AAMA and Other Groups Finalize ANSI-approved Product Category Rules for Environmental Product Declarations

During the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) Summer Conference, held in Rosemont, Ill., June 9-12, 2013, Dr. Tom Gloria, managing director of Industrial Ecology Consultants, presented information about developing Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) using the Product Category Rules (PCR) guidance document.

The PCR guidance document currently is being developed by AAMA, along with a joint group of industry associations and manufacturer representatives, and is scheduled to be completed by fall 2013. The document is a response to a widely recognized need for a single ANSI-approved resource to use in developing industry recognized and uniform comparative EPDs and substantive LCAs.

“When finalized, the PCR document will offer manufacturers the tools needed to provide comprehensive, product-specific EPDs to their customers,” adds Rich Walker, AAMA’s president and CEO.

According to Gloria, an EPD describes the following:

• A product’s materials and their origin
• The specifications on the manufacturing of the product (energy consumption, emissions released, treatment of waste, packing and transport)
• Information about product use
• Final disposition (reused, recycled, disposed)
• LCA results per impact category per life-cycle stage
• Evidence and verification for calculations

However, Gloria emphasizes that “an EPD is more than just a specification; it’s a new avenue to engage with consumers in this world of environmental sustainability.” Gloria also notes it is important that all stakeholders, like AAMA, work together to develop PCRs, ensuring that they are “reasonable and science based.”