Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) have become essential documents in commercial construction procurement. For B2B timber dealers, understanding and leveraging EPDs can differentiate your offering in competitive tenders where sustainability credentials matter.
Last updated: March 2026
What Is an Environmental Product Declaration?
An EPD is a standardised, third-party verified document that quantifies the environmental impact of a product across its entire life cycle. Governed by ISO 14025 and EN 15804, EPDs provide transparent, comparable data on carbon emissions, resource consumption, and waste generation. Unlike marketing claims, EPDs are independently verified and follow strict calculation methodologies.
For timber construction products, EPDs typically cover raw material extraction (forestry), manufacturing (sawing, kiln-drying, CNC processing), transport, installation, use phase, and end-of-life scenarios.
Why EPDs Matter for B2B Timber Dealers
Public-sector tenders across Europe increasingly require EPDs as part of sustainability documentation. In the UK, government procurement frameworks mandate whole-life carbon assessments. Nordic countries have integrated EPD requirements into building regulations. The EU Construction Products Regulation revision further embeds environmental data requirements.
Dealers who can supply EPD-backed products gain access to contracts that competitors without this documentation cannot enter. This is particularly relevant for commercial projects, educational buildings, healthcare facilities, and government-funded housing developments.
Nordic Spruce EPD Data
Nordic spruce, the primary material in Eurodita production, carries one of the lowest environmental footprints in construction. Key EPD metrics for kiln-dried Nordic spruce structural timber include a global warming potential of approximately -1.4 to -1.7 kg CO2-eq per kg (negative because the carbon stored in wood exceeds processing emissions), primary energy consumption significantly below concrete and steel alternatives, and minimal waste generation during manufacturing.
How to Use EPDs in Commercial Bids
When responding to tenders, include EPD data in the sustainability section of your proposal. Reference specific EPD numbers rather than generic claims. Provide whole-building life cycle assessment data showing how timber construction compares to conventional alternatives. Training your sales team to discuss EPD metrics fluently builds credibility with architects and quantity surveyors.
EPD Programme Operators in Europe
Several organisations administer EPD programmes relevant to timber construction: The International EPD System (Sweden), IBU (Germany), BRE (United Kingdom), INIES (France), and NMD (Netherlands). Products registered with any of these operators carry mutual recognition across European markets.
Eurodita Manufacturing and Environmental Data
All Eurodita timber products use PEFC-certified Nordic spruce, kiln-dried to 16-18% moisture content using Nardi kilns (Italy). Hundegger CNC processing (Germany) minimises material waste through precision cutting. Production capacity of 150,000 m³ per year is managed within certified environmental management frameworks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an EPD and a carbon footprint?
A carbon footprint measures only greenhouse gas emissions. An EPD covers multiple environmental impact categories including acidification, eutrophication, ozone depletion, resource depletion, and waste generation.
Do all timber products have EPDs?
Not all products have individual EPDs. However, generic EPDs exist for timber product categories such as structural sawn timber and glulam.
How do EPDs affect building certification scores?
BREEAM, LEED, and similar schemes award credits for using products with EPDs. Timber products with EPDs typically contribute to higher scores in material categories.
Are EPDs mandatory in Europe?
EPDs are not universally mandatory but are increasingly required in public procurement and for buildings seeking green certifications.
How long is an EPD valid?
An EPD is typically valid for five years from the date of verification.
