Closing the Gap: Harmonising PEF and EPD for credible climate decisions

A summary of the discussion paper by Hemdrup & Thy, Bureau Veritas Solutions Denmark A/S

In their discussion paper “Closing the gap. The critical role of LCA methodology in decision making. A case of harmonisation between PEF and EPD”, authors Waldemar C. Hemdrup and Charlotte Thy analyse how inconsistencies in LCA methodology affect environmental communication and decision-making.

By comparing the structures and use cases of EPD (Environmental Product Declarations) and PEF (Product Environmental Footprint), they make the case for harmonisation.

The case for harmonisation

Although both frameworks rely on LCA standards like ISO 14040/44 and EN 15804, Hemdrup & Thy note that differences in scope, data sources, and allocation rules can lead to non-comparable results even for similar products.

“The harmonisation between different methodologies is essential to the green transition in the market, but it is not feasible to harmonise methodologies across platforms when there is no harmonisation within the same platform or framework. The lack of harmonisation within the EPD scheme has been known for more than a decade.”p. 22

EPD: Market recognition, but variability

EPDs are well-established in many industries and provide verified declarations of a product’s environmental impact. But the authors emphasise that the flexibility built into the system through varying PCRs (Product Category Rules) and programme operator rules often results in inconsistencies.

“(Konradsen, et al., 2024) present a paper where it was found that for three different product categories – insulation, flooring, and cladding – 3–12% of the EPDs are incomparable, even though they are following the same PCR.”p. 22

 

PEF: Structured, comparable and decision-ready

PEF, on the other hand, offers a more standardised and less flexible methodology, aimed at improving consistency and enabling comparison. With strict requirements on data sources, allocation, and full life-cycle coverage, PEF results are more suited for operational use e.g., product development and business strategy.

 

Synergy, not authority

The authors do not argue that one system should replace the other. Rather, they encourage alignment: combining EPD’s market credibility and verification with PEF’s methodological accuracy and comparability.

“Policymakers have a great responsibility to initiate dialogues with program owners of other LCA methodologies, such as EPD, to work towards harmonisation. LCA has transitioned from an industry-driven to a policy-driven approach, shifting the responsibility to policymakers.”
p. 39

 

Why it matters: Data must enable decisions

Without harmonisation, LCA data risks becoming unusable in practice despite the growing demand for transparency across regulatory initiatives in the EU such as Green Claims, CSRD, Ecodesign etc.

“The coexistence of PEF and EPD, without proper harmonisation, means the market and consumers are faced with incomparable environmental impact data, hindering their ability to make informed, sustainable choices. Addressing the disconnect between these methodologies should be a priority to ensure effective communication of environmental information and support the transition to a more sustainable economy.”
p. 40

 

Next steps: Align what we already have

The report concludes that instead of developing a new system from scratch, the logical next step is to align the methodologies already in use.

“Developing a single methodology that accurately assesses environmental impact across all sectors is extremely challenging. As such, harmonising the existing EPD approach with PEF may be a more practical solution. (…) The reason EPD needs to harmonise with PEF, rather than the other way around, is that the European Union is actively promoting the use of LCA and positioning PEF as the preferred methodology.”
p. 41

This paper makes a strong, well-documented case for LCA harmonisation as a precondition for real climate action. Hemdrup & Thy argue that alignment between PEF and EPD is not just possible, but necessary for enabling informed decisions, fair comparisons, and credible communication.

Looking ahead from a Målbar perspective: Building shared tools for a shared direction

As highlighted in the discussion paper, harmonising LCA methodologies is not just a technical exercise. It is a key enabler for climate-reflected design, procurement, and communication.

At Målbar, we look forward to continuing this important work through our collaboration with Aalborg University and Lifestyle & Design Cluster.
Together, we aim to develop a conceptual tool that can support greater clarity and consistency in how climate performance is documented and communicated across the furniture and design industry.

The goal? A shared foundation that makes climate data more understandable, actionable, and comparable both for companies, designers, and decision-makers.

Read more about the project (DA)

 

Source:
Hemdrup, W.C. & Thy, C. (2024). Closing the gap. The critical role of LCA methodology in decision making. A case of harmonisation between PEF and EPD. Bureau Veritas Solutions Denmark A/S.