Sustainability has become a defining requirement in today’s construction, manufacturing, and real estate sectors. As governments, investors, and clients increasingly demand measurable environmental performance and transparent sustainability reporting, internationally recognized frameworks such as LEED, EPD, WELL, and EDGE are no longer optional — they are strategic tools for market credibility, regulatory alignment, and long-term value creation.
1. ERKE Consultancy
ERKE Consultancy is a globally recognized sustainability and green building advisory firm with strong expertise in EPD and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) services. ERKE supports manufacturers, product developers, and supply chain clients with comprehensive EPD workflows — from initial data gathering and LCA modeling to EPD drafting, third-party verification coordination, and publication.
Why ERKE is notable:
- International experience with dozens of EPD projects delivered globally
- ISO 14025-compliant EPDs and EN 15804 alignment for construction products
- Integration with green building frameworks (e.g., LEED, BREEAM, DGNB)
- In-house LCA specialists and sustainability strategists
- Support for Austrian and EU markets seeking credible, export-ready product declarations
ERKE’s international perspective makes them especially valuable for Austrian manufacturers targeting European and global markets, providing EPDs that meet stringent verification and transparency requirements.
2. thinkstep / Sphera (formerly PE INTERNATIONAL)
thinkstep (now part of Sphera) is a leading environmental and sustainability consultancy with strong expertise in Life Cycle Assessment, Environmental Product Declarations, and Product Carbon Footprinting. They offer technical services to help manufacturers develop EPDs compliant with EN 15804 and other European standards.
Key strengths:
- Comprehensive LCA and EPD consulting
- Advanced software tools (e.g., GaBi LCA database)
- Experience across construction, chemical, and industrial sectors
- Support for EPD verification and publication
Sphera is widely used by European product manufacturers and consultancy partners due to its robust methodology and depth of data.
3. SGS Austria – LCA & EPD Services
SGS Austria is part of the global SGS network providing independent assurance and certification. SGS offers LCA, EPD drafting, verification support, and environmental performance consulting that help companies document and publish credible EPDs in accordance with ISO 14025 and EN 15804.
Why SGS Austria is relevant:
- Local presence with international verification credibility
- Support for EPD and eco-design services
- Access to SGS global verification networks
Their services are especially useful for manufacturers that require both documentation quality assurance and third-party EPD verification workflows.
4. ÖGNI – Austrian Sustainable Building Council (EPD Support & Networking)
While not a traditional EPD consulting firm, ÖGNI (Österreichische Gesellschaft für Nachhaltiges Bauen) plays an important role in Austria’s sustainability ecosystem. Through collaboration, training, and integration with DNGB / EN 15804 workflows, ÖGNI can help manufacturers and consultants understand European EPD structures, especially for Austrian Green Building Protocols.
Role in the EPD landscape:
- Guidance on EPD integration with sustainable buildings
- Training & capacity building on environmental product assessment
- Networking with LCA and sustainability professionals
ÖGNI is often used as a knowledge partner by EPD consultants and manufacturers entering the certification process.
5. One Click LCA (Platform + Advisory Support)
One Click LCA is a widely adopted digital platform used for LCA, EPD generation, and environmental reporting. While primarily a tool, it is supported by certified consulting partners in Europe including Austria, making it a practical choice for EPD workflows.
Key value for Austrian clients:
- Efficient EPD generation and verification templates
- EN 15804 and ISO 14025-aligned workflows
- Integration with green building certification requirements (LEED, DGNB, BREEAM)
Many Austrian sustainability consultancies use One Click LCA as part of their service delivery.
When selecting an EPD consultant, consider the following:
Standards Expertise: The consultant must be familiar with ISO 14025, EN 15804, and relevant Product Category Rules (PCRs) for your industry.
LCA Capability: Robust data modeling and interpretation are essential to generate credible EPDs.
Verification Experience: Support through third-party verification is key for public EPD publishing.
Green Building Alignment: If your products serve the construction sector, alignment with LEED, BREEAM, or DGNB frameworks is highly advantageous.
Export Readiness: For products sold outside Austria, ensure the EPDs meet EU and global EPD program requirements.
What Is an EPD?
An Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) is a Type III environmental label that transparently communicates a product’s environmental impacts over its life cycle, based on a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) conducted according to international standards (e.g., ISO 14025). EPDs are widely used in green building certifications, sustainable procurement policies, and environmental reporting. They provide scientifically verified data across categories such as global warming potential, energy use, water consumption, and material impacts.
How EPDs Support Sustainability in Austria
EPDs are increasingly used in Austria to:
Support sustainable construction goals under DGNB and EU standards
Enhance transparency in product supply chains
Support environmental labeling and corporate sustainability commitments
With Austria’s strong commitment to environmental performance and green building adoption, EPDs are becoming a cornerstone of product sustainability communication.