PCR Guidance for Building-Related Products and Services: Joint Compound EPD Requirements
1 Environmental Product Declaration Part B: Joint Compound
PCR Guidance for Building-Related
Products and Services
From the range of Environmental Product Declarations of
UL Environment
Part B: Joint Compound
EPD Requirements
www.ul.com/businesses/environment
PCR Guidance for Building-Related Products and Services: Joint Compound EPD Requirements
2 Environmental Product Declaration Part B: Joint Compound
Imprint:
Publisher:
UL Environment
Tracking of versions
Version Comments Status
1.0 UL Environment with input from a committee Published 8/3/2016
© UL Environment
Editor’s Note:
This PCR is based on revisions made to the Institute of Construction and Environment (Institut Bauen und Umwelt
e.V., or IBU) standard Part B PCR structure.
The revisions are not modifications to the overall methodology or structure of the IBU PCR, but are intended to reflect
practices, methods and requirements that are specific to North America.
This PCR is valid for a period of five (5) years, set to expire in August 3, 2021.
Acknowledgements
This Part B has been prepared with input from the following organizations:
Canadian Gypsum Company
CertainTeed Gypsum
Continental Building Products
Freeman Products
Georgia Pacific Gypsum
Magnum Products
National Gypsum Company
Panel Rey SA
Solid Products, Inc.
Southern Wall Products
United States Gypsum Co.
Westpac Materials
Walsworth - WFBM LLP
This Part B was reviewed by the following: James Mellentine Senior Manager, Sustainability Ramboll Environ [email protected]
Philip S. Moser, P.E. (MA) Senior Staff II - Building Technology Simpson Gumpertz & Heger [email protected]
Robert A. Wessel, PhD, FASTM Senior Director, Technical Services Gypsum Association [email protected]
PCR Guidance for Building-Related Products and Services: Joint Compound EPD Requirements
3 Environmental Product Declaration Part B: Joint Compound
Scope
This document contains the Requirements for an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) from the range of
Environmental Product Declarations published by UL Environment in coordination with the EN 15804 standard. The Requirements for the Background Project Report used to inform the EPD are contained in UL Environment’s Part A: Calculation Rules for the Life Cycle Assessment and Requirements on the Project Report. This Part B document, coupled with the Part A, conforms to the EN 15804 and ISO 21930 sustainability standards for EPD reporting. The document applies to: Joint compound as defined by ASTM C474 and C475 and applied in construction projects in accordance with GA-214. Joint compound is used in the finishing of interior gypsum panel products as defined per ASTM C1178, C1278, C1396, C1629, C1658, and C1766, CMU block, and any cementitious material. This PCR includes both ready-mixed and dry powders used in the finishing of interior surfaces in the North American market as follows, and gypsum plaster is specifically omitted from this PCR.
Ready mixed o Drying compound
Lightweight (<12lbs/gallon) Conventional (≥ 12lbs/gallon)
o Setting compound Lightweight (<12lbs/gallon) Conventional (≥ 12lbs/gallon)
Dry powders o Drying compound
Lightweight (< 12lbs/gallon) Conventional (≥ 12lbs/gallon)
o Setting compound Lightweight (< 12lbs/gallon) Conventional (≥ 12lbs/gallon)
The following code covers the scope of this Part B: Construction Specification Institute (CSI) Masterformat Gypsum
Board Assemblies: 092116 (Gypsum Board Assemblies), 092900 (Gypsum Board), and 079200 (Joint Sealants).
Note: Drywall joint compound products are used for joint treatment in Gypsum Board Assemblies as classified by CSI. Product types, components, or systems that are not included in the scope of this PCR but may be reported separately under additional reported information in Section 4 include fasteners, joint reinforcement tape, corner reinforcement and decorative trims. Example uses of joint compound include:
Compound for taping
Fill coats
Finish coats
Finishing corner reinforcement trims
Finishing fasteners
Skim coats
Other PCRs considered in the development of this PCR include:
Product Category Rules for North American Gypsum Boards. FPInnovations – Gypsum PCR-2013: v1PCR
Product Category Rules for preparing an environmental product declaration (EPD) for Product Group.
Technical - Chemical products for the building- and construction industry. NPCR 09. January 2012. The
Norwegian EPD Foundation.
The scope of this PCR differs from the two above in that it follows the EN 15804 standard, with modifications for the
NA market according to UL Environment’s Part A: Calculation Rules for the Life Cycle Assessment and
Requirements on the Project Report. This PCR follows the same modular reporting format, life cycle stages and
definitions and processes given in the Gypsum Board PCR, developed to be harmonized with the IBU PCR Part B:
Requirements on the EPD for Plasterboard, Oct 2012. However, unlike the Gypsum Board PCR, this PCR assumes
PCR Guidance for Building-Related Products and Services: Joint Compound EPD Requirements
4 Environmental Product Declaration Part B: Joint Compound
defaults of a 75 year product Reference Service Life (RSL) and 75 year building Estimated Service Life (ESL) to be
consistent with the IgCC (2015, Section 303.1), ASTM E2921 (2013, Section 6.1.1), and ASHRAE 189.1 (2011,
Section 9.5.1).
