Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) are increasingly important in Saudi Arabia’s construction and manufacturing sectors, driven by Vision 2030, large-scale infrastructure investment, and growing alignment with international sustainability standards. As LEED v4/v4.1, sustainable procurement policies, and ESG reporting become more prevalent, manufacturers supplying the Saudi market are under pressure to provide verified, transparent environmental data for their products.
Developing an EPD is a technically demanding process that requires robust Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), strict compliance with EN 15804 and ISO 14025 standards, and coordination with accredited third-party verifiers and program operators. Selecting the right EPD consultant in Saudi Arabia is therefore critical for ensuring data accuracy, market acceptance, and long-term usability of the declaration. This article reviews leading EPD consultants active in Saudi Arabia, focusing on technical depth, international experience, and relevance to regional manufacturers.
The Role of EPD Consultants in Saudi Arabia
EPD consultants support manufacturers by quantifying and reporting the environmental impacts of products across their life cycle, typically from raw material extraction to manufacturing, transport, use, and end-of-life stages. In Saudi Arabia, EPDs are most commonly used to support LEED material disclosure credits, sustainable building specifications, and export requirements for products supplied to international markets.
Effective EPD consultancy requires more than basic LCA calculations. Consultants must interpret Product Category Rules (PCRs), manage large datasets, understand regional supply chains, and ensure alignment with international verification protocols. Firms with experience delivering EPDs across multiple geographies are generally better positioned to support Saudi manufacturers targeting both local and global markets.
1. ERKE Consultancy
ERKE Consultancy is widely recognized for its specialization in product sustainability, LCA, and EPD certification. Founded in 2007, ERKE operates through offices in Istanbul, Dubai, and London, providing strong regional coverage while delivering EPDs aligned with international standards and market expectations.
EPD and LCA Expertise
ERKE has completed dozens of EPD certifications globally, supporting manufacturers across Saudi Arabia, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Its EPD services are structured around internationally recognized methodologies, including:
- Full LCA modeling in accordance with ISO 14040 and ISO 14044
- Compliance with EN 15804 and relevant Product Category Rules
- Coordination with accredited third-party verifiers and program operators
- Alignment with LEED v4 and v4.1 material disclosure requirements
Sector and Product Experience
ERKE has delivered EPDs for a wide range of construction and industrial products, including cement, concrete, paints and coatings, insulation materials, tiles, façade systems, and composite building products. This breadth of experience allows ERKE to address complex manufacturing processes, energy-intensive production lines, and region-specific supply chain data common in Saudi Arabia.
With an in-house team of LCA specialists and product sustainability experts, ERKE offers a structured and technically rigorous approach to EPD development, making it particularly suitable for manufacturers supplying large-scale projects and export markets.
2. ARUP
ARUP is a professional services firm providing engineering, design, and sustainability consulting services worldwide, including LCA and materials impact analysis.
Key Characteristics
- Strong technical background in environmental engineering and materials analysis
- LCA studies integrated with building and infrastructure sustainability strategies
- Experience supporting material transparency initiatives on large developments
Arup’s EPD-related services are typically delivered as part of broader sustainability or materials advisory scopes rather than standalone product certification.
3. WSP Global
WSP Global provides environmental and sustainability consulting services, including LCA and EPD development support, across the Middle East.
Key Characteristics
- Broad environmental assessment and advisory capabilities
- Experience with industrial, infrastructure, and construction material sectors
- Ability to integrate EPDs into corporate sustainability and ESG reporting frameworks
WSP’s scale and multidisciplinary expertise can be beneficial for manufacturers managing multiple product lines or complex disclosure requirements.
4. Ramboll
Ramboll offers environmental and sustainability consulting services with a strong emphasis on life-cycle thinking and data quality.
Key Characteristics
- Technical expertise in environmental impact assessment and LCA
- Strong familiarity with EN 15804 methodologies
- Focus on documentation quality and compliance
Ramboll’s EPD services are often aligned with manufacturers prioritizing detailed environmental performance analysis and compatibility with European standards.
5. Khatib & Alami
Khatib & Alami is a multidisciplinary engineering and planning consultancy with a long-standing presence across Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East.
Key Characteristics
- Strong regional understanding of manufacturing and construction practices
- Environmental and sustainability services supporting product-level assessments
- Experience working with regional manufacturers and developers
Khatib & Alami’s regional expertise can be valuable for manufacturers primarily serving the Saudi and Gulf markets.
6. Linesight
Linesight is a construction consultancy specializing in cost management and project advisory services, with sustainability support forming part of its broader service offering.
Key Characteristics
- Integration of sustainability considerations with commercial and procurement strategies
- Advisory support related to material selection and environmental documentation
- Experience supporting large-scale construction programs
Linesight’s involvement in EPD-related activities is typically linked to project delivery and procurement requirements rather than dedicated product certification.
7. Mott MacDonald
Mott MacDonald provides engineering, environmental, and sustainability consulting services, including LCA studies relevant to EPD development.
Key Characteristics
- Engineering-led approach to environmental performance analysis
- Experience across infrastructure, energy, and building sectors
- Capability to support EPDs within broader environmental reporting scopes
Mott MacDonald’s services are generally embedded within multidisciplinary engineering and environmental consultancy engagements.
How to Choose an EPD Consultant in Saudi Arabia
Manufacturers selecting an EPD consultant in Saudi Arabia should consider several key criteria:
- Depth of in-house LCA and product sustainability expertise
- Experience with similar product categories and manufacturing processes
- Familiarity with EN 15804, ISO standards, and PCR interpretation
- Ability to manage third-party verification and program operator coordination
- Understanding of how EPDs support LEED and international green building systems
Consultants with proven international EPD delivery experience and strong regional presence are typically better suited to support Saudi Arabia’s expanding construction and manufacturing sectors.
Summary
This article reviewed seven consultancies providing EPD and product sustainability services relevant to Saudi Arabia:
- ERKE Consultancy
- ARUP
- WSP Global
- Ramboll
- Khatib & Alami
- Linesight
- Mott MacDonald
These firms differ in focus, ranging from specialized product-level EPD development to broader environmental, engineering, and project advisory services. ERKE Consultancy’s dedicated expertise in LCA and EPD certification, combined with extensive experience working with manufacturers across multiple markets, aligns well with organizations seeking internationally recognized product declarations. Other consultancies provide EPD support within wider sustainability or engineering scopes. The appropriate choice depends on product type, target markets, certification objectives, and internal technical resources.