LCA
context. Extensions had to be added to integrate EPD specific
information (e.g. scenarios, modules, type of data). The
chosen format offers a high flexibility, which allows for the
adaption of related specific national requirements or
changes in the underlying standards (e. g. amendments M350 of EN
15804) in future. More information about the
InData working group is available on the InData homepage
(https://www.indata.network/).
1.3. APPLICATIONS
Sustainability considerations in the construction sector are of
growing interest and even recommended by the
European construction product regulation (CPR). LCA at building
level is a central instrument for the evaluation of
environmentally relevant sustainability aspects. The required
material data is given in environmental product
http://www.data.environdec.com/http://www.environdec.com/https://www.indata.network/
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declarations (EPD) based on calculation methods according to
European or International Standards (e.g. EN 15804,
ISO 21930). Meanwhile, there is an increasing demand of data in
digital format.
The transformation of EPD-information into the machine-readable
format will broaden the opportunities for the
application of EPD information in areas, such as public
procurement, building assessment tools and other
environmental calculation tools.
1.4. CREATING MACHINE-READABLE EPDS
The company may create and provide a verified xml-file during
registration to be published in the database. The
information in the machine-readable file is based on the
information from the EPD, as illustrated in Figure 2.
Figure 2. Schematic illustration of the transfer of
EPD-information into the machine-readable xml-format
2. EPD EDITOR
The EPD Editor is an open-source tool for transferring EPD
information from non-machine-readable formats into a
machine-readable format (XML). The tool uses the ILCD+EPD-format
and is a stand-alone application.
The EPD Editor is used for manual input of data; the transfer
takes place via the creation of new items in the program.
The items are aligned to the structure of the ILCD-format. The
datasets created in the EPD editor can be uploaded to
an online data hub via the built-in upload function.
2.1. INSTALLATION
The installation files for the EPD Editor can be found at
https://github.com/GreenDelta/epd-editor.There are different
versions of the programme which can be found under “releases”
(highlighted in the image below).
https://github.com/GreenDelta/epd-editor
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Download the latest version of the EPD editor.
Select a Destination and extract the files. When done, run the
program.
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2.2. SET-UP CONNECTION TO THE ONLINE DATA HUB
Log-in credentials are required to set up a connection to the
online data hub. The credentials are provided after
registration via
https://data.environdec.com/registration.xhtml?stock=Environdata.
Start by click on ‘Server configuration’ and enter the URL and
log-in credentials. You are now ready to create and
upload EPDs onto the online data hub.
2.3. SYNCHRONIZE REFERENCE DATA
The next step is to set up the EPD Editor with the available
information from the International EPD® System, this data
includes classification systems, names of verifiers etc.. Start
by clicking on Extras -> Settings
https://data.environdec.com/registration.xhtml?stock=Environdata
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Fill the box for “Synchronize reference data on startup” and
restart the program.
The relevant EPD-profile can be imported by right clicking on
your server connection.
When imported the indicators and modules of the profile can be
shown by opening the profile by right clicking on the
name of the profile under the EPD profiles tab.
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Names of indicator and Dataset/unit references is shown
here:
3. CREATING DIGITAL EPD FILES
Start creating a new machine-readable EPD by clicking on the
File -> New -> New EPD
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When creating a machine-readable EPD add relevant information in
the four tabs:
- Dataset Information
- Modelling and validation
- Administrative information
- Environmental indicators
Begin with the Dataset Information tab. For compliance with the
rules and definitions of the InData working group,
please check the Table of Definitions ILCD+EPD format, CPEN2018
InData and further guidance in the FAQ.
3.1. DATASET INFORMATION
Add the name of the EPD in the “Name” field. If there exist
several datasets for one EPD, e.g. different product
variations, add the information that differentiates the datasets
in the field “Comment”. The EPD registration number
shall be added in the “Synonyms” field using the following
format: ”S-P-0XXXX”. Additional information and comments
can be added in the “Comment” field.
