MARKET I OPPORTUNITIES
ISO 14025 or prEN 15804. These set out the calculation and assessment procedures to be used to analyse the impact of construction products on air, soil and water during their entire life cycle (life cycle assessment).
Structure of the German Certification System Photo: BMVBS, DGNB, IBU. Chart available in German only
When compiling an EPD it is only compulsory to state details on the manufacturing life cycle. The other life cycle phases (use, dismantling and recycling) can, but do not have to, be taken into consideration. However, both the BNB and the DGNB certification systems demand consideration of all phases. The window technology centre Institut für Fenstertechnik Rosenheim (ift) points out here that especially with long-lasting exterior building components like glazing, windows and façades environmental impact during their very long useful life is significantly higher than during the production process. This is why the institute recommends manufacturers have the impact across the entire product life cycle assessed.
Sustainable Building (Deutsche Gütesiegel Nachhaltiges Bauen) –– is awarded in gold, silver and bronze depending on the level of criteria fulfilled. The six areas of the assessment system primarily relate to ecological, economic, social and technical quality. An advantage of the DGNB certificate is its option for pre-certification of projects. This means buildings can already be optimised in the planning phase and be marketed in the relevant high-quality segment already early on.
Environmental product declarations Certification of building sustainability requires the manufacturers of construction materials to make available information on their products. Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) play a key role here. Within this context the European Regulation on Construction Products demands that: “For the assessment of the sustainable use of resources and of the impact of construction works on the environment Environmental Product Declarations should be used when available”. The normative basis for environmental production declarations (Type III Eco Label) are
The EPDs are issued by publicly recognised bodies. Currently in Germany these are the Institut Bauen und Umwelt e.V. (IBU), a grouping of construction product manufacturers, and the ift Rosenheim. However, it is anticipated that further institutions will be established on the market. Environmental Product Declarations can be prepared for an individual manufacturer, several manufacturers joining together or an entire association.
By developing EPD databases building planners and certification centres will in future be given access to the environmental declarations of construction products. What was previously a non-transparent system for many players within the construction sector will now feature increasingly clear structures and will be easy to apply in the interest of all parties involved. As recently as September 2011 EPD issuers from ten European countries along with several national Green Building Councils signed a letter of intent outlining the foundation of a European EPD platform. Those at the Institut Bauen und Umwelt e.V. are sure that EPDs will already soon be necessary for all construction product manufacturers wanting to compete effectively on the market.
Procedure Flowchart for the EPD Programme from the building and environment body Institut Bauen und Umwelt e.V. (IBU) Photo: IBU. Chart available in German only
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www.solar-international.net I Issue I 2012
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