How do CPR, EPD, DoPC and WLC-GWP relate to each other?
These terms are often used interchangeably in practice, even though they do not regulate the same thing. This overview is intended for anyone who wants to understand the coherence between these European and Dutch components in one go.
European legislation on environmental performance operates at two levels. At product level, the CPR and the DoPC regulate the environmental information of a construction product. At building level, EPBD-IV and WLC-GWP regulate the environmental performance of the building as a whole. The Environmental Performance Assessment Method for Construction Works and the National Environmental Database connect these levels in Dutch practice: product information from environmental declarations forms the basis for the calculation at building level.
Two levels: product and building
At product level, manufacturers record the environmental performance of a construction product, among other things via an EPD based on the standard EN 15804. An EPD is a common way to declare environmental performances, but under the CPR certain rules apply: environmental performances become part of the DoPC for which, among other things, a mandatory validation regime applies (see AVCP and AVS). At building level, the environmental performance of the construction work as a whole is determined, based on the standard EN 15978. EPBD-IV and WLC-GWP operate at this level.
At product level: CPR, DoPC and EPD
The CPR regulates the conditions under which a construction product may be placed on the market, and what information the manufacturer must provide about it via the DoP and, under the revised CPR, the DoPC. An EPD is a more or less standardised way in which the environmental performance of a product is recorded, based on EN 15804. But an EPD is not yet a DoPC! The CPR also does not prescribe the use of EN 15804, but Annex II does mention the same essential characteristics.
At building level: EPBD-IV and WLC-GWP
EPBD-IV primarily regulates the operational energy use of a building. WLC-GWP is a mandatory component of EPBD-IV, which calculates the greenhouse gas emissions of a building over its entire life cycle, based among other things on the environmental information recorded at product level. In contrast to the CPR, EPBD-IV does mention EN 15804 'or a compatible standard'.
The role of the Environmental Performance Assessment Method for Construction Works
The Environmental Performance Assessment Method for Construction Works and the National Environmental Database form the Dutch elaboration that makes product information suitable for use in a calculation at building level. Stichting NMD closely follows the European developments around CPR and WLC-GWP, and is working on a clear Dutch translation of these within the existing system.
Frequently asked questions
No, both are based on the same underlying methodology, but come about in a different context. An extensive explanation of this can be found on the page European standardisation.
A DoP is mandatory for construction products that fall under a harmonised standard. An EPD is an additional, standardised way to substantiate the environmental performance of that product, and is increasingly becoming part of the DoPC, but then according to the rules of the CPR.