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This time we will cover the topic of: EN Standards in construction
Navigating the Transition: A Look at EN 15804+A1 vs. +A2
The construction industry’s shift from the EN 15804+A1 to the +A2 standard has been a significant development in Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) and Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs). The transition created challenges, but it also marked a step forward in standardizing environmental data.
The initial period presented considerable confusion as certifications, tools, and regulations were often slow to adapt. This frequently led to situations where updated +A2 data was available but could not yet be used in existing assessment frameworks. Two years on, the landscape has stabilized, and the key differences between the standards are now more widely understood by LCA professionals.
Relevant Standards for Construction LCAs
To understand the practical impact of these changes on building assessments, three core European standards are essential:
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EN 15978: This standard governs the calculation methodology for the environmental performance of buildings. Most LCA tools in the EU are designed around it. Its North American equivalents include ISO 14040/44, ISO 21931-1, and ISO 21929-1. For infrastructure, the relevant standard is EN 17472.
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EN 15804+A1: The previous standard for creating EPDs in Europe. It required a fixed set of impact categories. Although officially superseded in 2022, data in this format is still required by certain methodologies and tools that have not yet fully transitioned.
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EN 15804+A2: The current standard for EPDs, mandatory for new declarations since mid-2022. It is significantly different from its predecessor.
Key Differences: +A1 vs. +A2 Data
The most critical takeaway is that data from +A1 and +A2 EPDs are fundamentally incompatible and cannot be directly converted or mixed within an assessment. The only partial point of comparison is the Global Warming Potential (GWP), but even this requires careful handling due to methodological nuances. The primary changes in +A2 involve an expanded list of mandatory impact categories and updated characterization factors.
Further Reading
For a deeper dive into the specifics of the transition, these resources are highly recommended:
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Market Readiness: How the market got ready for EN15804+A2
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Key Changes Explained: EN 15804+A2: What the changes mean for EPDs
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Impacts After One Year: EN 15804+A2 transition: challenges & impact on LCAs and EPDs
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Technical Differences: The difference between EN15804+A1, +A2 & TRACI (Help Center)