BS EN 15804:2012+A2:2019 - Sustainability of Construction Works

In the ever-evolving world of construction, sustainability has become a cornerstone of modern building practices. The BS EN 15804:2012+A2:2019 standard is a pivotal document that provides comprehensive guidelines for the environmental product declarations (EPDs) of construction products. This standard is essential for professionals in the construction industry who are committed to sustainable development and environmental responsibility.

Overview of the Standard

The BS EN 15804:2012+A2:2019 standard, released on September 15, 2021, is a crucial update in the field of sustainable construction. It outlines the core rules for creating EPDs, which are vital for assessing the environmental impact of construction products throughout their life cycle. This standard is recognized internationally and is a key component in promoting transparency and consistency in environmental reporting.

Key Features

• Standard Number: BS EN 15804:2012+A2:2019
• Pages: 78
• ISBN: 978 0 539 19042 7
• Status: Standard

Why This Standard Matters

As the construction industry continues to grow, the demand for sustainable practices becomes more pressing. The BS EN 15804:2012+A2:2019 standard plays a critical role in this transformation by providing a framework for evaluating the environmental performance of construction products. By adhering to this standard, companies can ensure that their products meet high environmental standards, thereby enhancing their reputation and competitiveness in the market.

Benefits of Using BS EN 15804:2012+A2:2019

This standard offers numerous benefits to construction professionals, including:

• Enhanced Environmental Performance: By following the guidelines set out in this standard, companies can improve the environmental performance of their products, reducing their carbon footprint and promoting sustainability.
• Increased Marketability: Products that comply with the BS EN 15804:2012+A2:2019 standard are more attractive to environmentally conscious consumers and businesses, opening up new market opportunities.
• Regulatory Compliance: Adhering to this standard helps companies meet regulatory requirements and avoid potential legal issues related to environmental impact.
• Improved Transparency: The standard promotes transparency in environmental reporting, allowing stakeholders to make informed decisions based on reliable data.

Who Should Use This Standard?

The BS EN 15804:2012+A2:2019 standard is designed for a wide range of professionals in the construction industry, including:

• Manufacturers: Companies that produce construction products can use this standard to develop EPDs that accurately reflect the environmental impact of their products.
• Architects and Designers: Professionals involved in the design and planning of construction projects can use EPDs to select materials that align with sustainability goals.
• Contractors and Builders: By understanding the environmental impact of the materials they use, contractors and builders can make more sustainable choices in their projects.
• Regulatory Bodies: Government agencies and organizations responsible for setting environmental standards can use this document as a benchmark for evaluating construction products.

Conclusion

The BS EN 15804:2012+A2:2019 standard is an indispensable tool for anyone involved in the construction industry who is committed to sustainability. By providing a clear and consistent framework for environmental product declarations, this standard helps companies improve their environmental performance, meet regulatory requirements, and enhance their marketability. Whether you are a manufacturer, architect, contractor, or regulatory body, this standard is essential for promoting sustainable construction practices and achieving a greener future.

BS EN 15804:2012+A2:2019

This standard BS EN 15804:2012+A2:2019 Sustainability of construction works. Environmental product declarations. Core rules for the product category of construction products is classified in these ICS categories:

• 91.010.99 Other aspects

This European standard provides core product category rules (PCR) for Type III environmental declarations for any construction product and construction service.

NOTE The assessment of social and economic performances at product level is not covered by this standard.

The core PCR:

• defines the indicators to be declared, information to be provided and the way in which they are collated and reported,

• describes which stages of a product’s life cycle are considered in the EPD and which processes are to be included in the life cycle stages,

• defines rules for the development of scenarios,

• includes the rules for calculating the Life Cycle Inventory and the Life Cycle Impact Assessment underlying the EPD, including the specification of the data quality to be applied,

• includes the rules for reporting predetermined, environmental and health information, that is not covered by LCA for a product, construction process and construction service where necessary,

• defines the conditions under which construction products can be compared based on the information provided by EPD.

For the EPD of construction services the same rules and requirements apply as for the EPD of construction products.