Carbon Craft manufactures Carbon Tiles from recovered carbon black (rCB), using dust collected from quarries and marble wastes. These materials are mixed and moulded into tiles of varying sizes, such as Tile A, A1, B, C, C1, D, E, and F. Carbon Craft partnered with Monk Spaces to conduct a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and publish an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD). The LCA adhered to internationally acceptable standards like ISO 14040: 2006, ISO 14044:2006, and EN 15804+A2

The assessment involves the following steps:

1. PCR Identification: The first stage initiates with the identification of the PCR 2019:14 – Construction Products for Carbon Craft. The PCR follows general program instructions (GPI) of the International EPD System. It mandates the declaration of impact indicators like global warming potential (GWP), acidification potential (AP) and many others. The PCR also declares the mandatory modules to be included for the raw material collection, transportation and production (A1-A3), end-of-life (C1-C4) and benefits (D) stages. These modules guide the decision on what data will be collected across various product lifecycle stages.
2. Data Collection: A detailed data collection sheet based on PCR requirements was developed for the manufacturer’s convenience. The data includes details on raw materials, water consumption, electricity consumption, manufacturing process, production and material wastage.
3. Conducting LCA: Once the details are filled out, the environmental impacts for the tiles manufactured are evaluated. The results are quantified using the OneClick LCA software and Ecoinvent The results are quantified for the multiple indicators like core categories of EN 15804:A2, natural resources, wastes and output flows. The LCA results are quantified for two categories for tiles without white cement (A, B, C, D, E and F) and with white cement (A1 and C1). These results were then integrated into reports, which helped to analyse the key performance indicators. The significant contributors to environmental impacts across the phases were identified, and recommendations were made regarding decarbonisation strategies.
4. EPD Development: Following the analysis, the next step involves developing EPDs. Once the LCA results were finalised, EPD results were evaluated based on the average representation of tiles. The LCA results and other information are compiled for the EPDs. The EPDs compiled follow the General Programme Instructions from the International EPD System.
5. EPD Verification: The EPDs were verified by an accredited third-party verifier associated with the International EPD System. Modifications were made wherever required in response to the verifier’s feedback. Effective coordination with the verifier ensured comprehensive responses to all queries and timely provision of clarifications.
6. EPD Publication: After approval from the verifier, the EPDs are uploaded onto the EPD portal of the International EPD system. This contains product information, result templates, LCA report and verification statement. After approval from the EPD secretariat, the EPDs were published.

The EPD published for Carbon Craft helped them understand the environmental impacts of the tiles manufactured. The EPD also supported their efforts to expand into global markets by meeting export sustainability requirements.