EU Digital Product Passport
The EU Digital Product Passport (DPP) is a regulatory initiative under the EU Green Deal and Circular Economy Action Plan aimed at improving product sustainability, traceability, and resource efficiency across various industries, including construction.
The DPP is a digital record containing key data about a product's lifecycle, such as:
- Material composition (to aid recycling and reuse)
- Environmental footprint (carbon emissions, energy use, sustainability credentials)
- Repairability and recyclability (information on maintenance, dismantling, and end-of-life disposal)
- Supply chain transparency (origin of raw materials, compliance with sustainability standards)
This information will be stored electronically and accessible via a unique identifier such as a QR code, barcode RFID tags, or similar technology.
Although the UK has left the EU, the DPP is still relevant to UK construction businesses because UK construction product manufacturers selling into the EU will need to comply with the DPP regulations, and the UK is developing similar sustainability and other policies such as the Net Zero Strategy and the Building Safety Act that will require transparency and compliance within the supply chain.
In addition, DPPs have potential benefits beyond compliance:
- They will help track materials used in buildings, supporting ESG reporting, circular construction, and compliance with sustainability targets.
- They support better recycling, refurbishment, and reuse of materials.
- Developers and contractors may start requiring suppliers to adopt DPP-like disclosures to ensure low-carbon, sustainable sourcing.
Although exact details about which products will be affected are still developing, likely construction materials include:
- Steel, concrete, and timber, due to high carbon footprints.
- Insulation materials, due to fire safety and recyclability concerns.
- Electrical and HVAC equipment, due to energy efficiency and component traceability requirements.
- Windows, doors, and cladding for sustainability and fire safety compliance.
The EU Construction Products Regulation states that DPPs will have to contain the following information:
- Declaration of performance and conformity.
- General product information, instructions for use and safety information.
- Technical documentation.
- A label.
- A unique identifier.
- Documentation required under other EU law applicable to the product.
- The barcode, QR code or data matrix that links to the digital file for that product.
Ref https://www.bimplus.co.uk/construction-products-reform-embraces-digital-product-passports
To prepare for compliance, companies should:
- Identify affected products and materials.
- Digitise product data and documentation.
- Implement supply chain transparency and compliance checks.
- Align with circular economy and net zero goals.
- Keep track of changes and align with industry standards.
A number of existing tools are available to help with compliance such as:
- Digital product passport and traceability platforms.
- Environmental and sustainability data management tools.
- BIM (building information modelling) and material databases.
- Supply chain and compliance management tools.
- QR code and RFID-based data storage solutions.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Attestation of conformity.
- Blockchain.
- British Board of Agrément.
- Brownfield Passport
- Building passport
- CE marking.
- Construction products regulation
- Deadline for CE marked products extended to 1 January 2023.
- Energy related products regulations.
- European Technical Approval.
- Kitemark.
- Manufacturer’s certificate.
- Material passport
- NPPF, Decent Home Standards and brownfield passport consultations
- UK Conformity Assessed UKCA.
- United Kingdom Accreditation Service UKAS.
Featured articles and news
One of the most impressive Victorian architects. Book review.
RTPI leader to become new CIOB Chief Executive Officer
Dr Victoria Hills MRTPI, FICE to take over after Caroline Gumble’s departure.
Social and affordable housing, a long term plan for delivery
The “Delivering a Decade of Renewal for Social and Affordable Housing” strategy sets out future path.
A change to adoptive architecture
Effects of global weather warming on architectural detailing, material choice and human interaction.
The proposed publicly owned and backed subsidiary of Homes England, to facilitate new homes.
How big is the problem and what can we do to mitigate the effects?
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
A number of cool guides to help with the heat.
The UK's Modern Industrial Strategy: A 10 year plan
Previous consultation criticism, current key elements and general support with some persisting reservations.
Building Safety Regulator reforms
New roles, new staff and a new fast track service pave the way for a single construction regulator.
Architectural Technologist CPDs and Communications
CIAT CPD… and how you can do it!
Cooling centres and cool spaces
Managing extreme heat in cities by directing the public to places for heat stress relief and water sources.
Winter gardens: A brief history and warm variations
Extending the season with glass in different forms and terms.
Restoring Great Yarmouth's Winter Gardens
Transforming one of the least sustainable constructions imaginable.
Construction Skills Mission Board launch sector drive
Newly formed government and industry collaboration set strategy for recruiting an additional 100,000 construction workers a year.
New Architects Code comes into effect in September 2025
ARB Architects Code of Conduct and Practice available with ongoing consultation regarding guidance.
Welsh Skills Body (Medr) launches ambitious plan
The new skills body brings together funding and regulation of tertiary education and research for the devolved nation.
Paul Gandy FCIOB announced as next CIOB President
Former Tilbury Douglas CEO takes helm.