Given the difference in geographic scope with the Norwegian PCR, this PCR was developed to be specific to the NA
market.The EPD requirements include:
Requirements of the EN 15804 standard as a European core EPD for the purpose of consistency between
declarations in Europe and the United States.
Requirements of the ULE General Program Instructions v 2.0, April 2015 (available upon request)
The calculation rules for the Life Cycle Assessment and Requirements on the Background Report are
specified in a separate document as Part A of the Product Category Rules, available at
http://industries.ul.com/environment/transparency/product-category-rules-pcrs
EPD content, format, and use requirements
The chapters of the EPDs must be described in a compact form, as well as factually and technically correct.
Judgmental, comparative, or promotional texts are not permitted unless specifically requested in the PCR or if
necessary in the context of the EPD. Each document is carefully checked before publication.
Content of EPD. An EPD created using this PCR shall contain the required content specified in UL Environment’s
“Part A: Calculation Rules for the Life Cycle Assessment and Requirements on the Project Report” in addition to the
required content identified in this Part B document, which serves as a reporting template.
Extent of an EPD. An EPD may contain multiple data sets representative of a collection of products, as long as
each product is uniquely identified either explicitly in the EPD, by product category or by reference to a document
that lists included models. For example, the base model of a carpet available in a variety of colors may be listed by:
each individual model number, a model classification that includes all colors, a range of model numbers, or a
reference to a catalog of model numbers that include all color variations.
Verification. An EPD created using this PCR shall be independently verified by a Program Operator acting in
conformance with ISO 14025. The project report shall also be available for independent verification by a Program
Operator as required in “Part A: Calculation Rules for the Life Cycle Assessment and Requirements on the Project
Report,” Section 3.
Validity. An EPD created using this PCR is valid for a five (5) year period from the date of issue.
Comparability. EPDs must not contain statements of the superiority of one product over a competitor’s product that
performs the same functions, or of one manufacturer against another. EPDs must not contain directly or indirectly
such comparative assertions.
The following ISO statements indicate the EPD comparability limitations and intent to avoid any market distortions or
misinterpretation of EPDs based on this PCR. ISO 14025 requires this statement be included: “Environmental
declarations from different programs may not be comparable”.
A statement shall be included that indicates, “comparison of the environmental performance of joint compounds using
EPD information shall be based on the product’s use and impacts at the building level, and therefore EPDs may not
be used for comparability purposes when not considering the building energy use phase as instructed under this
PCR”.
This statement must be included: “Full conformance with the PCR for Joint Compound allows EPD comparability only
when all stages of joint compound life cycle have been considered. However, variations and deviations are possible”.
Example of variations: Different LCA software and background LCI datasets may lead to differenct results for
upstream or downstream of the life cycle stages declared.
The EPD owner shall transparently indicate any comparability limitations.
Product-group-specific LCA calculation rules from PCR part A
No product-group-specific LCA calculation rules existing.
PCR Guidance for Building-Related Products and Services: Joint Compound EPD Requirements
5 Environmental Product Declaration Part B: Joint Compound
1. General Information
PROGRAM OPERATOR UL Provided
DECLARATION HOLDER UL Provided
DECLARATION NUMBER UL Provided
DECLARED PRODUCT
REFERENCE PCR UL Provided
DATE OF ISSUE UL Provided
PERIOD OF VALIDITY UL Provided
CONTENTS OF THE DECLARATION
Product definition and information about building physics
Information about basic material and the material’s origin
Description of the product’s manufacture
Indication of product processing
Information about the in-use conditions
Life cycle assessment results
Testing results and verifications
The PCR review was conducted by: UL Provided
UL Provided
UL Provided This declaration was independently verified in accordance with ISO 14025 by Underwriters Laboratories. The UL Environment Part A: Calculation Rules for the Life Cycle Assessment and Requirements on the Project report, based on CEN Norm EN 15804, serves as the core PCR.
☐ INTERNAL ☒ EXTERNAL
UL Provided
This life cycle assessment was conducted in accordance with ISO 14044 and the reference PCR by:
UL Provided
This life cycle assessment was independently verified in accordance with ISO 14044 and the reference PCR by:
UL Provided
PCR Guidance for Building-Related Products and Services: Joint Compound EPD Requirements
6 Environmental Product Declaration Part B: Joint Compound
2. Product System Documentation
2.1. PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
The declared products must be described. If averages are declared across various products, the average breakdown
must be explained.
2.2. APPLICATION
The designated application for the referenced products must be specified.
2.3. TECHNICAL DATA
If relevant for the declared product, the following technical construction data in the delivery status must be provided
with reference to the test standard.
