dhf is ahead of the game in launching 14 EPDs

dhf  is meeting the growing demand for greater sustainability across the construction industry, by launching its own generic EPD.  The Tamworth-based trade association has been stressing the increasing importance of EPD in meeting the growing requirements of the ‘green agenda’ and sustainable building process. 

An EPD (Environmental Product Declaration) is a registered and independently verified document that communicates standardised, comparable information about the life-cycle environmental impact of products.  Providing manufacturers with a means of demonstrating their product’s sustainability credentials, EPD’s show the results of a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), detailing ‘cradle to grave’ environmental impact of all processes involved with the manufacture of a product.  

In June of this year, dhf commenced the launch of 14 generic EPD enabling members of their Building Hardware Group to satisfy changing market conditions.  The EPD launch has, so far, seen nearly half of dhf’s Building Hardware Group member-companies signing up for the programme and more than 100 EPD requested by members.

The 14 different EPD product titles that dhf are offering are: locks; door and window handles, hinges (single axis), lock cylinders, sliding door gear, window fittings, door closers, panic exit devices, shutter hardware, letter boxes, padlocks, glass door gear, electromechanical hardware and push button locks.

dhf has been educating and informing their members about the role and growing importance of EPD in the sustainability process to enable a greater sense of understanding, as Chief Executive, Bob Perry, explains:

“EPD has been discussed continuously over the past two years in Building Hardware Group meetings, with special presentations from leading organisations arranged at a number of these and individual briefings for members, in addition to an EPD FAQ sheet, produced for them.  We are very aware that EPD is a complicated subject and there is something of a ‘knowledge gap’ regarding its role.  It is important that EPD is seen as part of a total sustainable process, involving green certification of buildings.  Being ahead of the game in providing EPD affords our members the upper hand against competitors in a highly competitive market,” he says.

dhf has an extensive section regarding EPD on its website.  For further information on the benefits of participating in the EPD programme, please call 01827 52337 or visit: http://www.dhfonline.org.uk/pg/what-is-an-epd/117.htm Information can also be accessed on the ARGE website: http://arge.org/

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