CEN/TR 16970:2016

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-oktober-2016
Trajnostnost gradbenih objektov - Navodila za uporabo EN 15804
Sustainability of construction works - Guidance for the implementation of EN 15804
Nachhaltiges Bauen - Leitfaden für die Anwendung von EN 15804
Contribution des ouvrages de construction au développement durable - Lignes
directrices pour la mise en application de l'EN 15804
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: CEN/TR 16970:2016
ICS:
13.020.20 Okoljska ekonomija. Environmental economics.
Trajnostnost Sustainability
91.010.01 Gradbeništvo na splošno Construction industry in
general
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

CEN/TR 16970
TECHNICAL REPORT
RAPPORT TECHNIQUE
July 2016
TECHNISCHER BERICHT
ICS 91.010.99
English Version
Sustainability of construction works - Guidance for the
implementation of EN 15804
Contribution des ouvrages de construction au Nachhaltiges Bauen - Leitfaden für die Anwendung von
développement durable - Lignes directrices pour la EN 15804
mise en application de l'EN 15804

This Technical Report was approved by CEN on 11 April 2016. It has been drawn up by the Technical Committee CEN/TC 350.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania,
Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and
United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION

EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Avenue Marnix 17, B-1000 Brussels
© 2016 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. CEN/TR 16970:2016 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Contents Page
European foreword . 4
Introduction . 5
1 Scope . 6
2 Normative references . 6
3 Terms and definitions . 6
4 Abbreviations . 7
5 General aspects . 7
5.1 Objectives . 7
5.1.1 Objectives of core PCR . 7
5.1.2 Objectives of the guidance . 8
5.2 Types of EPD with respect to life cycle stages covered . 9
5.2.1 Information Modules . 9
5.2.2 Beyond the product life cycle: information module D . 10
5.2.3 Scenarios . 10
5.2.4 Types of EPD with respect to applied modules . 10
5.2.5 Default values for indicator results for the use in c-PCR . 10
5.3 Comparability of EPD for construction products . 10
5.4 Additional information . 11
5.5 Ownership, responsibility and liability for the EPD . 11
5.6 Communication formats . 11
6 Product Category Rules for LCA . 11
6.1 Product Category . 11
6.2 Life cycle stages and their information modules to be included . 11
6.2.1 General . 11
6.2.2 A1-A3, Product stage, information modules . 11
6.2.3 A4-A5, Construction process stage, information modules . 12
6.2.4 B1-B5, Use stage, information modules related to the building fabric . 12
6.2.5 B6-B7, use stage, information modules related to the operation of the building . 12
6.2.6 C1-C4 End-of-life stage, information modules . 12
6.2.7 D, Benefits and loads beyond the system boundary, information module . 15
6.3 Calculation rules for the LCA . 15
6.3.1 Functional unit . 15
6.3.2 Declared Unit . 15
6.3.3 Reference service life (RSL). 15
6.3.4 System boundaries . 15
6.3.5 Criteria for the exclusion of inputs and outputs . 21
6.3.6 Selection of data with regard to average EPD . 21
6.3.7 Data quality requirements. 22
6.3.8 Developing product level scenarios . 22
6.3.9 Units . 23
6.4 Inventory analysis . 23
6.4.1 Collecting Data . 23
6.4.2 Calculation procedures . 23
6.4.3 Allocation of input flows and output emissions . 23
6.5 Impact assessment . 24
7 Content of the EPD . 24
7.1 Declaration of general information . 24
7.2 Declaration of environmental parameters derived from LCA . 25
7.2.1 General . 25
7.2.2 Rules for declaring LCA information per module . 25
7.2.3 Parameters describing environmental impacts . 25
7.2.4 Parameters describing resource use . 26
7.2.5 Other environmental information describing different waste categories and output
flows. 27
7.3 Scenarios and additional technical information . 27
7.4 Additional information on release of dangerous substances to indoor air, soil and
water during the use stage . 27
7.5 Aggregation of information modules . 27
8 Project report . 27
9 Verification and validity of an EPD . 27
Bibliography . 28
European foreword
This document (CEN/TR 16970:2016) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 350
“Sustainability of construction works”, the secretariat of which is held by AFNOR.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CEN shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
Introduction
This Technical Report is a complementary document to EN 15804 “Sustainability of construction
works - Environmental product declarations - Core rules for the product category of construction
products”. It is intended to assist the understanding and use of EN 15804 by giving guidance and
further explanation.
