Sharjah Cement Factory (SCF), a prominent player in the cement manufacturing industry, specialises in producing different grades of cement. These grades include Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC), Oil Well Cement (OWC), Blast Furnace Cement (CEM), and Ground Granulated Blast-Furnace Slag (GGBS). SCF is ensuring environmental transparency for its product range by publishing Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs). Monk Spaces conducted a comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and developed the EPDs to ensure this transparency.

The process of publishing EPDs on the International EPD System for the Sharjah Cement Factory involved the following steps:

• PCR Identification – We identified the Product Category Rules (PCR) and UN CPC codes for all SCF’s products. The PCR defines the requirements of the EPD regarding the system boundary and impact indicators. Understanding these requirements is necessary to ensure efficiency in the data collection process.
• Data Collection – The first step in conducting an LCA is the data collection. For this, Monk Spaces created an expansive input sheet where the SCF team could fill in data regarding raw material sourcing, consumption, wastage and other parameters.
• Conducting LCA – Once the data is collected, Monk Spaces conducted the assessment in compliance with internationally recognised standards ISO 14040 and ISO 14044. This assessment quantified all environmental impacts in core environmental impact categories (as per EN15804+A2), natural resource use parameters, waste categories parameters and output flows. The LCA also recognised critical contributors to the environmental impacts and suggested measures for reduction.
• Compiling EPD – After the LCA is completed, we compile the EPD using the results of the LCA and general information about the products. This compiled report follows the declaration requirements set by the selected PCR (2019:14-c-PCR-001) and General Programme Instructions established by the International EPD System.
• Verification – The compiled LCA and EPD reports are then sent for third-party verification to an independent verified accredited by the International EPD System. Monk Spaces then coordinated with the verifier to answer all queries and provide clarifications. Any modifications required by the verifier were also made.
• Registration and Publication – After approval from the verifier, the EPDs are registered and published on the International EPPD System. Monk Spaces facilitated registration by uploading all documents, templates and data the portal requires.

The 8 EPDs developed for SCF are shown at the links below:

• Ordinary Portland Cement 42.5N (OPC 42.5N / CEM I 42.5N)
• Ordinary Portland Cement 52.5N (OPC 52.5N / CEM I 52.5N)
• Moderate Sulphate-Resisting Portland Cement (MSRPC / Type II)
• Sulphate Resisting Portland Cement (SRPC) and Oil Well Cement – A (OWC-A)
• Oil Well Cement – G (OWC-G)
• Blast Furnace Cement (CEM III A)
• Blast Furnace Cement (CEM III B)
• Ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS)