Holcim UK urges EPDs in regulations to eliminate greenwashing, promote informed choices

Alastair Meyers, Managing Director of Holcim UK's Readymix concrete division, has urged the incorporation of Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) into UK regulations and legislation to eliminate greenwashing and promote informed decision-making in the construction industry, according to a company statement Nov. 21.

EPDs are independently verified documents that detail a product's environmental impact, and according to Meyers, their integration into official standards is crucial for ensuring that all material choices are supported by live, verifiable data. "EPDs have become the benchmark for sustainability across Europe, but the UK still lags behind," he said, adding, "It's vital that every material choice is backed by live, verifiable data."

Holcim has issued over 3,000 EPDs across 24 countries, covering various indicators such as carbon footprint, energy use, and waste. Among their offerings is the ECOPact product range, recognized as the world's lowest-carbon concrete, alongside DYNAMax High Performance Concrete and other generic mixes -- all supported by verified EPD data.

Traditional EPDs typically require six months to complete, but Holcim has developed Europe's first 'on-demand' EPD generator tool, significantly reducing this timeframe to mere minutes. Meyers emphasized the importance of this innovation, stating, "A net zero future must not be built on assumptions and guesswork."

"Having EPDs written into regulation and legislation will create a level playing field and a common standard that all construction professionals will know and understand." This standardization would enable contractors to make like-for-like comparisons, allow architects and specifiers to make informed choices, and provide developers with confidence that their buildings align with sustainability goals, he added.