What is a verified EPD, and why does it matter?
Talking about sustainability is no longer an option, but a responsibility. But how can we truly know if a product is environmentally friendly? Verified Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) offer a clear and objective answer. It is a detailed, third-party verified report of a product’s life-cycle environmental impacts; from raw-material extraction, to manufacturing and transportation, all the way to end-of-life disposal or recycling, providing reliable data on its environmental impact. Transparency, rigour, and commitment, all in a single document.
In today’s built environment, EPDs have become a must-have for landmark certifications like LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method). Project teams rely on them to quantify carbon footprints, resource use, and emissions, critical data when aiming for the highest levels of green building ratings.
At Sancal, we’ve chosen this path to reinforce our commitment to sustainability. Having verified EPDs for our products marks a key milestone in our journey toward greater environmental transparency. It’s also a valuable tool for architects, interior designers, and specifiers who aim to create more responsible spaces.
Why are verified EPDs so challenging to obtain?
Complex life-cycle analysis
Conducting a full life-cycle assessment means gathering a complex array of data which can be painstaking and requires specialist knowledge and software.
Third-party verification
While most manufacturers opt for self-declared EPDs to save time and cost, these declarations carry minimal weight in certification schemes. Independent verification, like that provided by SCS, ensures credibility but demands rigorous documentation and consistency checks. Months of work and a substantial investment.
Continuous updating
Equipment changes, material substitutions, and process improvements all require EPD updates. Keeping dozens of product lines current means committing to ongoing environmental transparency, and that’s a serious investment.
Sancal’s Sustainability Journey
Securing SCS Verified EPDs for our entire product range represents the next milestone in a company-wide commitment to environmental stewardship. Here’s a snapshot of how we got here, and where we’re heading next:
ISO 14001 Environmental Management System
Certified across our operations, this standard underpins every decision we make, from energy use and waste reduction to water conservation.
ISO 9001 Total Quality Management
Total quality management ensures consistency, reliability, and continual improvement, benefiting both clients and the planet.
Indoor Advantage Gold
Our products meet the strictest indoor air-quality standards for low chemical emissions, so you can specify with confidence in your next project.
Solar Power
Rooftop photovoltaic panels now generate a significant portion of our factory’s energy needs.
Water-Based Paints & Adhesives
We’ve eliminated virtually all volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from our finishing processes.
10-Year Limited Warranty
Durability reduces waste, and our decade-long guarantee speaks to the confidence we have in our craftsmanship.
Ongoing Initiatives
From lab research into recycling materials to giving second hand pieces a new lease of life on Sancal Preloved, we never stop innovating.
What This Means for Your Next Project
With SCS Verified EPDs at your fingertips for every Sancal piece, you can:
Streamline certification: No more hunting down partial data or wrestling with self-declared documents.
Maximise points: Achieve the full environmental credit in LEED, BREEAM, WELL, and other schemes.
Build with confidence: Supply chain transparency means fewer surprises, and a stronger case for sustainable design.
All EPDs are now available to download directly from our website, ready to slot seamlessly into your specification packages.
Speak to a member of our team today to find out how Sancal’s environmental certification can help shape a more sustainable future together.
