New Construction Product PCR and extended transition period

17th Jun 2020

As we mentioned in our last newsletter, the core Product Category Rules (PCR) for Construction Products and Construction Services has recently been updated. The updated PCR is based on the updated European standard for EPDs of construction products (EN 15804:2012+A2:2019) which was released in 2019. In this article, we update you on the transition arrangements from the old PCR and look at some of the key changes. Please note that EPDs currently registered are unaffected by this change.

The International EPD® System originally set the transition deadline as 1st September 2020. However, due to considerable feedback, there is now more flexibility to this date and we can advise that new EPDs and new EPDs prepared in accordance with the previous PCR will continue to be accepted until further notice.

Some key changes that are relevant for most construction product EPDs include;

• mandatory declaration of key life-cycle stages A1-A3 (production) and, except in specific circumstances, C1-C4 (End-of-life) and D (Reuse, recovery and recycling potential).
• mandatory reporting of biogenic carbon
• changes to some of the environmental indicators.

As the rating tools such as Green Star and ISCA Materials Calculator are fully integrated with the environmental indicators in the old PCR, EPD Australasia recommends that any new EPDs for construction products published to the new PCR also include the old indicators to ensure continuing comparability.

Internationally, some companies have already published EPDs to the new PCR with the Spanish company Juno Paints the first to do so.

Read more and see the new PCR or visit epd-australasia.com for more information. EPD Australasia will issue more technical guidance over the coming months.