This document does not replace any of the standard’s requirements or introduce any new rules and it
is not intended to be used as a stand-alone document.
This document provides guidance to CEN Technical Committees for construction products and other
bodies such as Environmental Product Declaration programme operators in the construction sector
developing Product Category Rules complementary to EN 15804.
According to decision BT 3/2013, CEN Technical Committees for construction products are asked to
inform CEN/TC 350 at the earliest stage when a complementary PCR document will be developed,
allowing CEN/TC 350 to arrange a liaison and ensure they can review the document when necessary.
1 Scope
This Technical Report provides general guidance to the users of EN 15804 and those preparing
complementary Product Category Rules (c-PCR's) by:
— stating general principles for the use of EN 15804 by CEN Technical Committees for construction
products (Product TC's) in order to ensure consistency among the complementary PCR produced
by Product TC's;
— addressing the questions raised by Product TC's, manufacturers or their sub-contractors who
provide LCA studies underlying an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) and by EPD
programme operators who include c-PCR of specific subcategories in their PCR registry.
2 Normative references
The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and are
indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated
references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
EN 15804:2012+A1:2013, Sustainability of construction works - Environmental product declarations -
Core rules for the product category of construction products
EN 15978, Sustainability of construction works - Assessment of environmental performance of buildings -
Calculation method
EN ISO 14025:2010, Environmental labels and declarations - Type III environmental declarations -
Principles and procedures (ISO 14025:2006)
ISO 15686 (all parts), Buildings and constructed assets — Service life planning
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in EN 15804:2012+A1:2013 and
the following apply.
3.1
complementary product category rules, c-PCR
product group specific or horizontal PCR, which provide additional, compliant and non-contradictory
requirements to EN 15804
Note 1 to entry: c-PCR are meant to be used together with EN 15804.
3.2
default values
pre-defined results without further calculation
3.3
freshwater
water having a low concentration of dissolved solids
Note 1 to entry: Freshwater typically contains less than 1 000 mg per litre of dissolved solids and is generally
accepted as suitable for withdrawal and conventional treatment to produce potable water.
Note 2 to entry: The concentration of total dissolved solids can vary considerably over space and/or time.
[SOURCE: ISO 14046:2014, 3.1.1]
3.4
water use
use of water by human activity
Note 1 to entry: Use includes, but is not limited to, any water withdrawal, water release or other human
activities within the drainage basin impacting water flows and/or quality, including in-stream uses such as
fishing, recreation, transportation.
Note 2 to entry: The term “water consumption” is often used to describe water removed from, but not
returned to, the same drainage basin. Water consumption can be because of evaporation, transpiration,
integration into a product, or release into a different drainage basin or the sea. Change in evaporation caused by
land-use change is considered water consumption (e.g. reservoir). The temporal and geographical coverage of
the water footprint assessment are defined in the goal and scope.
[SOURCE: ISO 14046:2014, 3.2.1, modified]
4 Abbreviations
ADP Abiotic depletion potential
CF Characterization factor
c-PCR Complementary product category rules
EPD Environmental product declaration
EoW End-of-waste status
ETICS External Thermal Insulation Composite Systems
GHG Greenhouse gas
GWP Global warming potential
LCA Life cycle assessment
LCI Life cycle inventory
LCIA Life cycle impact assessment
PCR Product category rules
Product TC CEN Technical Committees for construction products (Product TC's),
i.e. Technical Committee in CEN responsible for developing harmonized
and other standards for product groups
RSL Reference service life
5 General aspects
5.1 Objectives
5.1.1 Objectives of core PCR
The main objective of EN 15804 is to provide horizontal core PCR for all construction products and
services. They are applicable for developing Type III EPD for any construction product or service but
can be further detailed in c-PCR.
It is possible to develop and to verify a Type III EPD directly to the EN 15804 standard. If there is no c-
PCR available, EPD for construction products are developed only according to EN 15804. The EPD
always states according to which standard the EPD was made (EN ISO 14025:2010, 7.2.1, e).
