Understanding EPDs in Façade Materials: Why It Matters More Than Ever

In modern architecture, facades are an integral part of aesthetic and functionality. These materials add characters to buildings while creating a distinct identity. While choosing the right facade material, architects, designers, and builders are now focusing on whether they’re sustainable.

The global warming concern is nothing new. Be it the government, large corporations, or small businesses, everyone is trying to make the world a better place. This has created an awareness amongst raw material producers, like ACP or MCM manufacturers to earn EPD certification.

However, what is an EPD? Is it really important to check it before purchasing a facade material? What makes them eco-friendly? Let’s find out the answers to all the questions:

What is an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)?

An Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) is basically a standardized report. It outlines the environmental impact of a material or product, for instance, ACP, MCP, or MCM, based on a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA).

The LCA examines every stage of the product’s life, from raw material extraction to end-of-life disposal. It gives a complete view of its environmental footprint, which helps builders to make more sustainable decisions. With this document, builders can compare the eco-friendliness of different building materials to reduce carbon emissions.

It is just like a nutrition label but for environmental data. Manufacturing companies share this declaration in a documented format to provide details such as:

● Greenhouse gas emissions

● Energy use

● Water consumption, and other key indicators. 

Why Do EPDs Matter in Façade Materials?

In the construction industry, it is essential for the raw materials to meet certain standards and the same goes for facade. Whether you’re using the facade indoors or outdoors, it is essential to consider its longevity. EPDs offer valuable information on material’s life cycle, and environmental benefits to help builders and construction make a more informed decision.

Here’s why EPD matters so much in the facade materials manufacturing sector:

1. Provides insight on material life-cycle

The life cycle of the facade material is one of the most crucial factors. When using it outdoors, the materials are constantly exposed to moisture, pollution, heat, and other environmental factors. This can impact the life span of the buildings.

For such reasons, builders often choose aluminum composite panels or metal composite materials. EDPs include information on the product’s life cycle in different stages. Construction companies can keep track of environmental impact from raw material extraction to disposal.

2. Regulatory Alignment and Market Access

EPDs are becoming essential for compliance. Many construction companies increasingly demand EPD-backed products as they are more sustainable. It also is an exclusive tool to gain a competitive advantage. Manufacturers can proudly flaunt their facade materials in a market filled with competitors.

3. Encourages Responsible Manufacturing

EPDs have also made manufacturers rethink their manufacturing processes to reduce emissions. In façade production, this can lead to greener panel cores, better recycling potential, and lower carbon emissions.

ACP and MCM: What Makes These Materials Sustainable?

In recent years, ACPs and MCMs have been some of the most used materials in facade designing. These materials are light-weight, corrosion resistant, bendable, and above all sustainable.

Here are a few reasons they have become the number one choice for sustainable construction:

1. Built-In Thermal Efficiency

While speaking about sustainability, we can’t neglect the importance of energy-efficient construction. With rising urban temperatures and the growing heat island effect, thermal insulation is something we need to take seriously.

Aluminium Composite Panels (ACPs) bring real value to energy-conscious construction. They have a layered structure with a polyethylene or mineral-filled core, which acts as a thermal barrier.

In places that are really hot or cold, this reduces heat absorption, easing the strain on air conditioning systems. The outside temperature can’t flow inside the building, making it more thermally efficient. Therefore, the energy consumption decreases.

2. Designed for Circularity

The concept of a greener future relies on recycling and repurposing materials. Every industry is taking stringent steps to manage waste to minimize the environmental impact.

Metal composite panels and ACP panels are fully recyclable. Aluminum can maintain its quality even when recycled multiple times. Even the core material inside ACP can be recycled.

Recycling aluminium takes only about 5% of the energy needed to produce it from raw bauxite. That means ACPs aren't just low-impact during use, they help lower the footprint even after uninstallation.

3. Low Maintenance, Fewer Chemicals

Unlike many façade materials that demand frequent painting or protective treatments, ACPs are more durable. They can endure harsh environments for years without much maintenance. You need fewer touch-ups, which means less use of chemical cleaners or solvents over the years. For long-term environmental care, it’s definitely a better choice.

VIVA’s EPD Certification: What It Signifies

As a leading manufacturer of ACP panels in Asia, VIVA has always shown concern about friendliness. We have released an EPD on our ACP line, including:

● Fire-Retardant (FR) Class A2,

● FR Class B1, and

● Non-FR variants.

The thickness of these ACP panels is between 1 m² to 4 mm. The document includes the environmental impact of our ACP panels throughout their entire life-cycle—from raw material extraction to end-of-life recycling.

Here are the highlights:

● 95% of the aluminium recyclability

● 90% of the polyethylene recyclability

● Compliance with global standards like LEED, IGBC, and GRIHA

This high recyclability aligns with the principles of a circular economy, where we can recover and reuse instead of discarding the materials. Moreover, the EPD-certified panels can also contribute directly to green building certifications. Projects can earn up to two LEED points, helping meet sustainability goals while complying with global standards.

The Ending Note

Sustainability practice is not a trend, it is essential to reduce environmental concerns. EPD certification makes sure you are choosing a material that is good for the environment. So, the next time you purchase a facade, ask the supplier “Is your ACP facade EPD certified?”

FAQS

Q.1. Is VIVA’s ACP EPD-certified?

Yes, VIVA is a leading manufacturer of EPD-certified ACP panels.

Q.2. What is the environmental impact across ACP’s life cycle?

ACP panels have a relatively low environmental impact due to high recyclability. About 95% of aluminium and 90% of polyethylene are recyclable. Their life cycle, from raw material extraction to end-of-life recycling, supports energy efficiency and reduces emissions.

Q.3. Do I need to check any additional product disclosures (like HPDs, and certifications)?

Yes. You should check for certifications like LEED, BREEAM, IGBC, GRIHA, and Health Product Declarations (HPDs) for a complete view of safety and sustainability.

Q.4. Are EPD-certified metal composite panels better than other cladding materials?

Yes! Compared to traditional cladding, ACPs are lighter, more durable, thermally efficient, and easier to recycle, making them a more sustainable and low-maintenance option.