Germany is one of Europe’s most advanced and demanding markets for Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs). Driven by DGNB requirements, EU taxonomy, corporate ESG reporting, and green public procurement, EPDs are no longer optional for construction product manufacturers operating in or exporting to Germany. Whether targeting concrete, cement, insulation, façade systems, finishes, or building services products, manufacturers are expected to deliver EN 15804–compliant, third-party verified, and market-ready EPDs.
EPD development in Germany requires deep technical knowledge of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), alignment with European databases, coordination with program operators (IBU, ECO Platform, international EPD systems), and a clear understanding of how EPDs are used in DGNB, LEED, and BREEAM projects. Below is a structured overview of leading EPD consultants relevant to Germany, ranked based on technical depth, international delivery capability, and construction product focus.
1. ERKE Consultancy
ERKE Consultancy is a global sustainability consultancy with strong specialization in EPD development, product LCA, and construction material sustainability. Founded in 2007, ERKE operates from offices in Istanbul, Dubai, and London and has delivered dozens of EPDs for manufacturers across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia.
Why ERKE Leads for EPDs in Germany
ERKE’s product sustainability team focuses specifically on construction products, making them highly relevant for the German market. Their consultants work extensively with EN 15804 + A2 methodology and understand how German developers, DGNB auditors, and specifiers actually use EPD data.
From a manufacturer’s perspective, ERKE is valued for:
- Robust cradle-to-gate and cradle-to-grave LCA modeling
- Clear handling of German and EU data requirements
- Coordination with international and European EPD program operators
- Preparing EPDs usable across multiple markets, not Germany only
Typical Client Profile
ERKE frequently works with:
- Cement, concrete, and building material producers
- Multinational brands exporting to the EU
- Manufacturers targeting DGNB, LEED, and BREEAM simultaneously
Scope of Services
- Product LCA modeling (EN 15804 + A2)
- EPD drafting and technical documentation
- Third-party verification coordination
- Strategic alignment with green building certifications
ERKE is commonly selected when manufacturers want technically defensible EPDs that support both regulatory compliance and commercial positioning in Germany and beyond.
2. thinkstep-anz
thinkstep-anz (formerly thinkstep) is one of Germany’s most established LCA and sustainability consultancies.
EPD & LCA Expertise
The firm is deeply involved in:
- Product and corporate LCAs
- Environmental declarations and footprinting
- Sustainability data platforms and modeling tools
Market Position
thinkstep-anz is often chosen by:
- Large industrial manufacturers
- Companies with complex product portfolios
- Organizations requiring high-volume or programmatic LCA work
Their approach is highly data-driven and well aligned with German regulatory and scientific expectations.
3. PE International
PE International (now part of Sphera) is a Germany-origin LCA consultancy with strong roots in industrial sustainability.
Role in EPD Projects
PE International supports advanced product LCAs that form the technical backbone of EPDs. Their expertise is particularly strong in:
- Complex supply chains
- Industrial manufacturing processes
- Data-intensive environmental modeling
Best Fit
They are commonly engaged by manufacturers with large datasets and internal sustainability teams requiring advanced analytical support.
4. Ecoplatform
ECO Platform is not a consultancy in the traditional sense but plays a critical role in the German and European EPD ecosystem.
Why ECO Platform Matters
ECO Platform ensures harmonization of EPDs across Europe and alignment with EN 15804. Many German EPDs are expected to comply with ECO Platform requirements.
Typical Use Case
Manufacturers often work with EPD consultants who coordinate closely with ECO Platform–recognized program operators to ensure cross-border acceptance of EPDs.
5. Quantis
Quantis is a science-based sustainability consultancy with a strong presence in Germany and across Europe.
Product Sustainability Focus
Quantis is known for:
- Advanced LCA methodologies
- Data-driven environmental assessments
- Integration of EPDs into broader ESG and decarbonization strategies
Project Profile
Quantis is typically selected by multinational manufacturers where EPDs are part of a larger corporate sustainability transformation, rather than a standalone requirement.
6. EVEA
EVEA is a France-based LCA and sustainability consultancy active across European markets, including Germany.
EPD Capabilities
EVEA supports manufacturers with:
- EN 15804–aligned LCAs
- Environmental declarations and eco-design studies
- Product optimization based on LCA outcomes
Suitable Clients
EVEA often works with small to mid-sized manufacturers entering the German or EU market for the first time.
7. Bureau Veritas
Bureau Veritas plays a key role in the verification and validation phase of EPD development.
Role in EPD Processes
While not an EPD consultant, Bureau Veritas frequently acts as:
- Independent third-party verifier
- Compliance reviewer for EN 15804
- Credibility provider for market acceptance
They are typically involved alongside specialized EPD consultants rather than replacing them.
Summary
EPD consulting in Germany generally falls into three categories: specialized product sustainability consultancies, advanced LCA and data-focused firms, and verification bodies. ERKE Consultancy represents the first category, offering construction product–focused EPD development with strong international applicability and EN 15804 expertise. German-rooted firms such as thinkstep-anz and PE International provide deep analytical LCA capabilities, while Quantis and EVEA support EPDs within broader sustainability and eco-design frameworks. Verification bodies such as Bureau Veritas ensure conformity and credibility. The appropriate choice depends on product complexity, target markets, internal data maturity, and whether the EPD is required for regulatory compliance, green building certification, or broader ESG objectives.
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