5.1.2 Objectives of the guidance
If more detailed specifications and descriptions for a product group are needed it is advisable to
develop a c-PCR in compliance with EN 15804. The grouping of products follows the grouping of the
Product TC's.
Compliance with this Technical Report is not a requirement for compliance with EN 15804, but
product TCs and Program Operators are encouraged to follow this guideline to enhance
harmonization
The guidance document supports the following principles for developing c-PCR:
a) Any c-PCR using EN 15804 as a normative reference needs to be compliant with EN 15804.
NOTE 1 CEN/TC 350 homepage [1] lists c-PCR documents prepared by Product TC's, that were reviewed
to be compliant with EN 15804, or are under review by CEN TC 350/WG 3.
b) A common structure of EN 15804 and c–PCR provided by Product TC's in order to assist the
development of a consistent set of principles and rules for the construction sector.
1) C-PCR developed by Product TC's use the following common title structure:
“[title of Product TC] - Environmental product declarations – Product category rules
complementary to EN 15804 [product group, depending on name]”
EXAMPLE  [Round and sawn timber] - Environmental product declarations - Product category rules
complementary to EN 15804 [for wood and wood-based products for use in construction].
2) The structure of the document maintains the structure of EN 15804.
When developing c-PCR Product TC's are recommended to use a format as described in Table 1.
Table 1 — Format for the development of complementary PCR in accordance with EN 15804
Comment
Clause Text for new c-PCR EN 15804
5 general aspects, As in EN 15804, in An EPD according to this …
5.1 Objective of the addition: standard provides quantified
PCR environmental information for a
xxxxxxxx
construction product or
service.
c) C-PCR provided by Product TC's and considered compliant with EN 15804 by CEN/TC 350
provide a consistent set of principles and rules. In the development of c- PCR the following aspects
are considered:
1) Complementary specifications to the core rules provided by EN 15804, particularly related to:
i) the scope of the c-PCR, related to the product group, product type, intended application
and use of the product, type of EPD (cradle to gate, cradle to gate with options, cradle to
grave);
ii) the scope with respect to any required information modules A1-C4 and D;
iii) specification of the declared or functional unit;
iv) allocation rules;
v) system boundary setting;
vi) application of the rules for the exclusion of inputs and outputs.
2) Guidance for the life cycle inventory specifically related to the product group and/or product
type for the information modules covered by the type of EPD.
3) Selection of information modules for which more specific requirements and guidance are
given.
4) Inclusion of default scenarios related to a specific application of the product including
guidance on:
i) the specific content of all information modules of the life cycle and information module D,
for default scenarios (e.g. use, typical waste processing, for energy recovery, recycling
and reuse and disposal);
ii) the definition of the end-of-waste status;
iii) the technical scenario information for all information modules of the product system and
information module D;
iv) the determination of the RSL and related in-use conditions for a specific application of the
product.
The following aspects are not part of c-PCR:
5) classes, benchmarks or threshold values for the indicators;
6) new indicators as part of the EN 15804 implementation.
NOTE 2 New indicators as part of the pre-set basket of indicators are developed in a horizontal
standardization process.
NOTE 3 Additional LCA based indicators required or permitted by a c-PCR are communicated as additional
information.
5.2 Types of EPD with respect to life cycle stages covered
5.2.1 Information Modules
In order to structure the sustainability assessment of buildings and to organize the use of data from
products for such an assessment, the life cycle of a product and the life cycle of a building are
presented identically in 3 life cycle stages:
— the before use stage: A, i.e. product and construction stage;
— the use stage: B, i.e. use stage;
— the after use stage: C, i.e. end-of-life stage.
Within the life cycle stages information modules are described. The environmental assessment
methodology, as described by EN 15804 and EN 15978 is further broken down in the information
modules specified by EN 15804:2012+A1:2013, Figure 1.
5.2.2 Beyond the product life cycle: information module D
During the life cycle of the product or building it is possible that secondary material and energy flows
leave the system boundary and have a new role to play in another product or building life cycle. In
other words, a product can have a positive or negative environmental contribution beyond the
product life cycle (or product system) under study. Reuse or recycling therefore can bridge two life
cycles.
