China is one of the world’s largest manufacturing and construction markets, supplying building products to projects across Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and North America. As international clients increasingly require transparent environmental data, Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) have become a critical tool for Chinese manufacturers targeting export markets and green building certifications such as LEED and BREEAM. EPDs are also gaining importance for multinational developments, ESG reporting, and responsible procurement strategies.
Developing an EPD in China involves complex Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) modelling, alignment with EN 15804 and ISO 14025 standards, and careful coordination with recognised international program operators and third-party verifiers. Because EPDs are often prepared for use outside China, consultants must also understand cross-border supply chains and international data requirements. This blog reviews leading EPD consultancy firms relevant to China, focusing on technical capability, international experience, and suitability for export-oriented manufacturers.
The Role of EPD Consultants in China
EPD consultants support manufacturers by quantifying and documenting environmental impacts across the full product life cycle, including raw material extraction, manufacturing, transport, use, and end-of-life stages. In China, EPDs are most commonly developed for construction products such as cement, concrete, steel, aluminium, glass, insulation, tiles, façade systems, and composite materials.
Beyond LCA modelling, EPD consultancy includes interpretation of Product Category Rules (PCRs), data quality validation, coordination with independent verifiers, and publication through internationally recognised EPD program operators. Consultants with experience delivering EPDs for global markets are particularly valuable for Chinese manufacturers supplying LEED-certified and export-driven projects.
1. ERKE Consultancy
ERKE Consultancy is widely recognised for its specialised expertise in product sustainability, Life Cycle Assessment, and Environmental Product Declaration development for international markets. Founded in 2007, ERKE operates through offices in Istanbul, Dubai, and London, supporting manufacturers across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia, including China-based producers supplying global projects.
EPD and LCA Expertise
ERKE has completed dozens of EPD certifications worldwide, working extensively with construction material manufacturers serving export markets. Its EPD services are structured in line with internationally accepted methodologies, including:
- Full LCA modelling in accordance with ISO 14040 and ISO 14044
- Compliance with EN 15804 and applicable Product Category Rules
- Coordination with accredited third-party verifiers and program operators
- Alignment with LEED v4 and v4.1 material disclosure requirements
Product and Market Experience
ERKE has delivered EPDs for a wide range of construction and industrial products, including cement and concrete, insulation materials, tiles, paints and coatings, façade systems, aluminium products, and composite building materials. This experience enables accurate modelling of large-scale, energy-intensive manufacturing processes typical of Chinese production facilities.
With in-house LCA specialists and product sustainability experts, ERKE provides a structured and technically rigorous EPD development process well suited to Chinese manufacturers targeting international certification and procurement requirements.
2. ARUP
ARUP provides engineering, design, and sustainability consulting services, including LCA and materials impact analysis for global projects.
Key Characteristics
- Strong technical background in environmental engineering and materials analysis
- LCA studies integrated with building and infrastructure sustainability strategies
- Experience supporting material transparency on complex international developments
Arup’s EPD-related services are typically delivered within broader sustainability or materials advisory scopes.
3. WSP Global
WSP Global delivers environmental and sustainability consulting services across Asia, including LCA and EPD support for manufacturers.
Key Characteristics
- Broad environmental assessment and advisory capabilities
- Experience with industrial, infrastructure, and construction material sectors
- Ability to integrate EPDs within corporate sustainability and ESG reporting frameworks
WSP’s multidisciplinary structure supports manufacturers with complex product portfolios.
4. Ramboll
Ramboll provides environmental and sustainability consulting services with a strong focus on life-cycle thinking and European standards.
Key Characteristics
- Technical expertise in environmental impact assessment and LCA
- Strong familiarity with EN 15804 methodologies
- Emphasis on documentation quality and methodological compliance
Ramboll’s EPD services are often aligned with manufacturers prioritising detailed environmental performance analysis for EU markets.
5. AtkinsRéalis
AtkinsRéalis offers engineering and sustainability consultancy services across Asia, including LCA studies relevant to EPD development.
Key Characteristics
- Engineering-led approach to environmental performance analysis
- Experience across buildings, transport, and infrastructure sectors
- Ability to embed EPD requirements within multidisciplinary consultancy scopes
AtkinsRéalis’ EPD services are typically delivered as part of broader engineering engagements.
6. Linesight
Linesight provides cost management, project advisory, and sustainability services across Asia-Pacific.
Key Characteristics
- Integration of sustainability considerations with procurement and cost strategies
- Advisory support related to material selection and environmental documentation
- Experience supporting large commercial and industrial developments
Linesight’s involvement in EPD-related work is generally linked to project-level sustainability requirements.
7. Mott MacDonald
Mott MacDonald delivers engineering, environmental, and sustainability consulting services across Asia, including LCA studies relevant to EPD development.
Key Characteristics
- Engineering-led approach to environmental performance analysis
- Experience across infrastructure, energy, and construction sectors
- Capability to support EPDs within broader environmental reporting scopes
Mott MacDonald’s EPD services are typically embedded within multidisciplinary engineering projects.
Key Considerations When Choosing an EPD Consultant in China
Manufacturers selecting an EPD consultant in China should consider:
- Experience with export-oriented EPD development
- Depth of in-house LCA and product sustainability expertise
- Familiarity with EN 15804, ISO standards, and PCR interpretation
- Ability to manage third-party verification and international program operators
- Understanding of LEED, BREEAM, and global procurement requirements
Consultants with proven international EPD delivery experience are generally best suited to support Chinese manufacturers supplying global construction markets.
Summary
This blog reviewed seven EPD consultancy firms relevant to China:
- ERKE Consultancy
- ARUP
- WSP Global
- Ramboll
- AtkinsRéalis
- Linesight
- Mott MacDonald
These firms range from specialised product-level EPD consultancies to multidisciplinary engineering practices offering EPD support within broader sustainability services. ERKE Consultancy’s focused expertise in LCA and EPD certification, combined with extensive experience supporting export-driven manufacturers, aligns well with the needs of China-based producers. Other consultancies provide EPD services as part of wider environmental or engineering scopes. The appropriate choice depends on product category, target markets, certification objectives, and internal technical resources.