Pathways’ Post

I often say EPDs are like nutrition labels for products. So I’m happy to see the US Environmental Protection Agency have just announced a groundbreaking label programme for low embodied carbon construction materials. Here’s why it’s big news for manufacturers. 1️⃣ The scheme is backed by a $100 million investment from the Inflation Reduction Act so there’s a lot of money here. 2️⃣ It prioritises steel, glass, asphalt, and concrete - materials that represent the majority of federally funded construction purchases. 3️⃣ The programme will use a phased approach, focusing first on improving data quality in Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs). 4️⃣ It introduces a tiered rating system, encouraging continuous improvement and innovation in reducing embodied carbon. Even more of an argument for automated data ingestion. The programme aligns with international standards, potentially paving the way for global harmonisation. 👀 What does this mean for you? Manufacturers should prepare to develop and revise high-quality EPDs. We should anticipate more rigorous verification processes. Remember: an LCA is only as good as its data quality and transparency Product Category Rules for these materials are being revised - make sure you get a system that makes it easy to change data requirements P.S If you’re a manufacturer feeling anxious about these new regulations I’d love to jump on a call with you to show small steps you can take today to align with these new rules.