TECHNICAL DATA: JOINT COMPOUND
Name Value/
Meets
Requirements Unit
Edge and Check Crack
Resistance ASTM C474
N/A
Shrinkage
ASTM C474 %
Microbial resistance
(putrefaction)
ASTM C474
days
2.4. PLACING ON THE MARKET / APPLICATION RULES
The respective standard and/or general technical approval or comparable national regulation must be indicated.
Standards must be quoted as illustrated in the example. The most recent year of publication shall be used and cited.
ASTM C474 -- Standard Test Methods for Joint Treatment Materials for Gypsum Board Construction
ASTM C475 – Standard Specification for Joint Compound and Joint Tape for Finishing Gypsum Board
2.5. PROPERTIES OF DECLARED PRODUCT AS DELIVERED
The dimensions/quantities of the declared product(s) as delivered to the site of installation/application shall be
indicated..
2.6. BASE MATERIALS/ANCILLARY MATERIALS
The primary product components and/or materials must be indicated as a percentage mass to enable the user of the
EPD to understand the composition of the product as delivered. This information should also support safety and
efficiency during installation, usage and disposal of the product.
Declaration of material product content must list at least those substances contained in the product which are
included in the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), Subtitle C.
Statements of material non-inclusion, such as “… is free of …” may not be used. Ancillary materials and additives
remaining on the product must also be declared. If additives such as fire retardants, softeners or biocides are used,
their functional chemical group must be indicated.
2.7. MANUFACTURE
The manufacturing process must be described and can be illustrated using a simple graphic. If the EPD applies for
several locations, the production processes for all locations must be described. Quality management systems can be
referred to.
PCR Guidance for Building-Related Products and Services: Joint Compound EPD Requirements
7 Environmental Product Declaration Part B: Joint Compound
2.8. ENVIRONMENT AND HEALTH DURING MANUFACTURING
Measures relating to environmental and health protection during the manufacturing process extending beyond
national guidelines (of the production country) should be described, e.g. reference to a product safety data sheet
(SDS), description of Environmental Management Systems or similar, programs addressing air emissions, waste
water, noise, etc.
2.9. PRODUCT PROCESSING/INSTALLATION
A description of the type of processing, machinery, tools, dust extraction equipment, auxiliary materials, etc. to be
used during installation and measures for reducing noise should be included. Information on industrial and
environmental protection may be included in this section.
2.10. PACKAGING
Information on product-specific packaging: type, composition and possible reuse of packaging materials (paper,
pallets, foils etc.) shall be included in this section.
In the case of reuseable packaging designed to last for multiple reuse cycles, one reuse shall be assumed in the
absence of primary manufacturer data. At the end of its reuse cycle, reuseable packaging shall be assumed to go to
landfill.
For non-reusable packaging, all plastic and corrugated joint compound packaging at end-of-life is assumed to be
disposed of in an appropriate landfill.
For the purposes of this PCR, qualification of packaging reuse is strictly limited to the cleaning, refill, and sale of
another retail purchase of joint compound using the same packaging/container. Reusing a joint compound package
for a different product system or function is outside the scope of this PCR.
2.11. CONDITION OF USE
Any relevant information should be provided in this section regarding special product features for the period of use.
2.12. ENVIRONMENT AND HEALTH DURING USE
Information should be provided in this section on the relationship between the product, the environment and health;
any possible content of harmful substances or emissions e.g. reference to a product safety data sheet (SDS). Any
recommendations concerning cleaning, maintenance, etc. of the declared product should be listed in the
corresponding section in Section 4 “Technical information on scenarios”.
2.13. REFERENCE SERVICE LIFE
The indication of the reference service life (RSL) is imperative for EPDs covering the complete use stage (modules
B1-B7), or if a use stage scenario is described, which refers to the lifetime of the product.
A default RSL of 75 years shall be assumed for the product category system unless otherwise stated and justified.
An assumed Estimated Service Life (ESL) of 75 years shall be used for building life.
The RSL must refer to the declared technical and functional quality of the product. A standard life expectancy based
on historic practices of 75 years shall be used, with the option of any deviation allowed only if justified in writing,
publicly available for review, and posted for publication. When reported, the RSL must be established in line with all
of the specific rules in NA product standards and must also consider, but not necessarily adhere to the ISO 15686-1,
-2, -7 and -8 standards. Where information is available for deriving the RSL from NA product standards, such data
has priority. This PCR acknowledges product manufacturers cannot be held responsible for the actual design of the
building, use and application of the product, environment, or workmanship.
The assumptions upon which the designated RSL is based and for which the RSL exclusively applies shall be
provided in the section “LCA: Scenarios and additional technical information”. Influences on ageing, when applied,
shall be in accordance with the state of the art.