However, the output flows from the production stage and from the rest of the life cycle stages, i.e.
construction, use and end-of life stage, are treated differently.
— The information given for output flows from the construction stage and other modules up to the
end-of life stage of the life cycle under study and thus for potential input flows into a next life
cycle beyond its system boundary, is provided as net potential benefits and loads. This
information of net potential benefits and loads is provided in information module D.
Contributions to module D can only come from modules A4-C4 (see EN 15804:2012+A1:2013,
Figure 1).
— Output flows coming from the production stage (A1-A3), are principally considered as co-
products (when they are not waste), which themselves carry benefits or loads from their
production history in A1-A3. This information is not provided in information module D. Co-
products leaving one product system are treated like any other commodity when they become
input into another product system.
5.2.3 Scenarios
Information modules A1, A2 and A3 are based on the actual and specific data of the production
process of the product. However, as soon as a construction product leaves the factory gate the
assessment is based on scenarios and assumptions: the fate of the product in the building chain will
depend on locations, types of transport, installation and constructing methodologies, building type,
use of the building, maintenance, repair and waste handling. The manufacturer cannot control these
processes completely. An assessment thus requires scenarios to be specified for each module, i.e. for
modules A4, A5, all B-modules, all C-modules and for information module D.
In a c- PCR-document for a specific product group, scenarios for each information module are more
easily developed and default scenarios defined than at the horizontal level.
5.2.4 Types of EPD with respect to applied modules
It is possible for a Product TC to define any of the optional modules as mandatory.
5.2.5 Default values for indicator results for the use in c-PCR
Default values for the indicators defined in EN 15804 are considered part of an EPD, developed
according to the c-PCR of the Product TC, which is based on the normative reference of EN 15804 and
such default values are reviewed according to EN ISO 14025.
NOTE Default values are not verified by CEN/TC 350.
When Product TC's are providing default values for the indicators defined in EN 15804 to be included
in harmonized product standards these default values are then worst-case values.
It is not recommended that Product TC's provide default values, due to the difficulty of calculating
worst-case values. They can be counterproductive to average EPD and are not as useful for building
assessment as average values.
5.3 Comparability of EPD for construction products
No guidance provided.
5.4 Additional information
No guidance provided.
5.5 Ownership, responsibility and liability for the EPD
No guidance provided.
5.6 Communication formats
No guidance provided.
6 Product Category Rules for LCA
6.1 Product Category
No guidance provided.
6.2 Life cycle stages and their information modules to be included
6.2.1 General
No guidance provided.
6.2.2 A1-A3, Product stage, information modules
Module A1 specifies the processes of raw material provision for the manufacturing processes, the
latter being specified in information module A3. Inputs to A1 can be, e.g. ores, minerals, fossil oil or
gas, products like fertilizer, as well as secondary materials or products.
The “polluter pays” principle is applied in EN 15804. This becomes relevant when some unit
processes, such as firing in a kiln, composting etc., process waste originating from a previous product
system. In such cases the production process for the assessed product is acting as waste management
for the other product system. This means that the waste processing of the other product system is
“out-sourced” to the product system using the waste. This waste management process sometimes
provides energy and/or materials for the production process of the product system under study.
It is important to clarify whether the substance entering the production process under study is
classified as “waste” or as “secondary product”, i.e. secondary material or secondary fuel. EN 15804
includes the following requirements for the polluter pays principle:
— Emissions and resulting impacts from waste managing processes are accountable to the system
that generated the waste.
— Any emissions and resulting impacts or waste resulting from further processing secondary
material or secondary fuel, although the latter come without burden from their previous product
system, are accountable to the assessed product.
Table 2 provides guidance on the assignment of waste management processes and use of secondary
materials and fuels to the different modules C or D.
The legal definition of the end of waste status can differ from member state to member state or even
regionally.
For transparency reasons the following conservative approach has been introduced: if wastes are
used for energy or material recovery and do not have the same waste status in all member states two
values can be declared in the communication of the LCA results in module A1 to A3:
a) the environmental impacts caused by the emissions including processing, incineration and co-
incineration of waste (gross value); and
b) the environmental impacts caused excluding the incineration of waste (net value), see Table 2.