Add a pre-installed characterization system, chose the
classification system “The International EPD System”
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5bfcf48ca2772cea5426aa09/t/5c30869f88251b958f3e73ee/1546684063806/2018-03-20_ILCD-EPD_Defin_CPEN2018.pdfhttps://static1.squarespace.com/static/5bfcf48ca2772cea5426aa09/t/5c6028e124a6947f23f1d8c7/1549805794652/2019-02-04_FAQ_ILCD-EPD_CPEN2018.pdf
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Choose then the corresponding category that fits for your EPD,
for help, please contact the Secretariat.
The declared product, as specified in the EPD shall be specified
in the next step. You can create a new product or add
one from existing products.
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Create a new product either by clicking on File -> New ->
New Product or by right clicking on Flows -> New product
Add relevant information such as the properties of the declared
product (weight, volume…).
Go back to the ta dataset information and add the amount of the
product declared in the EPD.
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Add a Reference year and the year when the validity of the EPD
expires, more details can be added in the description
below. Add the location in which the EPD is valid under
Geography.
3.2. MODELLING AND VALIDATION
Under the tab ‘Modelling and validation’ the relevant “subtype”
for the EPD shall be chosen. In the next step add the
LCA method details. These is the PCR that is used for the
development of your EPD.
In the next field a data source for the EPD shall be added.
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Sources can be created by right clicking Sources->New source.
Add the EPD number and name in the “Short name”
field, add a link to where the EPD can be found in the
“Description” field, the link to be used is the one displayed
under
the product page of your EPD on www.environdec.com. After that,
please add a classification for the data source: The
international EPD system ->EPD. Finally add the EPD
owner.
Add the relevant compliance systems for the EPD.
Press + to add reviews -> add a review type for the EPD
(Independent external review for EPDs verified by individual
verifiers & EPD Process Certification) -> add a
reviewer.
http://www.environdec.com/
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3.3. ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
Add the name of the documentor and the data formats.
Next step is to add the owner of the EPD. Copyright needs to be
filled out and under access restrictions, add:
“Your use of this material is subject to the General Terms of
Use published on by EPD International AB’s homepage at
https://www.environdec.com/contact/General-terms-of-use/. If you
have not accepted EPD International AB’s the
General Terms of Use, you are not authorized to exploit this
work in any manner.“
https://www.environdec.com/contact/General-terms-of-use/
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Owners can be added by right clicking the relevant owner
category -> New contact -> Add the Company/Organization
name in “Name” field.
3.4. ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS
In the tab of the environmental indicators, it is possible to
choose from different EPD profiles. The profiles were created
to cover relevant life cycle stages and impact indicators. For
construction products compliant with EN 15804, choose
EN 15804. Guidance for finding a suitable profile for the used
PCR is available at the end of this chapter.
Scenarios for e.g. different production variations, locations,
sales markets, etc. can be created by the + button. Name
the scenario after the relevant scenario for the EPD.
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Create modules for all life cycle stages and modules covered and
reported in the EPD (e.g. A1, A2, A3, etc.).
Assign the modules to the scenario.
You can now synchronize the scenario and modules with the
result, you can also import scenarios or export the
scenario you created. Insert the results from the data from the
EPD in the “value” column; note that the data cannot
contain certain characters (such as “,” or “*”). If a module is
not declared, the field shall be left empty.
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Once all information is filled in to the dataset save the EPD by
clicking on the save icon in the upper left corner.
Here is a list of EPD profiles and the PCRs which they are
compatible with.
- Basic Profile
- Extended profile
- Bakery Products: 2012:07
- EN15804
- PCR Basic module 2018
The extended profile covers all PCRs covered by the Basic
profile as well as additional PCRs. The Bakery product
profile covers a single PCR and should only be used for that
particular one. EN 15804 covers product used in
construction.