PCR Guidance for Building-Related Products and Services: Joint Compound EPD Requirements
8 Environmental Product Declaration Part B: Joint Compound
2.14. EXTRAORDINARY EFFECTS
FIRE
If relevant, information should be included on fire performance e.g. International Code Council (ICC), National Fire
Protection Association (NFPA).
WATER
Information on product performance including possible impacts on the environment following unforeseeable influence
of water, e.g. flooding should be included.
MECHANICAL DESTRUCTION
If relevant, information on product performance including possible impacts on the environment following
unforeseeable mechanical destruction should be included.
2.15. RE-USE PHASE
The possibilities of re-use, recycling and energy recovery must be described.
2.16. DISPOSAL
The possible disposal channels must be indicated in accordance with North American waste classification and
disposal routes.
2.17. FURTHER INFORMATION
Optional details, indication of reference source for additional information, e.g. homepage, reference source for safety
data sheet.
3. LCA Calculation Rules
3.1. FUNCTIONAL UNIT
The functional unit for joint compound is defined as 100m2 of covered substrate considering an installation scenario
as defined by a GA-214 Level 4 finish with the quantity adjusted for the measured shrinkage (testing per ASTM C474)
for a service life of 75 years. Additional optional reporting of 1000ft2 may be included.
NOTE: Finishing an interior space to a GA-214 Level 4 finish includes treatment of joints, fasteners, flat joints (butts,
tapers), angle joints, corner reinforcement, and decorative trim. In practice, the volume required to cover 1000ft2
corresponds to a volume of 13 gallons of joint compound at 20% shrinkage. If deviations exist, they shall be
documented and justified.
NOTE: For purposes of defining a functional unit and reference unit, an ESL of a building in North America of 75
years shall be applied. The functional unit includes installed product and shall take into consideration shrinkage as
defined below and a 3% installation waste by default unless supporting documentation is provided.
Example: The functional unit for joint compound typically corresponds to a volume of 13 gallons/msf and is based on
a measured shrinkage value of 20% as determined per ASTM C474. For a joint compound with a different shrinkage
rates, the following equation would be used to determine the correct functional unit for that shrinkage value.
Needed volume for Functional Unit (gal/msf) = 10.1 gal/msf ÷ [(1 - shrinkage rate) x (1 - installation waste)]
Example 1 (20% shrinkage) = 10.1 ÷ [(1.00 - 0.20) x (1.00 - 0.03)] = 13.02 gal/msf conventional weight drying type JC
Example 2 (25% shrinkage) = 10.1 ÷ [(1.00 - 0.25) x (1.00 - 0.03)]= 13.88 gal/msf conventional weight drying type JC
Example 3 (15% shrinkage) = 10.1 ÷ [(1.00 - 0.15) x (1.00 - 0.03)]= 12.25 gal/msf lightweight drying type JC
Example 4 (0% shrinkage) = 10.1 ÷ [(1.00 - 0) x (1.00 - 0.03)]= 10.4 gal/msf 20 minute setting type JC
PCR Guidance for Building-Related Products and Services: Joint Compound EPD Requirements
9 Environmental Product Declaration Part B: Joint Compound
The functional unit, volume, density, the conversion factor to 1 kg, and the volume shrinkage rate shall be indicated
in the appropriate table as declared.
Name Value Unit
Functional unit Required: 100 m
2
Optional: 1000 ft2
Volume Required: liter
Optional: gallon
Declared density
(Wet, ASTM C474)
kg/L
Conversion factor 8.345 lbs/gallon to kg/liter
Volume shrinkage rate
(ASTM C474)
%
Per ASTM C474, shrinkage is defined as one (1) minus the ratio of the volume of the dry patty to that of the wet patty
expressed as a percentage.
3.2. SYSTEM BOUNDARY
The type of EPD shall be specified as cradle to grave. The modules considered in the Life Cycle Assessment as per
“System limits” outlined in section 6.5 of the PCR, Part A: “Calculation Rules for the Life Cycle Assessment and
Requirements on the Project Report” shall be described in brief. It should be apparent as to what processes are
considered in what modules per the module descriptions in section 6.5 of Part A.
3.3. PRODUCT SPECIFIC CALCULATIONS FOR USE PHASE (MODULES B1-B7)
There are no required product-specific calculations for the use phase (modules B1-B7). Impacts from the use phase
modules of joint compound are not anticipated and should be reported as zero unless otherwise justified.
3.4. ESTIMATES AND ASSUMPTIONS
Key assumptions and estimates for interpretation of the Life Cycle Assessment should be referred to here, provided
that they are not dealt with in other sections of 3 “LCA: Calculation rules”. Imperial units may optionally be included in
addition to the required SI units.
3.5. CUT-OFF CRITERIA
Cut-off criteria as specified per the PCR, Part A:
“Calculation Rules for the Life Cycle Assessment and Requirements on the Background Report,” Section 6.6 shall
be used and documented in the EPD and Background Project Report
3.6. BACKGROUND DATA
The sources for background data used must be provided and selection of data shall follow Part A, Section 7.3 and
collection of data shall follow Part A, Section 7.1. Primary life cycle data shall have priority.
