Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) are showing up in more and more bid packages and submittal requirements—and they’re no longer just for suppliers and manufacturers. Sub-trades are increasingly being asked to confirm that the products they use meet sustainability standards tied to carbon impact, transparency, and lifecycle assessments.
So, what is an EPD, and how do you make sure your next project isn’t held up by documentation delays or compliance gaps? Here’s a down-to-earth intro to EPDs and what they mean for subcontractors.
What Is an EPD?
An Environmental Product Declaration is like a nutrition label for construction materials. It tells project teams how much environmental impact a material has across its lifecycle—from raw material extraction to manufacturing, transportation, and disposal.
- It’s third-party verified: The data is backed by a standardized process and independent assessment.
- It’s project-ready: Many GCs and owners now require EPDs to meet green building standards like LEED or the Buy Clean Act.
- It’s product-specific: Each EPD refers to a particular product or product line—not just a general material category.
Why It Matters for Sub-Trades
You may not manufacture materials—but you do choose which ones to use. And increasingly, your ability to deliver the right documentation could impact your project timeline and reputation.
- Submittals may get rejected without valid EPDs.
- Using outdated or unverified materials could delay closeout.
- GCs are under pressure to track embodied carbon—and they’re passing that pressure down.
Example in Action:
A flooring contractor was held up on a hospital project when their adhesive didn’t come with an EPD. The GC required documentation to meet LEED requirements. By the time a compliant alternative was sourced, the schedule had slipped three days—and the sub was left scrambling to catch up.
How to Get Ahead of the EPD Curve
Staying compliant with EPD expectations doesn’t need to be complicated. Here’s how to make it part of your process:
- Ask early: Check during procurement if EPDs are required on the project or by the client.
- Talk to your suppliers: Many manufacturers already have EPDs—they just need to be requested.
- Keep records organized: Save PDFs and links for easy inclusion in your submittals.
- Use preferred vendors: Start building a list of go-to materials that are EPD-compliant.
Practical Takeaways for Sub-Trades
Want to stay ahead of EPDs and avoid project hiccups? Start here:
- Build awareness: Train your foremen, PMs, or office staff to understand what an EPD is and why it matters.
- Create a template: Standardize how you include EPDs in your submittals.
- Ask questions: Don’t wait for the GC to flag a problem—get ahead of it by being proactive.
- Stay current: EPDs have expiration dates. Make sure your data is up to date before submitting.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to be a sustainability expert—but you do need to know what’s coming. EPDs aren’t going away, and the trades that build smooth processes now will have a competitive edge tomorrow.
Environmental accountability is becoming a standard part of doing business—and subs who embrace it early will stand out for the right reasons.
*Brought to you by Plexxis Software: Offering software solutions for the construction industry that integrates cloud, mobile and on-premise software to improve and enhance team performance.
Chad Pearson
Sr. Start Team Leader
