FAQs

Why do you reference LCA and not EPD? 

Life Cycle Assessment is the name of the methodology that underpins an EPD. The most commonly known LCAs in New Zealand are EPDs but there are also other types of LCAs.  

e.g. Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) 

What are the named relevant standards for a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) in the criteria for upload? 

The National Embodied Carbon Data Repository will adhere to one (or more) of the following standards. 

EN15804:A2 

EN15804:A1 

ISO21930 

ISP 14067 

PAS 2050 

If the LCA data source I upload meets the assessment criteria – will my LCA be added to the National Embodied Carbon Data Repository? 

The assessment criteria here is the initial check.  

Further analysis of the LCA will be undertaken by our editor team to ensure the data submitted aligns with the quality criteria set for the National Embodied Carbon Data Repository. 

When will I be able to use the carbon data repository? 

Later in 2025 a public website will be available before going to developing access through API’s to the dataset. 

Why is it called the National Embodied Carbon Data Repository? 

The scope of the data repository is currently embodied carbon in construction products,  

e.g.  

Global Warming Potential (GWP) – Fossil 

Global Warming Potential (GWP) – Biogenic 

Global Warming Potential (GWP) – LULUC 

The National Repository concept aims to provide a consistent, New Zealand-centric source of carbon information accessible to both the public and industry. This is a concept that MBIE has endorsed and supports, the projects aim is for this National repository to be of benefit to the entire NZ construction industry. 

Why should the LCA not include carbon offsetting? 

The purpose of the LCA is to establish the actual carbon footprint of a product. Any carbon offsets impact the footprint so need to be excluded.  

Acceptance Criteria

Data shall be free and publicly available – without the need to request

EPDs are a type of LCA. All featured LCA documents (including EPDs) need to be free and publicly available to anyone wanting to access them via the internet and not behind paywalls or similar. 

Manufacturing emissions scope shall be up to the boundary with module A4 

The manufacturing emissions scope (A1-A3) should be up to the boundary with module A4. 

Data relevant to New Zealand 

The LCA/EPD must be for a product relevant to the New Zealand construction industry.  

Data shall have undergone a third-party review which has found them to be compliant with a named relevant standard.  

The LCA/EPD data shall have been reviewed by a third-party who found the data is compliant with a named relevant standard.  

The third-party review shall comply with ISO 14025. 

The third-party review shall have included: 

  • The in-scope relevant named subsidiary standards/PCRs and; 
  • For an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) the most recent General Programme Instructions (GPI) 

Other relevant standards for consideration include EN15804, ISO21930, ISO14067, PEF (Product Environmental Footprint) and PAS2050 

Reported emissions shall not include offsetting. 

Reported emissions in the LCA shall not include any carbon offsetting.  

Common Misconceptions about EPDs

“An EPD means a product is 100% sustainable.”

Reality: EPDs provide a comprehensive picture of a product’s environmental impacts. They don’t necessarily mean a product is perfectly sustainable. It’s about understanding the full life cycle impacts and making informed choices.

“All EPDs are created equal.”

Reality: EPDs follow standardized methodologies, but there can be variations in scope, data quality, and assumptions. It’s important to compare EPDs from the same Product Category Rule (PCR) for accurate comparisons.

“EPDs are only for high-performance products.”

Reality: EPDs can be developed for any product, regardless of its performance. They provide valuable information for making informed decisions across the entire range of building materials.

“EPDs are too complex to understand.”

Reality: While EPDs contain technical information, they are increasingly becoming more user-friendly. Many organizations offer tools and resources to help interpret and compare EPDs.