If the variability in generic material or process data for any significant material or process leads to large variations in
the end result, the manufacturer shall seek to collect primary life cycle inventory data from their suppliers, if available.
3.7. DATA QUALITY
An evaluation shall be provided regarding data quality, including primary and background data age, geographic
representativeness, technological coverage, and completeness and shall follow the requirements outlined in Part A,
Section 7.4.
3.8. PERIOD UNDER REVIEW
The period under review and ensuing averages must be documented.
PCR Guidance for Building-Related Products and Services: Joint Compound EPD Requirements
10 Environmental Product Declaration Part B: Joint Compound
3.9. ALLOCATION
Part A, Section 7.5 shall be used as the basis for allocation decisions, and mass should be used as the primary basis
for co-product allocation in this Part B. Allocation methods deemed more appropriate than on the basis of mass may
be used but only when justified. The allocations of relevance for calculation (appropriation of impacts across various
products) must be indicated, at least:
• Allocation in the use of recycled and/or secondary raw materials
• Allocation of energy, auxiliary and operating materials used for individual products in a factory
whereby reference must be made to the modules in which the allocations are performed.
3.10. COMPARABILITY
A comparison or evaluation of EPD data is only possible if all data sets to be compared are 1) created according to
EN 15804 and 2) are considered in a whole building context or utilize identical defined use stage scenarios.
Comparisons are only allowable when EPDs report cradle-to-grave information using a functional unit. Refer to
section 5.3 of EN 15804 for further information
4. LCA: Scenarios and additional technical information
The following information is necessary for the declared modules. Irrelevant or non-applicable module rows may be
excluded in the EPD; additional information may also be listed if necessary
The following technical information is a basis for the declared modules or can be used for developing specific scenarios in the context of a building assessment if modules are not declared (MND).
TABLE 1. TRANSPORT TO THE BUILDING SITE (A4)
Name Value Unit
Liters of fuel l/100km
Transport distance km
Capacity utilization (including empty runs)
%
Gross density of products transported or weight and volume of products transported
kg/m3
Capacity utilization volume factor -
TABLE 2. INSTALLATION INTO THE BUILDING (A5)
Name Value Unit
Auxiliary materials kg
Water consumption m3
Other resources kg
Electricity consumption kWh
Other energy carriers MJ
Material loss kg
Output substances following waste treatment on site
kg
Airborne dust g/m3
Chemical emissions g/m3
VOC g/L
* Method used to calculate and report airborne dust shall be identified and/or described
For products which have indoor applications, the VOC emissions shall be determined in accordance to “Standard
Method for the Testing and Evaluation of Volatile Organic Chemical Emissions from Indoor Sources using
Environmental Chambers- version 1.1”.CA Specification 01350 “Standard Method for the Testing and Evaluation of
PCR Guidance for Building-Related Products and Services: Joint Compound EPD Requirements
11 Environmental Product Declaration Part B: Joint Compound
Volatile Organic 306 Chemical Emissions from Indoor Sources Using Environmental Chambers” - Version 1.1 307 -
California Specification 01350.
This is optional for products which are exclusively intended for outdoor applications.
TABLE 3. USE OR APPLICATION OF THE INSTALLED PRODUCT (B1) (SEE SECTION 2.12 "USE")
Name Value Unit
RSL years
TABLE 4. MAINTENANCE (B2)
Name Value Unit
Maintenance process information (cite source in report)
-
Maintenance cycle Number/ RSL
Maintenance cycle Number/ ESL
Water consumption m3
Auxiliary kg
Other resources kg
Electricity consumption kWh
Other energy carriers MJ
Material loss kg
TABLE 5. REPAIR (B3)
Name Value Unit
Repair process information (cite source in report)
-
Inspection process information (cite source in report)
-
Repair cycle Number/ RSL
Repair cycle Number/ ESL
Water consumption m3
Auxiliary kg
Other resources kg
Electricity consumption kWh
Other energy carriers MJ
Material loss kg
REPLACEMENT (B4) / REFURBISHMENT (B5)
The number of replacements of product expected during the ESL of the building of 75 years shall be declared.
Required or expected maintenance are to be modeled according to manufacturer’s guidelines. Assumptions and key
parameters must be clearly stated and the manufacturer is to submit supporting documentation to justify the
assumptions made.
When reporting an RSL other than the default value of 75 years, the RSL is expected to be less than the ESL of a
building in North America. In this case, the number of replacements that will be necessary to fulfill the required
performance and functionality over the building ESL shall be identified.