6.2.3 A4-A5, Construction process stage, information modules
When setting system boundaries the general principle of EN 15804 is to consider all processes in the
modules where they occur. This also applies to losses (product waste from transport to site, storage
on site and incorporation in construction). Such losses are not part of the input flows in modules A1-
A3 but are calculated as additional input according to the rules of A1-A3 and declared in A4-A5.
If a product is declared as installed in a building, e.g. ETICS, the production processes of the product
components are declared in modules A1-A3. All the installation processes are declared in A5. Any
production and transport processes which compensate for any losses and related waste treatment
processes of wastage during installation are declared in module A5, see EN 15804:2012+A1:2013,
6.3.4.3. Any losses from the transport stage are dealt with in module A4.
6.2.4 B1-B5, Use stage, information modules related to the building fabric
No guidance provided.
6.2.5 B6-B7, use stage, information modules related to the operation of the building
No guidance provided.
6.2.6 C1-C4 End-of-life stage, information modules
Table 2 provides guidance on the assignment of waste management processes to the different
modules.
For transparency reasons the same conservative approach as described in 6.2.2 can be applied. If
wastes are used for energy or material recovery and do not have the same waste status in all member
states two values can be declared in the communication of the LCA results in module C3:
a) The environmental impacts caused by the emissions including processing, incineration and co-
incineration of waste (gross value); and
1) the environmental impacts caused excluding the incineration of waste (net value), see
Table 2.
Table 2 — Application of the “polluter pays” principle to the use of waste as substitute for primary fuels or materials
Energy
recovery Use of waste
Reached end-of-waste state? System that generates waste System that uses waste
Efficiency considered as
rate
Yes NA Use of secondary Declare the Declare the
material or
― the substance or object is commonly ― materials for recycling or recovery in ― use of secondary
secondary fuel,
used for specific purposes; module where the waste is generated, or if material or secondary
e.g. use of wood
at end-of life in C3 fuel; and
― a market or demand, exists for such a
chips recovered (EN 15804:2012+A1:2013, 7.2.5, Table 6);
substance or object; ― environmental
from untreated and
impact from the use of
― the substance or object fulfils the
wood.
― impacts of recycling processes to secondary material or
technical requirements for the specific
achieve end of waste in C3; fuel
purposes and meets the existing
legislation and standards applicable to ― impact to achieve substitution and in the module where it
products; benefits in module D is used
(EN 15804:2012+A1:2013, 6.3.4.6 and
― the use of the substance or object will (usually in A1-A3;
6.4.3.3).
not lead to overall adverse environmental EN 15804:2012+A1:20
or human health impacts. 13, 6.3.4.2).
(EN 15804:2012+A1:2013, 6.3.4.5)
No, when > = 60 % Waste recovery, Declare the Do not declare the
e.g. material or
― the waste is legally defined as waste ― environmental impact from waste ― impacts from waste
energy recovery.
when used; and processing e.g. incineration in the module processing, e.g. co-
Sometimes where the waste is generated, or if end-of incineration of waste.
― the use of waste is permitted and
referred to as use life in module C3;
regulated under European and/or Declare the
of alternative or
national waste legislation as applicable. ― exported energy in the module where
― use of exported
waste fuel, e.g.
the waste is generated
energy from the waste
use of tyres as
(EN 15804:2012+A1:2013, 7.2.5, Table 6 –
within “use of
substitute for
Exported energy in MJ per energy carrier);
secondary fuel” as a
fossil fuels in the
― substitution benefits in module D more appropriate
cement industry.
(EN 15804:2012+A1:2013, 6.3.4.6 and indicator does not
6.4.3.3). currently exist. It is
Energy
recovery Use of waste
Reached end-of-waste state? System that generates waste System that uses waste
Efficiency considered as
rate
recommended to note
< 60 % Waste disposal Declare the
this below the table.
― environmental impact from waste
disposal e.g. incineration in the module
where the waste is generated, or if end-of
life in module C4;
― exported energy in the module where
the energy is generated and the waste is
disposed of (EN 15804:2012+A1:2013,
7.2.5, Table 6 – Exported Energy in MJ per
energy carrier);
― substitution benefits in module D
(EN 15804:2012+A1:2013, 6.3.4.6 and
6.4.3.3).
