Questions, answered

An LCA is the underlying study, a quantitative assessment of a product's environmental impact across its life cycle. An EPD is the standardised, third-party-verified, publishable summary of that study, formatted to the rules of a recognised programme operator so it can be compared with other EPDs of similar products.

For internal decisions, supplier engagement and design work, an LCA on its own is often enough. For tenders, BREEAM and LEED credits, regulatory disclosure, and customer-facing claims, you almost always need a verified EPD.

ISO 14025 requires that EPDs are verified by a third party that is independent of the practitioner who produced the LCA. This is what makes an EPD trustworthy to a customer, regulator or competitor, the person checking it has no commercial interest in approving it.

It depends on your target market, your product category, and where your customers will look for the declaration. We recommend the operator that best matches your market and product, and manage registration on your behalf.

A streamlined LCA typically takes 6–12 weeks; a full study for an EPD typically takes 3–6 months. The main driver is how quickly we can get accurate primary data from your supply chain.

Cost depends on scope, data availability and the standard you need to meet. We send a fixed-scope quote within one working day of an initial call, so you are never left guessing.

We use industry-standard LCA software with recognised background databases, and product-specific or industry datasets where available. We declare the method, database version and characterisation factors in every report.

Yes. Our LCA and product carbon footprint work feeds directly into CBAM embedded-emissions reporting, CSRD product-level disclosure and forthcoming ESPR digital product passport requirements.