A manufacturer has published an environmental product declaration (EPD) and a health product declaration (HPD). What do these documents primarily aid in?

The environmental product declaration (EPD) and health product declaration (HPD) are both crucial tools for promoting transparency in the building materials industry. An EPD provides quantified environmental information about the life cycle of a product, detailing aspects like resource use, energy consumption, and emissions. This allows consumers and stakeholders to assess the environmental impacts of products based on standardized criteria.

Similarly, the HPD focuses on the potential health impacts associated with a product, disclosing any chemicals and their related health hazards. By utilizing these documents, manufacturers and architects can make more informed decisions that prioritize sustainability and health, thus enhancing the overall transparency of the materials used in construction projects.

This emphasis on transparency is essential in the context of LEED certification, as it helps teams meet various credits related to material selection, encouraging the use of sustainable products and informing end users about health and environmental considerations.