Replacements should be rounded-up to the highest integer instead of a fraction over the course of the ESL of the
building; e.g., 1.6 rounded to 2. That is, if the RSL is greater than remaining life of the building, the aspects and
impact of a whole RSL must be used, not a fractional RSL corresponding to the remaining expected building life.
PCR Guidance for Building-Related Products and Services: Joint Compound EPD Requirements
12 Environmental Product Declaration Part B: Joint Compound
TABLE 6. REPLACEMENT (B4) Name Value Unit
Replacement cycle Number/ RSL
Replacement cycle Number/ ESL
Electricity consumption during replacement
kWh
Replacement of worn parts kg
Further assumptions for scenario development, e.g. frequency and time period of use, # occupants
As
appropriate
TABLE 7. REFURBISHMENT (B5) Name Value Unit
Refurbishment process description (cite source in report)
Replacement cycle Number/ RSL
Replacement cycle Number/ ESL
Electricity consumption during refurbishment
kWh
Material inputs during refurbishment kg
Waste material
TABLE 8. OPERATIONAL ENERGY USE (B6) AND OPERATIONAL WATER USE (B7)
Name Value Unit
Water consumption m3
Electricity consumption kWh
Other energy carriers MJ
Equipment output kW
TABLE 9. END OF LIFE (C1-C4)
Name Value Unit
Collected separately kg
Collected as mixed construction waste kg
Reuse kg
Recycling kg
Energy recovery kg
Landfilling kg
TABLE 10. REUSE, RECOVERY AND/OR RECYCLING POTENTIALS (D), RELEVANT SCENARIO INFORMATION Name Value Unit
Net energy benefit from energy recovery
from waste treatment declared as
exported energy in C3 (R>0.6)
MJ
Net energy benefit from thermal energy
due to treatment of waste declared as
exported energy in C4 (R<0.6)
MJ
Net energy benefit from material flow
declared in C3 for energy recovery
MJ
If applicable, complete Table D as
specified in Part A, Section 6.5.6.
PCR Guidance for Building-Related Products and Services: Joint Compound EPD Requirements
13 Environmental Product Declaration Part B: Joint Compound
5. LCA: Results
In Table 1 "Description of the system boundary," all declared modules shall be indicated with an "X”. Indicator values in Table 12 for each module shall be declared with three valid digits using scientific notation (e.g. 1.23E-5 = 0.0000123). A uniform format shall be used for all indicator values.
If no reference service life is declared (see Section 2.13 "Reference Service Life"), the LCIA results of modules B1-B2 and B6-B7 shall 1) refer to and report as a period of one year and 2) provide the calculation formula for the total life cycle results.
Per Part A, TRACI life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) results in Table 12 shall be reported to insure a North American context. Although not required for NA registered EPDs, to achieve conformance with EN 15804 and the mutual recognition program with UL Environment and the German Institute for Construction & Environment’s (IBU) Part A PCR, CML LCIA results in Table 13 may optionally be reported.
Results derived from the life cycle inventory (LCI) shall be reported in Table 14 and Table 15.
Table 11. Description of the system boundary modules
LIFE CYCLE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT RESULTS: [INDICATE FUNCTIONAL UNIT AND PRODUCT]
Table 12. North American Life Cycle Impact Assessment Results
TRACI 2.1 Impact Assessment Method, October 2013
Parameter Parameter Unit Values for all
declared modules
GWP Global warming potential [kg CO2-Eq.] ODP Stratospheric ozone layer depletion potential [kg CFC-11 Eq.] AP Acidification potential [kg SO2-Eq.] EP Eutrophication potentials [kg N-Eq.]
POCP Photochemical ozone creation potential [kg O3-Eq.]
ADP Abiotic resource depletion potential – fossil fuels Surplus energy per extracted MJ, kg or m3 fossil fuel, as a result of
lower quality resources
PRODUCT STAGE
CONSTRUCT-
ION
PROCESS STAGE
USE STAGE END OF LIFE STAGE
BENEFITS
AND LOADS
BEYOND THE SYSTEM
BOUNDARY
A1 A2 A3 A4 A5 B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 C1 C2 C3 C4 D
Ref
eren
ce S
ervi
ce L
ife
Raw
ma
teria
l supply
Tra
nsport
Ma
nufa
ctu
rin
g
Tra
nsport
fro
m g
ate
to s
ite
Assem
bly
/Insta
ll Use
Ma
inte
nance
Repair
Repla
cem
ent
Refu
rbis
hm
ent
Deconstr
uctio
n
Tra
nsport
Waste
pro
cessin
g
Dis
posal
Reuse,
Recovery
,
Recyclin
g P
ote
ntia
l
B6 Operational Energy Use of
Building Integrated System During Product Use
B7 Operational Water Use of
Building Integrated System During Product Use
Cradle to grave
Required Required Optional
PCR Guidance for Building-Related Products and Services: Joint Compound EPD Requirements
14 Environmental Product Declaration Part B: Joint Compound
Table 13. EU and ROW Life Cycle Impact Assessment Results
CML 4.1 Impact Assessment Method (per EN 15804:2012 + A1:2013)
Parameter Parameter Unit Values for all
declared modules
GWP Global warming potential [kg CO2-Eq.] ODP Depletion potential of the stratospheric ozone layer [kg CFC-11 Eq.]
