Product category rules PCR

[edit] What are Product Category Rules?

Product category rules (PCRs) are a set of rules and requirements that aim to create a level playing field when comparing and assessing the environmental impact of different types of products that perform similar functions. For example in terms of building products, they might be used to compare different insulation materials or types of flooring, the intention being to make comparisons between different products easier and fairer.

In the standard ISO/TR 14025 (Environmental labels and declarations) for Type III environmental declarations, developed in 2000, it was concluded that product category rules (PCR) were necessary to define specific rules for products serving the same or similar functions. This standard has since been updated in ISO 14025:2006. It sets out a procedure for developing PCRs, the required content of a PCR, and requirements for comparability. Since then, the role of PCRs has also been recognised in the development of other life cycle assessment (LCA) based standards, which in might be considered to fall into two categories:

• Environmental product declarations (EPDs)
• Product environmental footprints (PEFs)

[edit] Environmental product declarations (EPDs)

Environmental product declarations (EPDs) product category rules (or EPD-PCRs) provide the rules, requirements, and guidelines for developing an EPD for a specific product category. These compliment the general programme instructions (GPI), for example in terms of calculation rules, building scenarios, and EPD contents. A PCR should allow different assessors to generate consistent results when assessing products that are in the same product category and are a key part of ISO 14025 as they enable transparency and comparability between EPDs.

[edit] Product environmental footprints (PEFs)

Product environmental footprints (PEFs) product category rules (or PEFCR) are rules specific to different product groups or categories. These category rules standardise how LCA’s of products in one product group are conducted, which might include Product Carbon Footprints (CFPs).

[edit] EN 15804+A2

In 2019 EN 15804+A1 2012 was updated to EN 15804+A2 Sustainability of construction works - Environmental product declarations - Core rules for the product category of construction products. The application of the previous standard expired in October 2022, so all EPDs created according to this standard must have been published by then and submitted or verification by the end of July 2022. The main changes between version +1 and version +2 are summarised below:

[edit] End-of-life recycling

Annex D is new and covers calculations for the end-of-life (EoL) benefits or loads beyond the system boundaries. This increases the role of circularity and recycling as well as opportunities for bio-based materials. The calculation method is based on the EoL formula from the PEF standard.

[edit] Biogenic carbon

The biogenic carbon mass (including carbon offsetting) of products and packaging now needs to be declared and the biogenic carbon in construction products needs to be included in EPD’s. It is likely that the PEF category rules (PEFCR) will be updated specifying this biogenic carbon content allocation to different product categories and sectors.

[edit] Environmental impact indicators

The 11 impact categories from the previous version, have increased to 13 with 6 additional environmental impact categories, these are aligned with the new PEF methodology. The resource depletion element (metals + fossil fuels) now carries greater weight. In terms of these indicators documentation and datasets must now be converted to the international reference life cycle data system (ILCD) format.

[edit] Life stages

The previously optional life stage modules A1-A3, C1-C4 and D now have to be declared for all construction products. Under specific conditions it may still be possible to limit this to A1-A3 only EPD but in general end -of-life (EoL) and recycling need to be included in EPD’s, which involves more work but does support circularity.

[edit] Product category rules

EPDs were initially only seen as individual product declarations and thus often differ the functional that are measured as well the units declared in the calculations. For example a functional might be thermal performance per m2 or by weight. EPDs were not intended to be used as a comparison device between different products (despite that being a likely outcome). By introducing PCR’s there it is easier to compare the environmental impact of different types of products that perform similar functions. Furthermore it is seen that as these develop there will be an opportunity to align them with standards that assess at different levels such as operations.

[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings

• Carbon footprint.
• Embodied energy.
• Embodied energy in construction
• Green Guide to Specification.
• Life cycle assessment.
• Material procurement.
• Product Carbon Footprints (PEFs)
• Product Environmental Footprints (PEFs)
• Responsible sourcing of construction products.
• Sustainability.
• Sustainable development.
• Sustainable materials for construction
• Whole life costs.