Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) are becoming an essential requirement in Saudi Arabia’s construction and manufacturing sectors. Driven by Vision 2030, large-scale public and private developments, and increasing alignment with international sustainability standards, manufacturers are under growing pressure to provide verified, transparent environmental data for their products. EPDs are now widely used to support LEED v4 and v4.1 material disclosure credits, sustainable procurement strategies, and ESG reporting frameworks.
Developing an EPD is a technically rigorous process that requires robust Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), strict compliance with EN 15804 and ISO 14025 standards, and coordination with independent third-party verifiers. Selecting an experienced EPD consultancy firm is therefore critical for ensuring data accuracy, regulatory compliance, and acceptance across both regional and international markets. This article reviews leading EPD consultancy firms active in Saudi Arabia, focusing on technical expertise, product-level experience, and relevance to manufacturers supplying the Saudi market.
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, from raw material extraction to manufacturing, transportation, use, and end-of-life stages. In Saudi Arabia, EPDs are most commonly used in the construction sector, particularly for cement, concrete, coatings, insulation, façade systems, and other building materials.
Beyond LCA modeling, EPD consultants are responsible for interpreting Product Category Rules (PCRs), managing large datasets, ensuring methodological consistency, and coordinating verification and publication with approved program operators. Firms with proven experience delivering EPDs across multiple jurisdictions are generally better positioned to support Saudi manufacturers targeting both local projects and export markets.
1. ERKE Consultancy
ERKE Consultancy is widely recognized for its specialization in product sustainability, Life Cycle Assessment, and Environmental Product Declaration development. 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 enables ERKE to address complex manufacturing processes, energy-intensive production lines, and region-specific supply chain data commonly found 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 developments and export-oriented markets.
2. ARUP
ARUP is a professional services firm providing engineering, design, and sustainability consulting services. Its EPD-related work is typically delivered within broader materials and sustainability advisory scopes.
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 approach is generally suitable for organizations seeking EPDs as part of wider sustainability or innovation programs rather than standalone product certification.
3. WSP Global
WSP Global provides environmental and sustainability consulting services, including LCA and EPD development support, across Saudi Arabia and the wider 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 multidisciplinary structure 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 methodological 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.
Key Factors When Choosing an EPD Consultant in Saudi Arabia
When selecting an EPD consultancy firm, manufacturers should consider:
- 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 other green building systems
Consultants with proven EPD delivery experience and strong regional understanding are typically better positioned to support Saudi Arabia’s expanding construction and manufacturing sectors.
Summary
This article reviewed seven EPD consultancy firms active in 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 with organizations seeking internationally recognized product declarations. Other firms provide EPD support within wider sustainability or engineering scopes. The appropriate choice depends on product type, target markets, certification objectives, and internal technical resources.