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MANUAL FOR MACHINE-READABLE EPD

DATE 2019-09-09


TRANSFORMING EPD INFORMATION IN THE MACHINE-READABLE FORMAT


DATE 2019-09-09

MANUAL FOR MACHINE-READALE EPD

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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.pdf

https://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]

https://data.environdec.com/

https://data.environdec.com/


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