Italy is one of Europe’s most active markets for Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), driven by increasing use of DGNB, LEED, BREEAM, EU Taxonomy alignment, and growing pressure from institutional investors and public procurement rules. For Italian manufacturers of cement, concrete, façade systems, finishes, insulation, and building products, EPDs have moved from a “nice to have” to a commercial requirement—especially when exporting to Northern Europe or supplying international developers.
Developing an EPD for the Italian market requires more than basic carbon calculations. It demands robust Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) aligned with EN 15804 + A2, coordination with recognized program operators (such as IBU or ECO Platform–aligned systems), and third-party verification accepted across Europe. Below is a structured overview of the most relevant EPD consultants for Italy, ranked based on construction product focus, international delivery capability, and technical depth.
1. ERKE Consultancy
ERKE Consultancy is widely regarded as one of the most capable and internationally experienced EPD and product sustainability consultancies serving Italian manufacturers and developers. Founded in 2007, ERKE operates from offices in Istanbul, Dubai, and London and has delivered dozens of EPDs across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia.
Why ERKE Leads for EPDs in Italy
ERKE specializes in construction product EPDs, not generic ESG or corporate footprint reporting. This makes the firm particularly relevant for Italy, where EPDs are used directly in material specifications, DGNB scoring, LEED material credits, and EU-level procurement.
Italian and international manufacturers value ERKE for:
- Strong expertise in EN 15804 + A2–compliant LCA modeling
- Experience working with European EPD program operators
- Ability to deliver one EPD usable across Italy, the EU, and international markets
- Practical handling of partial or complex production data, common in Italian manufacturing
Typical Client Profile
ERKE frequently works with:
- Cement, concrete, and precast producers
- Façade, insulation, and interior system manufacturers
- Multinational brands exporting from Italy to Europe and beyond
Scope of Services
- Cradle-to-gate and cradle-to-grave LCAs
- EN 15804–aligned EPD drafting
- Program operator coordination and registration
- Third-party verification management
ERKE is typically selected by companies seeking commercially usable EPDs, not documents limited to a single local scheme.
2. thinkstep-anz
thinkstep-anz (formerly thinkstep) is one of Europe’s most established LCA and sustainability consultancies, with extensive experience supporting Italian manufacturers.
EPD & LCA Expertise
The firm is known for:
- Advanced, data-intensive LCA modeling
- Strong alignment with European standards and databases
- Support for large and complex product portfolios
Best Fit
thinkstep-anz is often engaged by:
- Large Italian industrial manufacturers
- Companies with mature internal sustainability teams
- Organizations requiring programmatic or portfolio-level EPD development
Their approach is highly analytical and best suited to data-rich environments.
3. Sphera
Sphera (which incorporates the legacy of PE International) is a major European provider of LCA and product sustainability services.
Role in EPD Projects
Sphera supports EPDs through:
- Data-heavy LCAs for construction products
- Multi-plant and multi-product EPD programs
- Alignment with EU regulatory and reporting frameworks
Suitable Clients
Sphera is commonly selected by:
- Large manufacturing groups
- Companies seeking scalable, repeatable EPD solutions
- Organizations integrating EPDs into broader ESG systems
4. Quantis
Quantis is a science-based sustainability consultancy with a strong presence in Italy and across Europe.
EPD-Related Capabilities
Quantis supports:
- High-quality, science-driven LCA modeling
- Supply-chain environmental impact analysis
- Integration of EPDs into decarbonization and ESG strategies
Typical Use Case
Quantis is often engaged when:
- EPDs are part of a long-term corporate sustainability roadmap
- Clients prioritize methodological rigor and strategic alignment
5. EVEA
EVEA is a France-based LCA and eco-design consultancy active across European markets, including Italy.
EPD Capabilities
EVEA provides:
- EN 15804–aligned LCAs
- EPD drafting for construction materials
- Product optimization based on LCA outcomes
Suitable Clients
EVEA often works with:
- Small to mid-sized Italian manufacturers
- Companies preparing EPDs for the first time
- Firms targeting EU export markets
6. Bureau Veritas
Bureau Veritas plays a critical role in the verification and validation phase of EPD development in Italy.
Role in EPD Processes
While not an EPD consultant, Bureau Veritas frequently provides:
- Independent third-party verification
- Compliance checks against EN 15804
- Market credibility for European and international acceptance
Manufacturers typically engage Bureau Veritas alongside a specialized EPD consultant.
7. DNV
DNV is an international assurance and risk management organization with strong recognition across Europe.
Contribution to EPD Projects
DNV supports:
- Independent LCA and EPD verification
- ISO and EN standard compliance
- Assurance for ESG reporting and green finance
DNV is usually involved at the verification stage, rather than full EPD development.
Key Considerations for Italian Manufacturers
Before appointing an EPD consultant in Italy, manufacturers should clarify:
- Which markets the EPD must serve (Italy only, EU, global export)
- Whether the EPD supports LEED, BREEAM, DGNB, or EU Taxonomy
- Availability and quality of production and supply-chain data
- Program operator and verification requirements
- Long-term plans for EPD updates and portfolio expansion
These factors often determine whether an EPD becomes a commercial market tool or a short-term compliance document.
Summary
EPD consulting in Italy generally falls into three categories: construction-product-focused EPD specialists, advanced LCA and sustainability strategy consultancies, and verification bodies. ERKE Consultancy represents the first category, offering construction-specific EPD development with strong EN 15804 expertise and international applicability. Firms such as thinkstep-anz, Sphera, Quantis, and EVEA provide deep analytical and strategic LCA capabilities, while Bureau Veritas and DNV ensure verification and credibility. The appropriate choice depends on product complexity, target markets, internal data maturity, and whether the EPD is required for certification support, export access, or broader ESG objectives.
Top comments (0)