6.2.7 D, Benefits and loads beyond the system boundary, information module
No guidance provided.
6.3 Calculation rules for the LCA
6.3.1 Functional unit
The functional unit defines the way in which the identified functions or performance characteristics of
the product are quantified.
The primary purpose of the functional unit is to provide a reference by which material flows (input and
output data) of construction product’s LCA results and any other information are normalized to
produce data expressed on a common basis.
For construction products, being part of a building and applied in various situations, uses and
construction types, using a declared unit (6.3.2) is often more appropriate, as the reference is
independent from specific situations and conditions of the use stage, which is not addressed, e.g. in a
cradle to gate EPD.
6.3.2 Declared Unit
The declared unit is applied when no functional unit can be defined, e.g. because the use of the product
cannot be unequivocally described because it can be used in many different ways. In such cases the c-
PCR can specify the declared unit for the products as listed in EN 15804:2012+A1:2013, 6.3.2. It can be
useful to consider the reference unit used as the denominator in, e.g. the technical descriptions,
specifications, Declarations of Performance, bill of materials, etc. Reasons for declaring units other than
those listed are the wish to use units commonly used for design, planning, procurement or sale.
6.3.3 Reference service life (RSL)
The Product TC's task is to provide guidance for estimating the Reference Service Life (RSL) according
to EN 15804. This means developing the RSL in line with the framework of ISO 15686- series, using test
standards in accordance with ISO 15686-2, and feedback from practice in accordance with ISO 15686-7.
For product group specific applications and conditions c-PCR sometimes provide default values for the
declared RSL. They are then based on corresponding default use scenario conditions including, e.g.
relevant scenarios for maintenance and repair (see EN 15804:2012+A1:2013, 7.3.3.2, Table 10). Where
products assembled from components or construction elements are concerned, the RSL development
also considers scenarios for replacement of components.
Indicator results for the RSL are provided per information module. It is possible to give annual values of
indicator results for the use stage (B1-B7) as additional information.
For practical examples see EN 15804:2012+A1:2013, Annex A.
6.3.4 System boundaries
6.3.4.1 General
The boundaries for construction products are defined for the typical production processes (A1-A3) and
the scenarios applying to the product over the rest of its life cycle (A4-C4). For the information module
D, the boundary includes all processes up to the point of functional equivalence with the substituted
primary material and/or fuel.
Further aspects of system boundaries such as technological and time related aspects are considered
under data quality in EN 15804. The data quality requirements are applicable for all data used in the
assessment. Data for upstream or downstream processes taken from databases are checked for
compliance with EN 15804.
A c-PCR can provide more precise default boundaries for the assessment as long as they comply with
the requirements given in EN 15804. For consistency when using this data in building assessment the
compliance with EN 15804 is essential.
In EN 15804:2012+A1:2013, 6.3.4.1, the Note indicates details for providing structure and transparency
for the calculation of individual modules.
EXAMPLE Maintenance of a product, e.g. flooring, requires cleaning and the use of energy. Auxiliary products
for maintenance, which can be tensides, abrasives, solvents, varnishes, etc. are used and their environmental
aspects and impacts are declared in the information module “B2 maintenance of the flooring product. The
environmental aspects and impacts coming from the production of the auxiliary products used, from the energy
provision as well as from the waste processing during maintenance in B2, are included in the assessment of the
flooring.
Figure 1 visualizes the detailed information modules describing the life cycle stages of the maintenance
service.
Figure 1 — Example of an information module scenario B2, Maintenance
The general rules for developing the scenarios are described in 7.3. A structured assessment of the
information modules in the life cycle stage A4, B and C1, C3 and C4 could make use of nested
information modules as described in Figure 1.
Such a structured approach also holds for the losses of products, e.g. during the transport module A4.
The consequence of losses is the additional production of products compensating the wastage and its
waste processing. This is an application of the “modularity principle”.
