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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Welcome to the EPD Saudi Arabia FAQ page. Here you’ll find clear answers to common questions about Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), verification, and the EPD development process in Saudi Arabia.

If you still have questions, please contact us.

Topics

General

What is an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)?

An EPD is a third-party verified document that communicates the environmental performance of a product based on a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). It follows international standards like ISO 14025, EN 15804, and ISO 21930, and provides transparent, comparable information about a product’s impact on the environment.

Why do EPDs matter?

EPDs support environmental transparency, enhance competitiveness, enable participation in green building schemes (like LEED and BREEAM), and contribute to sustainable procurement. In Saudi Arabia, EPDs also align with Vision 2030 and sustainability goals for national giga projects.

Who can benefit from publishing an EPD?

Manufacturers, suppliers, project developers, and government entities across sectors such as construction, packaging, energy, food, and chemicals can all benefit. EPDs are especially valuable for export markets and public procurement

About EDP Saudi Arabia

Who operates EPD Saudi Arabia?

EPD Saudi Arabia is a Saudi-registered, legally independent company. It was founded by researchers based at KAUST and operates as the official licensee of the International EPD® System in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

What is your relationship with KAUST?

While the company was founded by KAUST-based researchers and maintains close scientific collaboration with the KAUST Urban Lab, EPD Saudi Arabia is not owned, governed, or operated by KAUST as an institution.

Starting the process

How do I begin the process of creating an EPD?

Start by visiting our Explore and Develop pages. You’ll need to:
1. Select or develop the relevant Product Category Rules (PCRs)
2. Hire a qualified LCA practitioner to conduct the assessment
3. Submit your EPD for third-party verification
4. Register and publish it through EPD Saudi Arabia

What is a Product Category Rule (PCR)?

A PCR defines how to conduct the LCA for a specific product category. It ensures consistency, comparability, and credibility. You must follow the correct PCR when developing an EPD.

Do I need to hire an LCA practitioner and verifier through EPD Saudi Arabia?

No. Companies are responsible for hiring both parties independently:

LCA Practitioner: You may choose any qualified practitioner, local or international, as long as they are familiar with the EPD system and applicable PCRs. EPD Saudi Arabia provides a list of suggested LCA practitioners in our portal based on product type and industry.
Verifier: You must choose your verifier from the official list of approved verifiers available in our portal. This is a requirement under EPD International’s General Programme Instructions.

EPD Saudi Arabia does not offer in-house verification or consulting services but provides guidance, training, and support materials.

Fees and registration

What are the registration fees?

Our fee structure includes administrative registration, support, and optional services. Fees vary depending on project type. Please refer to the Develop page for the full fee schedule.

Is support available for new applicants?

Yes. We offer training sessions, documentation templates, and advisory support to help first-time applicants understand the process. Visit Contact to request support

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)

What is Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)?

LCA is a scientific method used to evaluate the environmental impacts of a product or system across its life cycle—from raw material extraction to production, use, and disposal.

What type of data is needed for LCA?

You’ll need detailed information about:
Raw materials and sourcing
Energy and water consumption
Transportation and packaging
Waste generation and treatment
Manufacturing processes
Your LCA practitioner will guide you in compiling this data

Third-party verification

Why is third-party verification required?

Verification ensures that the EPD meets international quality and transparency standards. It protects credibility and enables international recognition.

Who can verify my EPD?

Only verifiers listed in our portal—recognized by EPD International—are authorized to conduct the review. You must select from this list to ensure validity.

Can EPD Saudi Arabia verify my EPD?

No. EPD Saudi Arabia is the program operator and cannot act as a verifier. This preserves neutrality and avoids conflicts of interest.

Publication and Recognition

Where will my EPD be published?

Once verified and approved, your EPD will be published on both:
EPD Saudi Arabia platform
International EPD System website (environdec.com)

Can I use my EPD in certification systems like LEED or BREEAM?

Yes. EPDs published through our system comply with the standards recognized by major green building certification programs.

Can I update my EPD later?

Yes. EPDs typically have a validity period (usually 5 years). You may update the LCA and submit a revised version when needed.

Training and Support

Do you provide training or workshops?

Yes. We offer:
Technical webinars
On-site and online training for companies and consultants
Customized workshops for industry and government
See the Develop page or follow our LinkedIn page for upcoming sessions.

Can EPD Saudi Arabia support me throughout the process?

Yes. While we do not perform LCA or verification, our team is available to:
Guide you through the EPD process
Help with PCR selection
Connect you with resources and training

Technical and Standards

What standards does EPD Saudi Arabia follow?

We operate under the framework of:
ISO 14025 – Type III environmental declarations
EN 15804 – Construction products
ISO 21930 – Building and construction
EPD International’s General Programme Instructions (GPI)

What language should the EPD be published in?

All EPDs must be in English, with optional Arabic translation upon request.