Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) – the role of steel in BREEAM and LEED certification

Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) – the role of steel in BREEAM and LEED certification

Modern construction is undergoing one of its greatest transformations. Therefore, investors, architects, and general contractors are no longer looking only at price. Moreover, they are increasingly analyzing the carbon footprint of materials. As a result, the Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) has become an “ecological passport” for building components. So, how does this translate into everyday engineering practice?

What exactly is an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)?

Simply put, an EPD is an independently verified document. Above all, it presents a reliable environmental profile of a given product. Furthermore, it is created in accordance with international standards, such as EN 15804. However, the most important fact is that it is based on a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). For an engineer, this provides hard data. Thanks to it, one can understand the material’s impact on the environment at key production stages. Consequently, one can precisely estimate the building’s climate impact as early as the planning stage.

EPD and BREEAM/LEED certification

Certification systems, such as BREEAM (more information can be found on the BRE Group website), promote investments that minimize impact on the planet. Above all, a building created from materials with a verified carbon footprint gains a higher rating. Thus, the use of products with EPD documentation is the simplest path for a designer to:

• Precisely calculate the LCA index for the entire facility.
• Gain points in the “Materials and Resources” section, where transparency is rewarded.
• Achieve a better investment rating, which, as a result, makes the building a “premium” class facility.

Steel in a closed loop – the WOST S.A. strategy

Structural steel is a material with huge potential. It is worth emphasizing that it is 100% recyclable. Simultaneously, it can be reprocessed indefinitely without losing its unique mechanical properties. As a manufacturer of hot-rolled sections, WOST S.A. actively supports the idea of a circular economy (GOZ).

In our offer, you will find profiles that combine durability with responsibility. For example, we offer:

• Angles – reliable in truss structures.
• UPN channels and tees – optimal for projects requiring high rigidity.
• Special profiles – designed to eliminate unnecessary waste.

To facilitate the preparation of material schedules, we provide a steel weight calculator. It allows you to quickly convert dimensions into mass, which is essential for precise cost estimation.

Technical cooperation – let’s build consciously

Caring for ecological standards is a process in which you do not have to be alone. Therefore, if you are planning a certified investment, check out our WOST product catalog. Our products are supplied with full technical documentation. If you have any questions regarding the selection of profiles, contact our team – we will be happy to help you match steel to your project.