Understanding EPDs and HPDs in modern construction

From reducing energy consumption to lowering carbon emissions, sustainable construction methods empower architects to design for the future. A key component of this process is the use of Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) and Health Product Declarations (HPDs). These resources enable architects to make informed decisions about the materials they specify in their designs.

In this article, we will explore what EPDs and HPDs are, their role in sustainable construction and how National Gypsum Company supports construction and design professionals with these critical documents.

What is an EPD?

An Environmental Product Declaration — or EPD — is a standardized document that provides detailed information about a product’s environmental impact throughout its life cycle. Modeled on a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), it measures factors such as:

• Carbon emissions

• Energy consumption

• Waste generation

• Water utilization

EPDs are critical for achieving certifications from organizations such as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), which require these documents for credit criteria. Most EPDs expire after five years, ensuring data stays relevant and accurate. National Gypsum offers Type III EPDs, which are externally verified, providing added credibility and transparency.

Resource Alert: Download EPD documents from National Gypsum.

EPDs: Helpful terms to know

These terms help architects decode EPDs, ensuring they fully understand the product’s environmental profile.

• Declaration number: Identifies the EPD with a unique identifier

• Product RSL: Defines the product's reference service life

• EPD type: Indicates whether the EPD is externally verified (Type III) or internally verified (Type II)

• ISO standards: Ensure consistency in LCAs using frameworks such as ISO 14040 and 14044

• Life Cycle Assessment results: Summarize the quantified impacts of the product

Resource Alert: For more EPD definitions, see the glossary.

What is an HPD?

A Health Product Declaration — or HPD — discloses the materials used in a product and their potential health effects. By detailing the chemical makeup of a product, HPDs complement EPDs to provide a comprehensive view of sustainability and health safety. National Gypsum supports product transparency by providing HPDs for each of its affiliate companies:

• Gold Bond Building Products, LLC

• PermaBASE Building Products, LLC

• ProForm Finishing Products, LLC

These declarations support the increasing demands for transparency and help projects align with the Common Materials Framework, which was developed by mindful MATERIALS and approved and used by the American Institute of Architects.

Resource Alert: Download HPD documents from National Gypsum.

HPDs: Helpful terms to know

Understanding the key components, methodologies and certifications involved in evaluating and disclosing the health impacts of building materials helps architects make informed decisions.

• Inventory reporting format: Indicates how material data is reported

• GreenScreen for Safer Chemicals: Evaluates chemical hazards

• HPD Priority Hazard List: Identifies priority hazards for evaluation

• Certifications and compliance: Highlights certifications achieved by the product

Resource Alert: For more HPD definitions, see the glossary.

4 ways building material EPDs and HPDs help future-proof construction projects

1. Meeting construction requirements or credit criteria

EPDs and HPDs play a direct role in meeting sustainability criteria for projects. For products provided by National Gypsum, these documents simplify the certification process for programs such as LEED, helping architects stay ahead of regulatory trends.

2. Aligning with the market’s increased focus on sustainability

Sustainable building methods are no longer just a trend. A Deloitte report highlights growing demand for sustainable construction materials. EPDs and HPDs ensure architects can meet these expectations, even for projects where such documentation is not mandatory.

3. Providing cost savings and higher resell value

LEED-certified projects often qualify for tax benefits and reduce energy usage and waste, which translate to higher resell values. As demand for sustainable construction grows, the advantages of using products with EPDs and HPDs will also increase.

4. Enabling better-informed decisions

With EPDs, architects gain visibility into life cycle impacts and environmental considerations, enabling data-driven decisions that benefit both projects and clients. In doing so, EPDs enable measurable improvements in sustainability and allow architects and manufacturers to monitor the progress in achieving their sustainability goals.

High-performance building materials rooted in sustainability

National Gypsum is committed to providing sustainable products backed by transparency documents that disclose both environmental and health impacts. Our Design & Resource Center offers a comprehensive documentation library, including EPDs and HPDs, to help support architects in designing buildings that meet today’s and tomorrow’s sustainability demands.

Contact your regional construction design manager or the National Gypsum Construction Services team at 1-800-NATIONAL^® with any questions.