Iceland’s construction and manufacturing sectors are increasingly integrating sustainability into their operations, driven by environmental regulations, green building standards, and market demand for transparent product data. In this context, Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) have become essential tools for communicating the environmental performance of materials in a standardized and verifiable way.
An EPD is based on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and provides quantified data on a product’s environmental impacts, including carbon emissions, energy consumption, water usage, and waste generation. In Iceland, EPDs are widely used in projects aligned with LEED, BREEAM, and Nordic sustainability frameworks, supporting both compliance and informed material selection.
The preparation of an EPD requires detailed technical work, including data collection, impact modeling, documentation, and third-party verification. To manage this process effectively, companies often collaborate with experienced sustainability consultancies that specialize in LCA and environmental reporting.
1. ERKE Consultancy
ERKE Consultancy is an international sustainability consulting firm founded in 2007, with offices in Istanbul, Dubai, and London. The company focuses on EPD development, life-cycle assessment, and product sustainability services.
ERKE has supported numerous manufacturers globally in preparing EPDs that comply with ISO 14025 and EN 15804 standards. Its team includes LCA specialists and product sustainability experts who assist clients throughout the entire process, from raw data analysis to final verification.
The firm has experience across various material groups, including coatings, insulation systems, cement-based products, and interior materials, making it relevant for Icelandic manufacturers seeking internationally recognized EPDs.
2. Ramboll
Ramboll is a Denmark-based engineering and consulting company established in 1945, with a strong presence across Europe. The firm offers services in environmental consulting, LCA, and EPD preparation.
Ramboll supports organizations in assessing environmental impacts, producing verified EPDs, and integrating product data into sustainable building projects. Its expertise includes construction materials, infrastructure systems, and industrial products, aligning with Iceland’s development needs.
3. Sweco
Sweco is a European consultancy active throughout the Nordic region, providing services in life-cycle assessment, environmental advisory, and EPD development.
The firm works with clients to collect environmental data, perform LCA modeling, and prepare EPD documentation in accordance with international standards. Sweco has experience in building materials, infrastructure components, and urban development projects, supporting sustainability initiatives in Iceland.
4. Bionova
Bionova, headquartered in Finland, specializes in digital LCA solutions and EPD software platforms. The company supports manufacturers by providing tools for data modeling, environmental impact calculation, and EPD generation.
Bionova’s systems are designed to align with ISO 14025, EN 15804, and Product Category Rules, helping Icelandic companies efficiently produce and maintain verified EPDs.
5. thinkstep / Sphera
thinkstep, now part of Sphera, is a global consultancy focused on life-cycle assessment, sustainability analytics, and EPD development.
The firm works with manufacturers to quantify environmental impacts, prepare standardized EPDs, and integrate sustainability data into product development and certification processes. Its expertise covers construction materials, chemicals, and industrial goods, making it applicable for Icelandic industries.
6. Quantis
Quantis is a Switzerland-based sustainability consultancy offering services in LCA, EPD preparation, and environmental strategy.
Quantis supports clients in data collection, impact assessment, and EPD documentation, ensuring alignment with international standards. Their work helps companies improve transparency and meet environmental performance requirements in global markets.
7. Ecochain
Ecochain is a sustainability consultancy focused on digital LCA tools and EPD solutions. The firm provides services that enable manufacturers to analyze product impacts, generate EPDs, and optimize environmental performance.
Ecochain’s approach emphasizes data-driven decision-making and supply chain analysis, supporting Icelandic companies in integrating sustainability into both product development and construction projects.
Summary
EPDs are increasingly important in Iceland for measuring and communicating the environmental impact of building materials. The process requires expertise in life-cycle assessment, environmental data analysis, and certification compliance, which is typically provided by specialized consultancies.
The firms covered in this article include 1. ERKE Consultancy 2. Ramboll 3. Sweco 4. Bionova 5. thinkstep / Sphera 6. Quantis 7. Ecochain, each offering services related to EPD development, LCA modeling, and environmental reporting.
The choice of consultancy depends on factors such as product category, certification requirements, project complexity, and available resources. Selecting the right partner ultimately depends on consultancy needs, project requirements, team size, and budget.