AP Air Acidification potentials for air emissions [kg SO2-Eq.]
EP Eutrophication potentials [kg (PO4)3-
Eq.]
POCP Formation potential of tropospheric ozone [kg ethene Eq.]
ADP elements Abiotic depletion potential for non-fossil resources [kg Sb-Eq.]
ADP fossil fuels Abiotic depletion potential for fossil resources [MJ, LHV]
Table 14. Life Cycle Inventory Results: Resource Use
LCI RESULTS - RESOURCE USE [INDICATE FUNCTIONAL UNIT AND PRODUCT]
Parameter Parameter Unit
Values for all
declared
modules
PERE Renewable primary energy as energy carrier [MJ, LHV] PERM Renewable primary energy resources as material utilization [MJ, LHV]
PERT Total use of renewable primary energy resources [MJ, LHV]
PENRE Non-renewable primary energy as energy carrier [MJ, LHV] PENRM Non-renewable primary energy as material utilization [MJ, LHV] PENRT Total use of non-renewable primary energy resources [MJ, LHV]
SM Use of secondary material [MJ, LHV]
RSF Use of renewable secondary fuels [MJ, LHV] NRSF Use of non-renewable secondary fuels [MJ, LHV] FW Use of net fresh water [m³]
PERE = Use of renewable primary energy excluding renewable primary energy resources used as raw materials; PERM = Use of renewable primary energy resources used as raw materials; PERT = Total use of renewable primary energy resources; PENRE = Use of non-renewable primary energy excluding non-renewable primary
energy resources used as raw materials; PENRM = Use of non-renewable primary energy resources used as raw materials; PENRT = Total use of non-renewable primary energy resources; SM = Use of secondary material; RSF = Use of renewable secondary fuels; NRSF = Use of non-renewable secondary fuels;
FW = Use of net fresh water
Table 15. Life Cycle Inventory Results: Output Flows and Waste Categories
LCI RESULTS: OUTPUT FLOWS AND WASTE CATEGORIES [INDICATE FUNCTIONAL UNIT AND PRODUCT]
Parameter Parameter Unit Values for all
declared modules
HWD Hazardous waste disposed [kg] NHWD Non-hazardous waste disposed [kg] RWD Radioactive waste disposed [kg]
CRU Components for re-use [kg]
MFR Materials for recycling [kg]
MER Materials for energy recovery [kg]
EE Exported energy [MJ, LHV]
HWD = Hazardous waste disposed; NHWD = Non-hazardous waste disposed; RWD = Radioactive waste disposed; CRU = Components for re-use; MFR = Materials for recycling; MER = Materials for energy recovery; EE = Exported energy
PCR Guidance for Building-Related Products and Services: Joint Compound EPD Requirements
15 Environmental Product Declaration Part B: Joint Compound
6. LCA: Interpretation
To facilitate comprehension of the Life Cycle Assessment, both the aggregate indicators of the Life Cycle Inventory
Analysis (LCIA) and the estimated impact outlined in Section 5 “LCIA results” must be interpreted in a dominance
analysis.
This interpretation must also include a description of the time frame and/or variance of the LCIA results if the EPD is
valid for several products. An illustration of the results with figures is recommended, e.g. for the dominance analysis,
the distribution of impacts across the modules, the CO2-balance, etc. as appropriate for a reader's understanding of
the environmental profile of the declared product.
7. Supporting Documentation
The project report elements required to support the content declared in an EPD created using this document are
specified in “Part A: Calculations for the Life Cycle Assessment and Requirements on the Project Report.” These
project report elements include general information (Part A: Section 4), study goal (Part A: Section 5), study scope
(Part A: Section 6), and the life cycle inventory analysis, impact assessment, and interpretation (Part A: Section 7, 8,
and 9). Additionally, the project report shall include additional required supporting documentation specified in this
Part B and according to Part A: Section 10.
If relevant to the scope of the declared product, or due to the product material composition, it is recommended to
provide sufficient supporting documentation in the EPD and Background Report. When providing documentation,
testing protocols and other relevant information shall be indicated. If supporting documentation is not provided, the
reasons shall be indicated in the EPD and Background Report.
As a general rule, all statements must be documented with measured data (presented by the corresponding test
certificates). In the case of non-verifiable substances, the limit of detection must be included in the declaration.
Interpreting statements such as “… free of …” or “… are entirely harmless …” are not permissible.
8. References
The literature referred to in the Environmental Product Declaration must be quoted in full from the following sources.
Standards and standards relating to evidence and/or technical features already fully quoted in the EPD do not need
to be listed here. Part B of the PCR document on which they are based must be referenced.