6.3.4.2 Product stage
6.3.4.2.1 Biogenic carbon
The following guidance is given on how biogenic carbon is treated in the LCA underlying an EPD:
All bio-based materials (wood, linen, cork, etc. or biogenic manufactured polymers) contain biogenic
carbon that originates from living organisms. The mass flows to and from nature and inherent stored
biogenic carbon throughout the product system are reported as flow of biogenic carbon expressed in
CO in the life cycle inventory. When entering the product system, i.e. a flow to technosphere from
nature, this biogenic carbon flow is characterized with −1 kg CO e/kg CO of biogenic carbon in the
2 2
calculation of the GWP, since it represents a carbon storage that is part of the carbon cycle of bio-based
materials.
This characterization factor is used for biomass coming from sustainably managed sources. For non-
sustainably managed sources, a conservative approach is applied, e.g. by assuming that the biogenic
carbon flow from non-sustainably managed sources is characterized with 0 kg CO e/kg CO . In such
2 2
cases, double counting needs to be carefully avoided when including GHG emissions from land use
change.
When the biogenic carbon within bio-based material – partly or as a whole – is converted to emissions,
it will then be accounted for as emitted biogenic CO and other emissions such as biogenic CH in the
2 4
information module where they are emitted to nature, depending on the end-of-life scenario. Emissions
of biogenic CO are characterized with +1 kg CO e /kg CO of biogenic carbon in the calculation of the
2 2 2
GWP.
NOTE 1 The flows of biogenic carbon expressed in CO in bio-based materials (from sustainably managed
sources) that are reused, recycled or combusted as the end-of-life scenario will result in zero net contribution to
the GWP, when the GWP is added up over the whole life cycle (modules A-C), except for the part of biogenic
carbon that is converted to CH or other GHG emissions over the life cycle (see also 6.3.4.5.3).
For transparency, providing within the EPD separate information for the product and for its packaging
on the amount of biogenic carbon included in the GWP impact in Module A1-A3 ensures this biogenic
carbon can be correctly considered in any end of life scenarios. EN 16485 [2] provides one approach to
address this.
Greenhouse gases emissions occurring as a result of land use change are included in the quantification
of the GWP. They are assessed in accordance with internationally recognized methods in line with the
provisions of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Guidelines for National
Greenhouse Gas Inventories [3]. These GHG emissions are included in the LCI and LCIA and
documented separately in the project report.
NOTE 2 This aspect is not restricted to bio-based materials, e.g. in the context of deforestation or conversion of
grassland to energy crops, but also all other of materials and processes, e.g. related to the conversion of land to
quarries, infrastructure, production plants, etc.
NOTE 3 According to EN 16485, wood from sustainably managed forestry’s is accounted for zero emission
concerning land use change. The concept of sustainably managed forests is linked but not limited to respective
certification schemes. Other evidence such as national reporting under the United Nations Framework Convention

on Climate Change (UNFCCC) [4] can be used to identify forests for which stable or increasing forest carbon stocks
and thus zero emissions from land use change can be assumed.
6.3.4.2.2 Packaging waste in the product stage
Packaging waste from the production process needs to be tracked to the end-of-waste state or final
disposal. Where the fate is not known, national or European databases can be used as a source of typical
percentages of packaging sent to different fates.
NOTE This link provides information: http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat
If the efficiency of energy recovery is not known, a recommended default scenario is that all
combustible waste, (including from combustible products at end-of-life), is incinerated with an
efficiency of energy recovery of less than 60 %. Hence, loads are declared where the waste is generated,
exported energy and potential substitution benefits are reported in D.
EN 15804 requires allocation for all net flows crossing the product system boundary from modules A1-
A3 and becoming secondary materials and/or exported energy after they have reached the end of waste
state. A conservative approach would be to omit such an allocation and leave benefits and loads to the
system under study, as the effort of allocation may be disproportionate to any improvement in
accuracy.
6.3.4.3 Construction stage
6.3.4.3.1 General
If a product is formed during installation in a building, e.g. in situ formed products such as ETICS or in
situ formed thermal insulation covered by prEN 16783 [5], the production processes for the product are
declared in modules A1-A3. All installation processes, production processes and associated transport to
compensate for losses and waste treatment processes to deal with losses are declared in module A5.
Refer to EN 15804:2012+A1:2013, 6.3.4.3.
In some cases, a c-PCR specifies information module A5 as being mandatory for a product group or a
specific product, e.g. where the impacts of installation are significant and/or it is necessary to include
information module A5.
EXAMPLE
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