PCF, LCA, and EPD Compared: Bringing Clarity to Product Environmental Assessment

Transparency in the supply chain, regulatory requirements, and increasing market pressure call for clear environmental information about products. But what exactly do terms like Product Carbon Footprint (PCF), Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), and Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) mean?

In this article, we provide a comprehensive overview of the similarities and differences, areas of application, and pitfalls of these three concepts—with the aim of helping companies make informed decisions regarding their selection and implementation.

1. What is a Product Carbon Footprint (PCF)?

A product carbon footprint quantifies a product’s greenhouse gas emissions, expressed in carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e), within defined system boundaries:

• Cradle-to-Gate: From raw material extraction to the factory gate
• Cradle-to-grave: Including use, disposal/recycling

PCFs are used to:

• Quantifying Scope 3 emissions in the supply chain
• to support climate targets (e.g., SBTi)
• to compare products or identify "carbon hotspots"

Important: PCFs consider only one impact category (global warming potential) and are based on standards such as ISO 14067, ISO 14044, and the GHG Protocol.

2. What is a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)?

A life cycle assessment (LCA) evaluates all significant environmental impacts of a product throughout its entire life cycle:

• Resource consumption (energy, water, raw materials)
• Emissions into the air, soil, and water
• Eutrophication, acidification, ecotoxicity

Typical applications:

• Sustainability Strategy and "Design for the Environment"
• Comparisons within product groups
• Basis for EPDs

The LCA follows the four phases of ISO 14040/44:

1. Objectives and Scope of the Study
2. Life Cycle Inventory (LCI)
3. Impact Assessment (LCIA)
4. Interpretation

Note: LCAs are methodologically complex and data-intensive—but they provide a valuable foundation for informed environmental decisions.

3. What is an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)?

An EPD is a standardized, third-party verified document that summarizes the results of an LCA. It complies with international standards (ISO 14025, EN 15804) and is tailored to specific products through so-called Product Category Rules (PCRs).

Typical contents of an EPD:

• Greenhouse gas emissions (Scope 1–3)
• Energy consumption, water consumption
• LCA-based environmental impacts
• Description of System Boundaries, Methods, and Data Quality

Particularly relevant in:

• Tenders (primarily in the construction industry and public procurement)
• Green building certifications (DGNB, BREEAM, LEED)
• Communicating Environmental Benefits in the B2B Sector

Note: EPDs cannot be created retroactively—their availability must be confirmed before submitting a bid.

4. Overview of Similarities and Differences

5. Practical Tips

Based on our experience with auditors, construction projects, and supply chains, we recommend:

• PCFs are a good starting point for product-based climate management—make sure to define clear system boundaries and use up-to-date emission factors.
• LCAs provide valuable insights for product development—invest in reliable data and critically evaluate your assumptions.
• EPDs offer market access advantages, particularly in the construction sector—seek advice early on and allow for a lead time of 6–9 months.
• When using external data (e.g., EPD libraries), please check the following:
  • Product similarity?
  • Material composition?
  • Regional production conditions?
  • Datenalter < 3 Jahre?
  • Are the system boundaries consistent?

Conclusion: The right tool for the right job

PCF, LCA, and EPD have different objectives but are based on common methodological principles. Companies that want to promote transparency, meet regulatory requirements, and demonstrate genuine environmental impact should strategically combine these tools. Only in this way can “numbers” translate into real impact.

If you have any questions about how to apply this in your specific context, please contact us.

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