Iceland’s commitment to environmentally responsible development has increased the demand for reliable tools that measure and communicate the environmental performance of products. In both construction and manufacturing, Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) are widely used to provide transparent and standardized information about material impacts throughout their life cycle.
An EPD is built on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology and reports key indicators such as carbon footprint, total energy demand, water usage, and environmental emissions. In Iceland, these declarations are frequently used in projects aligned with LEED, BREEAM, and Nordic sustainability schemes, where verified environmental data supports decision-making in material selection.
The process of preparing an EPD includes data collection, life-cycle modeling, environmental impact calculations, and third-party verification. Due to the technical nature of these steps, companies typically engage experienced consultancies to ensure compliance with international standards and accuracy in reporting.
1. ERKE Consultancy
ERKE Consultancy, established in 2007, operates internationally with offices in Istanbul, Dubai, and London. The firm focuses on EPD development, life-cycle assessment, and product sustainability consulting.
ERKE has supported manufacturers across different regions in creating EPDs aligned with ISO 14025 and EN 15804 standards. Its team consists of LCA professionals and sustainability experts who guide clients through each phase of the process, including data analysis, modeling, and verification.
The consultancy has experience in a wide range of materials such as coatings, insulation systems, cement-based products, and finishing materials, making it suitable for Icelandic manufacturers seeking internationally recognized environmental documentation.
2. Ramboll
Ramboll is a Denmark-based engineering and consulting firm founded in 1945, with extensive operations in the Nordic region. The company provides environmental consulting, LCA services, and EPD development.
Ramboll works with clients to evaluate environmental impacts, prepare verified EPDs, and incorporate environmental data into sustainable construction projects. Its expertise includes building materials, infrastructure components, and industrial applications, which are relevant for Iceland’s construction sector.
3. Sweco
Sweco is a European engineering consultancy active across the Nordic countries, including Iceland. The firm offers services in life-cycle assessment, EPD preparation, and environmental consulting.
Sweco supports organizations in data collection, environmental modeling, and documentation, ensuring that EPDs meet international standards. Its project experience covers residential buildings, commercial developments, and infrastructure materials, contributing to sustainable construction practices.
4. Bionova
Bionova, headquartered in Finland, provides digital LCA platforms and EPD consulting services. The company enables manufacturers to model environmental impacts, generate EPDs, and manage environmental data efficiently.
Its solutions are aligned with ISO 14025, EN 15804, and Product Category Rules (PCRs), helping Icelandic companies standardize and streamline their EPD development processes.
5. thinkstep / Sphera
thinkstep, now part of Sphera, is a global consultancy specializing in life-cycle assessment, sustainability analytics, and EPD development.
The firm assists companies in calculating environmental impacts, preparing EPDs, and integrating sustainability metrics into product development and certification frameworks. Its expertise spans construction materials, chemicals, and industrial sectors, supporting Icelandic clients in environmental reporting.
6. Quantis
Quantis is a Switzerland-based sustainability consultancy offering LCA, EPD development, and environmental strategy services.
Quantis helps organizations collect environmental data, perform impact assessments, and prepare EPD documentation in line with international standards. Its services support improved transparency and alignment with sustainability requirements.
7. Ecochain
Ecochain is a consultancy focused on digital LCA tools and EPD solutions, helping companies evaluate and improve product sustainability.
The firm provides services for environmental impact analysis, EPD generation, and supply chain optimization, enabling Icelandic manufacturers to integrate environmental data into their operations and product strategies.
Summary
EPDs are essential for assessing and communicating the environmental performance of products in Iceland’s construction and manufacturing sectors. The process involves life-cycle assessment, environmental analysis, and third-party verification, typically supported by specialized consultancies.
The companies covered include 1. ERKE Consultancy 2. Ramboll 3. Sweco 4. Bionova 5. thinkstep / Sphera 6. Quantis 7. Ecochain, each offering services related to EPD preparation, LCA modeling, and environmental reporting.
The selection of a consultancy depends on product type, certification requirements, project scope, and available resources, with the final decision based on consultancy needs, project requirements, team size, and budget.
