What we do Research and knowledge DEIC Basic Book Environment Assessment of construction products

6.4 Assessment of construction products

6.4.1 Construction products and Environmental Product Declarations

In building assessments, construction products are assessed by Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) performed in accordance with EN 15804 (CEN, 2012), when applying the European methodology.

All results of the assessment of the product are given within the modular system of the methodology, with modules A1-A3 (Chapter 6.2.1 – product stage) as the mandatory part.

An EPD cannot tell whether a construction product is sustainable or not. This conclusion can only be reached in a whole-building context.

 

VELUX Environmental Product Assessment (VEPA)

A VEPA is a statement from VELUX A/S regarding the environmental impacts and use of resources of products. It is assessed and structured as an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) in accordance with EN 15804 (CEN, 2012).

Other Environmental Performance Declarations (EPDs) VELUX France has conducted EPDs according to the French standard NF P 01-010, known as FDES. There are three different EPDs on Wooden Roof Windows, PU Roof Windows and Flashings. The EPD is the result of assessments done on a group of products typically sold in France. The EPDs are published in the INIES database.

http://www.base-inies.fr/Inies/Consultation.aspx 

 

6.4.2 Other types of labels

There are many other types of labels for assessment of construction products, including materials labels and health labels.

 

French indoor air quality labelling



French indoor air quality labelling is a mandatory labelling system for pro-ducts on the French market. The legislation covers interior products. The labelling system covers four categories: C, B, A and A+, of which A+ is the best category. Electric motors, blinds and other decoration products are not included in the labelling system. Most VELUX products have achieved A+. http://www.developpement-durable.gouv.fr/Chapitre-I-Mode-d-emploi-de-l.html

Oeko-Tex®



Oeko-Tex® is an international voluntary label used to certify textiles. The label concerns emissions and content of selected dangerous substances. Some VELUX blinds are certificated to Oeko-Tex® standards.

PEFC/FSC



The Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) and the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) are two labels concerning sustainable and responsible forest management. VELUX has obtained both labels. More information can be found here:

http://www.pefc.org/ or

https://ic.fsc.org/
 
CEN (2012a) EN 15804 Sustainability of construction works. Environmental product declarations. Core rules for the product category of construction products.