For over 15 years we have been supplying life cycle data on our products and during this time we have grown our expertise in the field of Life Cycle Assessment, which has been internationally recognised by organisations such as worldsteel. In fact, since 2008 we have been publishing declarations for our UK Supply Chain Partner’s cladding systems using Colorcoat HPS200 Ultra^®or Colorcoat Prisma^® prefinished steel. In that time we have been recognised for our work in this area with the award of four worldsteel annual awards for Excellence in LCA.

What is an EPD?

EPD is an acronym for Environmental Product Declaration. It is a document which describes the potential environmental impacts of a product based on a life cycle assessment. Transparency is a key principle, and an EPD is internationally recognised communication tool for conveying the relevant data. 

An EPD covers specific aspects of the product life cycle from raw material extraction, manufacture, fabrication through to use and end-of-life. As well as providing quantified environmental information, for the product, it contains a description of the manufacturing route and a technical description of the product.

Not all EPDs are the same and some represent average industry data, whilst others focus on a specific manufacturers data. In recent years there has been a move towards greater standardisation to improve the reliability of EPD data. Tata Steel’s EPD programme will focus on the development of product and supply chain specific EPDs, which conform with internationally recognised standards.  

What is the role of an EPD Programme Operator?

The role of the Programme Operator is to supervise the full EPD development process. A Programme Operator is also required to publish General Programme Instructions, that set out how the EPDs are produced, and make available a set of Product Category Rules.  

Tata Steel’s EN 15804 verified EPD programme covers the development of Type III environmental declarations in accordance with the requirements of EN 15804 (Sustainability of construction works – Environmental Product Declarations – Core rules for the product category of construction products) and ISO 14025:2010 (environmental labels and declarations – Type III environmental declarations – Principles and procedures). Tata Steel are the programme operator and the declarations are managed according to Tata Steel’s EPD programme instructions.

Further details of how Tata Steel's EPD Programme is run and administered can be found in the Tata Steel General Programme instructions. Information on the methodology for generating the EPDs can be found in the Product Category Rules. Both these documents are reviewed on a periodic basis, in consultation with external industry experts.