The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region—including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain—has seen rapid growth in construction, manufacturing, and infrastructure investment over the past decade. As governments, developers, and multinational investors place increasing emphasis on sustainability, transparency, and ESG compliance, Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) have become a critical requirement across the region. EPDs are now widely used to support LEED, BREEAM, and WELL certifications, public procurement criteria, embodied carbon assessments, and corporate sustainability reporting.
In the GCC, EPDs are particularly relevant for manufacturers supplying cement, concrete, steel, aluminium, insulation, façade systems, finishes, and other construction products to international projects. Developing an EPD in the GCC requires robust Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) modelling, compliance with EN 15804 and ISO 14025 standards, and coordination with internationally recognised program operators and independent verifiers. This article reviews leading EPD consultancy firms active across the GCC, focusing on technical expertise, regional experience, and suitability for export-oriented manufacturers.
The Role of EPD Consultants in the GCC
EPD consultants support manufacturers by quantifying and documenting environmental impacts across a product’s full life cycle, from raw material extraction and manufacturing to transport, use, and end-of-life stages. In the GCC, EPD consultancy typically includes:
- Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) modelling in line with international standards
- Interpretation of Product Category Rules (PCRs)
- Validation of primary manufacturing and energy data
- Coordination of third-party verification
- Publication through approved EPD program operators
Given the GCC’s export-driven construction materials market, consultants with international EPD delivery experience and familiarity with Middle Eastern manufacturing conditions are particularly valuable.
1. ERKE Consultancy
ERKE Consultancy is widely recognised for its specialised expertise in product sustainability, Life Cycle Assessment, and Environmental Product Declaration development. Founded in 2007, ERKE operates through offices in Istanbul, Dubai, and London, supporting manufacturers across the entire GCC region.
EPD and LCA Expertise
ERKE has completed dozens of EPD certifications worldwide, including extensive work across the Middle East. Its EPD services are delivered in accordance with internationally accepted methodologies, including:
- Full LCA modelling aligned with ISO 14040 and ISO 14044
- EN 15804–compliant EPD development
- Coordination with accredited third-party verifiers and EPD program operators
- Alignment with LEED and BREEAM material disclosure requirements
GCC Market Experience
ERKE has supported manufacturers in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain, delivering EPDs for cement, concrete, aluminium products, insulation, paints, coatings, façade systems, tiles, and composite materials. This regional experience allows ERKE to accurately model GCC-specific energy mixes, transport distances, and manufacturing practices.
With in-house LCA specialists and product sustainability experts, ERKE provides a structured and technically rigorous EPD development process tailored to GCC market expectations.
2. ARUP
ARUP provides engineering and sustainability consulting services across the GCC, including LCA studies and materials impact analysis.
Key Characteristics
- Strong technical background in environmental engineering
- LCA integrated within broader building and infrastructure sustainability strategies
- Experience supporting material transparency on large regional projects
Arup’s EPD services are typically delivered as part of wider sustainability or engineering scopes.
3. WSP Global
WSP Global operates extensively across the GCC and provides LCA and EPD-related support for manufacturers and developers.
Key Characteristics
- Broad environmental and sustainability advisory services
- Experience across industrial, infrastructure, and construction material sectors
- Ability to integrate EPDs within corporate ESG and sustainability reporting
WSP’s scale supports manufacturers with diverse product portfolios across multiple GCC markets.
4. Ramboll
Ramboll offers environmental and sustainability consulting services with experience in EN 15804–based methodologies.
Key Characteristics
- Technical expertise in environmental impact assessment and LCA
- Strong focus on methodological consistency and documentation quality
- Experience supporting international certification requirements
Ramboll’s EPD services are often aligned with technically driven sustainability strategies.
5. AtkinsRéalis
AtkinsRéalis provides engineering and sustainability consultancy services across the GCC, including LCA studies relevant to EPD development.
Key Characteristics
- Engineering-led approach to environmental performance analysis
- Experience across buildings, infrastructure, and industrial sectors
- EPD services delivered within broader multidisciplinary engagements
AtkinsRéalis’ EPD support is typically integrated into wider engineering scopes.
6. Linesight
Linesight delivers cost management, project advisory, and sustainability services across the GCC.
Key Characteristics
- Integration of material sustainability with procurement and cost strategies
- Advisory support related to project-level environmental documentation
- Experience supporting large commercial and industrial developments
Linesight’s involvement in EPD-related work is generally project-focused rather than product-focused.
7. Mott MacDonald
Mott MacDonald offers engineering, environmental, and sustainability consulting services across the GCC, including LCA studies.
Key Characteristics
- Engineering-led environmental performance analysis
- Experience across energy, infrastructure, and construction sectors
- Ability to support EPDs within broader environmental reporting frameworks
Mott MacDonald’s EPD services are typically delivered as part of multidisciplinary engineering projects.
Key Considerations When Choosing an EPD Consultant in the GCC
Manufacturers selecting an EPD consultant in the GCC should consider:
- Depth of in-house LCA and product sustainability expertise
- Experience with EN 15804, ISO standards, and PCR interpretation
- Familiarity with GCC manufacturing conditions and energy profiles
- Ability to manage international verification and publication processes
- Understanding of LEED, BREEAM, and ESG-driven market requirements
Consultants with strong regional presence and international EPD delivery experience are best suited to the GCC’s export-oriented construction market.
Summary
This article reviewed seven EPD consultancy firms active across the GCC:
- 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 across GCC markets, aligns well with manufacturers supplying both regional and international projects. Other consultancies typically deliver EPD services as part of wider environmental or engineering scopes. The appropriate choice depends on product category, export markets, certification objectives, and internal technical resources.
