AGM 2018

31st Aug 2018

The Australasian EPD Programme held their Annual General Meeting in August. The Programme is jointly owned by the Australian and New Zealand LCA Societies so the Presidents of each were present to approve the annual report on the Programme’s activities and finances for the previous year, ask questions, and to elect Directors.

The Board of Directors outlined key achievements including successful collaboration with the Australian Government’s National Carbon Offset Standard leading to streamlined certification for Australasian EPDs, a major website upgrade, and a small operating surplus.

Going forward – a decision was also made to fund on-ground EPD advocacy activities in Australian and New Zealand to raise the profile and understanding of EPDs and support our existing members. Andrew Marjoribanks and John McArthur were reappointed as Directors for three year terms.

The Programme now has 27 members with 44 EPDs registered. A further 20 EPDs are known to be currently under development.

“I think it’s safe to say that EPD’s have fast become the benchmark for business in Australia and New Zealand when it comes to measuring a product’s environmental footprint,” said Chair Stephen Mitchell. “It has been incredible to see how quickly EPDs have become accepted and initiated by all manner of businesses in our region – from household lighting, to polyethylene pipes to toilet tissue.”

Significant potential exists for EPDs within Australasia in the construction sector and we are now just beginning to see their full potential realised in project decision making processes. Emerging sectors for EPDs include transport infrastructure, energy, agriculture, packaging and food and beverage.

The Australasian EPD Programme looks forward to registering its 50th EPD in the coming months.