Guidance on the use of INA in EPDs

2nd Nov 2017

1. PURPOSE

An issue was raised with the AEPDP Technical Advisory Group (TAG) in relation to the use of ”Indicator Not Assessed” or ”INA” in EPDs. The EPD in question had used INA for indicators in the ”Use of resources” section of the EPD. The purpose of this guidance is to communicate the findings of the TAG discussions of the use of INA in EPDs.

2. FINDINGS OF THE TAG

Based on discussions with TAG members we have come to a consensus that:

• EN 15804:2012+A1:2013 (section 6.2.1) states that the indicators for the mandatory modules (A1-A3) “shall” be reported
• The use of INA did originally appear in the draft standard EN15804, however, reference to and use of INA was removed before the standard was published
• The use of INA, leaving values blank, or the use of other acronyms is therefore not permitted for required indicators within the mandatory modules (A1-A3)
• There is further guidance on how to calculate the “Use of Resources” indicators in:
  • EN 15804:2012+A1:2013: refer to section 7.2.4, below table 4) which relates to 
the calculation of renewable/non-renewable primary energy
  • CEN TC 350 interpretation guide to EN 15804: refer to section 7.2.4 on 
’Parameters describing resource use’
  • CEN/TR 16970:2016
  • Zero (”0”) values may be used only for parameters that have been calculated to be zero following the standards and guidance materials (refer to EN 15804:2012+A1:2013, section 7.2.4, below table 4)
  • The use of INA is only permitted for use for parameters in non-mandatory modules that are not quantified because no data is available, however, sufficient justification shall be given
  • Footnotes shall be used to explain any limitations of parameter values

In conclusion, all indicators shall be reported for mandatory modules (A1-A3) and should be reported for non-mandatory modules where they are included. Where the parameters for non- mandatory modules can’t be reported, due to no data being available, then INA may be used, however, sufficient justification shall be given.

3. FURTHER INFORMATION

For further information and background please refer to the following standards and guidance material:

• EN 15804:2012+A1:2013
• CEN/TR 16970:2016
• the latest CEN TC 350 interpretation guide to EN 15804 
(http://portailgroupe.afnor.fr/public_espacenormalisation/centc350/table_questions_and_a 
nswers_EN_15804_june_2015.pdf)
• ISO 21930:2017 Sustainability in buildings and civil engineering works — Core rules for 
environmental product declarations of construction products and services

4. TREATMENT OF EXISTING PUBLISHED EPDS

Some EPDs that have already been published do not currently follow this guidance. It is expected that existing published EPDs are updated to comply with this guidance as part of their regular surveillance verifications, or when the EPD is changed/updated.