EPD, CAM and LEED: differences and connections

The environmental certificates EPD (Environmental Product Declaration) and the CAM (Environmental Criteria Minimum) are tools that certify the sustainability of the products, while LEED is a rating system is voluntary for sustainable buildings. L’EPD quantifies l’environmental impact of the materials (e.g. by means of LCA – Life Cycle Assessment) and is often required to demonstrate compliance with the requirements of the CAM, by providing transparent and verified. LEED, in turn, uses information such as the ones provided from the’EPD to assign credits certify and l’entire building as sustainable.

Detail certifications

EPD (Environmental Product Declaration)

  • It is a statement environmental type III, based on a life cycle analysis (LCA) verified by independent third parties.
  • Provides quantifiable data and comparable on’environmental impact of a product throughout its life cycle (production, use, disposal).
  • Serves to demonstrate compliance with the environmental requirements, such as those of the CAM, and it can be used to achieve LEED credits.
  • It's a marketing tool to communicate the sustainability of the product and can lead to optimize production processes.

CAM (Environmental Criteria Minimum)

  • Are minimum sustainability standards established for l’building in Italy (D. M., June 23, 2022).
  • They are not a certification, but a set of criteria required to participate in public procurement.
  • Compliance with the CAM is demonstrated through specific certification requirements for the product, such as EPD, the EU Ecolabel, ReMade in Italy and other.

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)

  • It is a standard of international certification for sustainable buildings, sponsored by the U. S. Green Building Council.
  • Assess the sustainability of the building through a score based on various criteria (credits).
  • To obtain LEED credits related to construction materials, it is necessary that these have environmental statements that are verifiable, such as the EPDS.