What are EPDs and LCAs?

Understanding EPDs and LCAs

What Is an LCA?

A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) measures a product's environmental impacts — including carbon emissions — across its life stages, from raw material extraction through production (and sometimes beyond). For concrete, the relevant scope is typically the product stage (A1–A3): raw materials, transport to plant, and manufacturing.

What Is an EPD?

An Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) is a third-party verified document that summarizes the results of an LCA. Think of it as the product's carbon 'nutrition label.' EPDs give customers, regulators, and project owners credible, standardized proof of a concrete mix's environmental performance.

Why Do They Matter?

More and more regulators and customers now require EPDs to specify or purchase concrete. Having verified, product-specific EPDs positions you ahead of competitors and ensures you can respond to carbon requirements on any project.