ISO 14025 requirements
We highlight the requirements linked to the Product Environmental Declaration of the ISO 14025 standard:
6. Programme requirements
Type III environmental declaration programmes are voluntary and have a series of Product Category Rules (PCR) that guide their complete administration and use. These rules, managed by the programme administrator, are referred to as general programme instructions.
Among the requirements, we highlight the need to define the programme’s scope, the responsibilities of the programme administrator, and stakeholder participation. Furthermore, we must establish which Product Category Rules (PCR) will be followed, as well as the methodology for the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA).
7. Product Environmental Declaration Requirements
The ISO 14025 standard sets out the requirements for the Environmental Product Declaration (EPD). It requires that the information presented is clear, verifiable, comparable and based on quantitative life cycle data. Furthermore, it must include additional relevant information, follow the Product Category Rules and ensure transparency in environmental communication.
Of the relevant information that a Product Environmental Declaration (PED) must include, we highlight: organisation and product data, the applicable Category Rules, date and validity, LCA results or information modules, additional environmental information, relevant materials and substances, not considered stages, a warning about comparability between programmes and a reference to the available explanatory material.
The EPD is generally valid for a limited period of 5 years, provided there are no significant changes to the product or manufacturing process.
8. Verification of the DAP
You must establish an appropriate verification procedure to ensure that the environmental statement complies with all the general instructions of the programme, in accordance with the applicable standards and with ISO 14020 and ISO 14040.
The data must be verified independently, either internally or externally. The use of third-party verification is a decision for the programme administrator.
9. Additional DAP Type III requirements for communicating the business to the consumer
Type III Environmental Claims for consumer communication must meet additional requirements: establish clear generalities, provide transparent and understandable information, ensure active stakeholder participation, and undergo independent verification.
These steps guarantee the reliability, accuracy, and credibility of environmental information, strengthen corporate transparency, and encourage responsible and sustainable consumer decisions by the public.
ISO 14025 establishes the principles and procedures for developing Type III Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs).
ISO 14025 is useful in contexts where clear and credible environmental communication is required between companies, consumers and other stakeholders. It facilitates informed decision-making in green procurement, public tenders or sustainability strategies. This standard allows environmental commitment to be demonstrated through rigorous, standardised and accessible information.
Environmental Product Declaration Consultancy
Our consultancy service for obtaining an Environmental Product Declaration follows these steps:
1. Establish the product category rules (PCR) that we will follow.
Once the scope of the Environmental Product Declaration has been defined, the Product Category Rules that we are going to follow must be established. Product Category Rules (PCR) are usually defined by an external entity or organisation.
2. Conduct the life cycle analysis (LCA)
Perform life cycle assessment (LCA) in accordance with ISO 14040 and ISO 14044 to identify and assess the environmental impacts of a product or service throughout its life cycle. The most common impacts included in an “Environmental Product Declaration” are:
- Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. These can follow the requirements of ISO 14064 or the GHG Protocol.
- Energy and water consumption. This takes into account the water footprint and energy efficiency.
- Waste generated during use and at the end of its useful life.
- Impact on the depletion of natural resources.
- Air and water pollution.
3. Draft the EPD
Type III Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) must be written objectively and be comparable. To this end, they use defined parameters and specific product category rules (PCRs). An Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) includes data such as:
- CO₂ emissions (carbon footprint).
- Water and energy consumption
- Waste generation
- Environmental impacts
- Product information and use
4. Independent verification of the EPD
5. Publication of the DAP
DAP (EPD) FAQs according to ISO 14025
What are Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs)?
An EPD (Environmental Product Declaration) is defined as a document that objectively and verifiably describes the environmental impacts of a product throughout its life cycle, from raw material extraction to end of life. The Environmental Declaration provides quantified environmental data using predetermined parameters and, where appropriate, additional environmental information.
The Environmental Product Declaration provides quantified and verifiable information on the environmental impacts of a product or service throughout its life cycle.
EPDs are third-party verified documents, usually by ISO certifiers, that report a product’s environmental impact throughout its life cycle. They are useful for comparing similar products in terms of sustainability.
What is a DAP for?
A EPD transparently communicates a product’s environmental performance. It is particularly useful for clients, prescribers and organisations that assess sustainability criteria.
Practically any product can have an EPD, but they are particularly common in sectors such as:
- Construction and materials (concrete, steel, insulation, etc.)
- Food and drink
- Industrial products and packaging.
Who can carry out a DAP?
The manufacturer or marketer of the product. You must have technical experts in life cycle assessment (LCA) and the collaboration of an independent verifier.
What advantages does an EPD bring to the company?
The Environmental Product Declaration or EPD, provides the following advantages:
- Improves environmental image and transparency
- Facilitates access to green markets and tenders
- Allows for objective comparison with other products
- Promotes the circular economy and the product’s environmental improvement
- Improves environmental reputation
- Facilitates access to sustainable projects
- Provides useful data for eco-design.
- Differentiates the product from the competition
Is it mandatory to have a LCA according to ISO 14025?
No, its application is voluntary. However, having an EPD may be a requirement in public tenders, sustainability certifications (such as Ecovadis or SMETA), or clients may require it, in projects with environmental criteria, or in markets where sustainability is valued.
The LCA according to ISO 14025 is aimed at manufacturers, companies and organisations that want to transparently communicate the environmental impacts of their products, especially in sectors such as construction, industry, food or energy.
What is the relationship between ISO 14025 and other standards such as ISO 14040 or ISO 14044?
Is a DAP the same as an eco-label?
No. EPDs are informative and objective; they make no value judgements. In contrast, eco-labels such as the European Eco-label indicate that a product is environmentally preferable according to pre-established criteria.
ISO 14025 defines Type III Environmental Product Declarations as those based on specific Product Category Rules (PCRs), using LCA data, and verified by an independent third party, unlike Type I or II (such as eco-labels or self-declarations).