The Growing Importance of Environmental Product Declarations in the Roofing Industry
As sustainability becomes a central focus in construction, the need for clear and transparent environmental data has never been greater. Across the built environment, architects, specifiers, and contractors are increasingly required to demonstrate the environmental performance of the products they use. In this context, Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) have emerged as an essential tool for ensuring informed, responsible specification – and the roofing industry is no exception.
What is an EPD?
An Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) is a verified, standardised report that provides transparent information about the environmental impact of a product throughout its life cycle. Developed in accordance with international standards such as EN 15804 and ISO 14025, EPDs enable fair comparison between products by detailing data such as raw material use, energy consumption, emissions, and end-of-life performance.
For roof tile manufacturers, an EPD offers a reliable and recognised way to quantify sustainability performance, while providing confidence to specifiers who must meet ever-tightening environmental and planning requirements.
Why EPDs Matter for Roofing
In recent years, the demand for credible sustainability data has intensified. Specifiers are increasingly required to meet benchmarks set by frameworks such as BREEAM, LEED, and The Future Homes Standard, all of which emphasise the importance of life-cycle assessment and low-carbon design.
EPDs allow roofing products, whether clay, concrete, or other materials to be assessed on a level playing field, enabling project teams to make evidence-based decisions that align with their environmental goals. By providing accurate life-cycle data, manufacturers help ensure that roofing systems contribute positively to overall building performance and certification outcomes.
Supporting Transparency and Responsible Manufacturing
Beyond compliance, EPDs signal a manufacturer’s commitment to transparency and continuous improvement. By assessing the environmental impact of their operations, manufacturers can identify opportunities to reduce emissions, improve resource efficiency, and drive innovation in product development.
For the wider roofing industry, this shift fosters trust and accountability – giving specifiers, clients, and end users confidence that environmental claims are backed by robust, independently verified data.
Looking Ahead
As environmental reporting becomes embedded within construction standards and procurement processes, the expectation for manufacturers to provide EPDs will continue to grow. The Roof Tile Association fully supports the development and use of EPDs as part of a broader commitment to sustainability, quality, and transparency in the UK roofing sector.
With more roof tile manufacturers now embracing the delivery of EPDs, they not only meet the needs of today’s marketplace but also help shape a more sustainable future for construction – one built on clarity, comparability, and continuous improvement.