UL ENVIRONMENT
UL Environment General Program Instructions April 2015, version 2
PCR Part A: UL Environment and Institute of Construction and Environment e.V., Königswinter (pub.): Product
Category Rules for Construction Products from the range of Environmental Product Declarations of Institut Bauen
und Umwelt (IBU), Part A: Calculation Rules for the Life Cycle Assessment and Requirements on the Project Report.
July 2014, version 1.3
SUSTAINABILITY REPORTING STANDARDS
EN 15804: 2012-04 - Sustainability of construction works — Environmental Product Declarations — Core rules for the
product category of construction product.
ISO 14025: 2006 - Environmental labels and declarations — Type III environmental declarations — Principles and
procedures
ISO 14040: 2006 - Environmental management – Life cycle assessment – Principles and framework
ISO 14044:2006 - Environmental management – Life cycle assessment – Requirements and guidelines
ISO 14046:2013 - Environmental management- Water footprint- Principles, requirements and guidelines
ISO 15392:2008 - Sustainability in building construction- General principles
ISO 15686-1:2011 - Buildings and constructed assets- Service life planning- Part 1: General principles
PCR Guidance for Building-Related Products and Services: Joint Compound EPD Requirements
16 Environmental Product Declaration Part B: Joint Compound
ISO 15686-2:2008 - Buildings and constructed assets- Service life planning Part 2: Service life prediction procedures
ISO 15686-7:2008 - Buildings and constructed assets- Service life planning Part 7: Performance evaluation for
feedback of service life data from practice
ISO 15686-8:2008 - Buildings and constructed assets- Service life planning Part 8: Reference service life and service
life estimation
ISO 21930: 2007 - Sustainability in building construction -- Environmental declaration of building products
TESTING AND CLASSIFICATION REFERENCES
ASTM C474 – Standard Test Methods for Joint Treatment Materials for Gypsum Board Construction
ASTM C475 – Standard Specification for Joint Compound and Joint Tape for Finishing Gypsum Board
ASTM C840 – Standard Specification for Application and Finishing of Gypsum Board
ASTM C1178 – Standard Specification for Glass Mat Water-resistant Gypsum Backing Panel
ASTM C1278 – Standard Specification for Fiber Reinforced Gypsum Panels
ASTM C1396 – Standard Specification for Gypsum Board
ASTM C1629 – Standard Specification for Abuse-Resistant Nondecorated Interior Gypsum Panel Products
ASTM C1658 – Standard Specification for Glass Mat Gypsum Panels
ASTM C1766 – Standard Specification for Factory-Laminated Gypsum Panel Products
GA-214 – Recommended Levels of Finish for Gypsum Board, Glass Mat & Fiber Reinforced Gypsum Panels
RELEVANT FEDERAL STANDARDS AND SOPS
Environment Canada, National Pollutant Release Inventory (NPRI) (http://www.ec.gc.ca/inrp-npri/)
EPCRA 313 Toxic Release Inventory Reporting (U.S.) (http://www2.epa.gov/toxics-release-inventory-tri-program)
US EPA, ORD/NRMRL/Sustainable Technology Division, Systems Analysis Branch, SOP No. S-10637-OP-1-0- Tool
for the Reduction and Assessment of Chemical and other Environmental Impacts (TRACI), Software Name and
Version Number: TRACI version 2.1, USER’S MANUAL, 24 July, 2012
US: Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), Clause C (http://www.epa.gov/region6/rcra/)
40 CFR 50 Protection of Environment - Part 50: National Primary and Secondary Ambient Air Quality Standards (U.S.) (http://www.epa.gov/air/criteria.html) Clean Air Act (CAA) Section 112(r): Accidential Release Prevention/Public Management Rule (http://www.epa.gov/oem/docs/chem/caa112_rmp_factsheet.pdf) CERCLA Hazardous Substances (U.S.) (http://www.epa.gov/oem/content/hazsubs/cercsubs.htm) U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA 1910.1200 Hazard Communication Standard—Toxic and Hazardous Substances (U.S) (http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=standards&p_id=10099)
RELEVANT PCRS
Product Category Rules for Building-Related Products and Services, From the range of Environmental Product Declarations of UL Environment and Institute Construction and Environment e.V. (IBU): “Part A: Calculation Rules for the Life Cycle Assessment and Requirements on the Background Report,” June 2014, v1.3
PCR Guidance for Building-Related Products and Services: Joint Compound EPD Requirements
17 Environmental Product Declaration Part B: Joint Compound
Product Category Rules for North American Gypsum Boards. FPInnovations – Gypsum PCR-2013: v1PCR
Product Category Rules for preparing an environmental product declaration (EPD) for Product Group. Technical -
Chemical products for the building- and construction industry. NPCR 09. January 2012. The Norwegian EPD
Foundation.