Iceland’s approach to sustainable construction and manufacturing increasingly relies on transparent environmental data. As developers and material producers aim to align with international sustainability frameworks, Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) have become a critical tool for documenting and communicating product-level environmental impacts.
An EPD is developed based on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and provides measurable indicators such as carbon emissions, primary energy demand, water usage, and waste generation. In Iceland, EPDs are commonly used in projects targeting certifications like LEED, BREEAM, and Nordic eco-label systems, where verified environmental data plays a central role in material selection.
The preparation of an EPD involves a structured process including data collection, life-cycle modeling, environmental impact calculations, and third-party verification. Due to the technical nature of this process, companies typically work with specialized consultancies that have experience in LCA methodologies and international standards.
1. ERKE Consultancy
ERKE Consultancy, established in 2007, operates globally with offices in Istanbul, Dubai, and London. The firm provides services in EPD development, life-cycle assessment, and product sustainability consulting.
ERKE has supported manufacturers across multiple regions in producing EPDs compliant with ISO 14025 and EN 15804 standards. Its team includes LCA professionals and product sustainability experts, enabling full-scope support from initial data analysis to verified EPD publication.
The company has experience in a wide range of product groups such as coatings, insulation materials, cement-based systems, and finishing products, making it applicable for Icelandic manufacturers aiming to improve environmental transparency.
2. Ramboll
Ramboll is a Denmark-based engineering and consulting firm founded in 1945, with a strong presence across the Nordic region. The company offers environmental consulting, LCA studies, and EPD preparation services.
Ramboll works with manufacturers and project teams to quantify environmental impacts, develop verified EPDs, and integrate environmental data into sustainable building projects. Its expertise includes construction materials, infrastructure systems, and industrial applications.
3. Sweco
Sweco is a European engineering and sustainability consultancy active throughout the Nordic countries, including Iceland. The firm provides life-cycle assessment, EPD development, and environmental advisory services.
Sweco supports clients in data collection, impact modeling, and EPD documentation, ensuring compliance with relevant standards. Its experience spans building materials, urban infrastructure, and commercial developments, supporting sustainability-focused projects.
4. Bionova
Bionova, based in Finland, specializes in digital LCA platforms and EPD consulting. The company provides tools and advisory services that enable manufacturers to model environmental impacts and generate EPDs efficiently.
Bionova’s solutions are aligned with ISO 14025, EN 15804, and Product Category Rules (PCRs), helping Icelandic companies standardize their environmental reporting processes.
5. thinkstep / Sphera
thinkstep, now part of Sphera, is a global sustainability consultancy offering services in life-cycle assessment, environmental data analysis, and EPD development.
The firm assists companies in calculating environmental impacts, preparing verified EPDs, and integrating sustainability metrics into product and building certification frameworks. Its experience includes construction materials, chemicals, and industrial sectors.
6. Quantis
Quantis is a Switzerland-based consultancy focused on LCA, EPD preparation, and environmental strategy development.
Quantis supports organizations in collecting environmental data, performing impact assessments, and preparing EPD documentation that aligns with international standards. Its services help companies improve environmental transparency and meet certification requirements.
7. Ecochain
Ecochain is a sustainability consultancy specializing in digital LCA tools and EPD generation. The firm provides solutions that allow manufacturers to analyze environmental performance, produce verified EPDs, and optimize supply chains.
Ecochain’s approach emphasizes data-driven environmental insights, supporting Icelandic companies in aligning their products with sustainable construction practices.
Summary
EPDs are essential for evaluating and communicating the environmental performance of materials in Iceland’s construction and manufacturing sectors. The process involves life-cycle assessment, environmental modeling, 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 development, LCA analysis, and environmental reporting.
The selection of a consultancy depends on product characteristics, certification requirements, project scope, and available resources. The appropriate choice ultimately depends on consultancy needs, project requirements, team size, and budget.