As sustainable design becomes increasingly important within Australia, we see a greater need for tools that calculate and assess the environmental impact of a structure.

In response to this demand, Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) have been released and are now available for free download in: softwood, hardwood, plywood, particleboard and medium density fibreboard (MDF).

Now architects, designers, building surveyors, and other professionals seeking to maximise environmental assessment and sustainable design can access the complete suite of Australian timber industry EPDs.

These new publications comply with the requirements for an industry-wide EPD under the Green Building Council of Australia’s Green Star rating system because: they conform with the standards ISO 14025 and EN 15804; they have been verified by an independent third party; they have at least a “˜cradle-to-gate’ scope; and the participants in the EPD are listed.

The EPDs can also assist project teams to conduct a Green Star compliant “˜whole-of-building’ and “˜whole-of-life cycle’ assessment to obtain additional points under the materials category.

These EPDs will assist when aiming to be certified under the current Green Star rating tools Design & As Built and Interiors, and the legacy rating tool Innovation Challenge.

Eileen Newbury, marketing and communications manager of Forest and Wood Products Association (FWPA), said “Publishing the five Australian EPDs shows us that the Australian timber industry is committed to offering customers usable and practical evidence of the sustainability of our products.”

“I look forward to seeing benefits flow to our industry as more design and building professionals recognise the value of wood and wood products as integral parts of sustainable design,” she added.

Barbra Nebel, managing director of thinkstep’s Australian office, said “We are excited to be involved with these EPDs as they disclose technical environmental information based on robust international standards rather than greenwash.”

The five industry-wide EPDs for Australian wood products have been authored by the Timber Development Association and thinkstep, and independently verified by Catalyst.

To download your free WoodSolutions Environmental Product Declarations for softwood, hardwood, plywood, particleboard and medium density fibreboard, visit the WoodSolutions website.