BASIC PROFILE EXTENDED PROFILE EN 15804
2008:07 - Cleaning trolleys for
professional use
2009:05 - Rolling stock 2011:16 - Corrosion protection of
fabricated steel products
2009:02 - Seats 2010:02 - Wine 2012:01 – Construction
Products
2010:01 - Uncooked pasta, not stuffed or
otherwise prepared
2010:17 - Containers of paper and paperboard, n.e.c. 2014:02 -
Buildings
2010:11 - Bottled waters, not sweetened
or flavoured
2011:08 - Fruit juices 2014:13 - Insulation materials
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2010:14 - Processed paper and
paperboard
2011:15 - Hen eggs in shell, fresh 2015:04 - Fabricated
products
made out of metal composite
material (MCM)
2010:15 - Uncoated kraftliner and other
uncoated kraft paper, etc.
2011:17 - Basic organic chemicals 2017:03 - Shower
enclosures
2010:19 - Sauces, mixed condiments
and mustard
2011:18 - Basic inorganic chemicals n.e.c.
2010:20 - Mineral or chemical fertilizers 2011:19 - Jams, fruit
jellies, marmalades, etc.
2011:04 - Beverage cartons 2011:20 - Vegetables
2011:05 - Tissue products 2011:22 - Pumps for liquids; liquid
elevators; mixers
2011:10 - Detergents and washing
preparations
2012:03 - Research and development services in
natural sciences and engineering
2011:11 - Vaccines for human or
veterinary medicine, whether or not put
up as medicaments
2012:11 - Meat of mammals
2011:14 - Absorbent hygiene products 2012:14 - Woven, knitted or
crocheted fabrics (of
synthetic fibres)
2013:04 - Grain mill products 2012:19 - Other furniture, of a
kind used in offices and
Other furniture not elsewhere classified
2013:07 - Corrugated paper and
paperboard
2013:05 - Arable crops
2013:13 - Raw sugar, refined sugar, and
molasses
2013:08 - Plastic waste and scrap recovery (recycling)
services
2013:16 - Raw milk 2013:10 - Home and SOHO Gateway
2013:17 - Processed liquid milk and
cream
2013:12 - Textile yarn and thread
2013:18 - Yoghurt, butter and cheese 2013.20 - Highways, streets
and roads (except
elevated highways)
2013:19 - Railways 2013:22 - Cleaning cloths
2014:10 - Fabricated steel products,
except construction products, machinery
and equipment
2014:09 - Vegetable juice, Plant milk, plant milk based
products, and Other prepared and preserved
vegetables, pulses and potatoes
2015:07 - Cosmetics (soap, perfume and
toilet preparations)
2015:03 - Basic iron or steel products & special steels,
except construction products
2015:08 - Spraybooth and surface
treatment installations
2015:05 - Lifts (elevators)
2016:02 - Edible products of animal
origin, n.e.c.
2016:01 - Other prepared and preserved fruit
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2016:03 - Preparations used in animal
feeding for food-producing animals
2016:07 - Blood and blood derived products for
therapeutic or prophylactic uses
2016:05 - Preserves and preparations of
meat
2017:01 - Disposable surgical drapes, gowns and air
suits
2016:06 - Nonwoven wipes 2017:04 - Efficient heat transfer
fluids for heating and
cooling
2018:01 - Bridges, elevated highways
and tunnels
3.5. UPLOADING THE DATASET TO THE HUB
Before uploading the dataset the independent verifier shall
assure that the information in the machine-readable format
is identical with the one in the pdf-file format. The verifier
may after approval of the format update the dataset version
using the “Update major version” button.
Upload the dataset by clicking on the Upload dataset button.
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Pick the appropriate Server connection and upload the dataset by
pressing finish.
After the completion of the upload of the dataset an upload
report is automatically created. Once the file has been
approved by the verification procedure and once all other
mandatory documentation for the publication of the EPD has
been send to the Secretariat ([email protected]), the
EPD will be published within the International EPD®
System and also as a machine-readable EPD on the data hub of the
International EPD® System
(https://data.environdec.com).
mailto:[email protected]://data.environdec.com/https://data.environdec.com/
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