In a context where environmental regulation is tightening in France and in Europe, choosing the right product environmental declaration is becoming a strategic issue for manufacturers.
If you are a manufacturer in the electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) or HVAC sector, you have probably already had to use or choose between EPDs (Environmental Product Declaration) and PEPs (Product Environmental Profile).
Obtaining a recognised environmental certification is today a must for manufacturers who want to set their products apart.
These two types of product environmental declaration are often confused - and for good reason: a PEP is technically an EPD. So what is the real difference? And above all, which one should you choose for your product?
EPD and PEP: two notions not to confuse
Before comparing, let us quickly recall the definitions. An EPD (Environmental Product Declaration) is a type III environmental declaration, based on a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), compliant with the ISO 14025 and EN 15804 standards. It is an international standard that applies to a very wide range of products and sectors.
A PEP (Product Environmental Profile) is also a type III environmental declaration — but it belongs to the PEP Ecopassport® programme, specifically designed for electrical, electronic and HVAC products (EEE/HVAC). In other words: every PEP is an EPD, but not all EPDs are PEPs.
The real operational differences between EPD and PEP
This is where it becomes concrete for a manufacturer. Beyond the definitions, EPD and PEP differ on several key points.
1. The programme and the methodological rules
An EPD can be registered with different programme operators: International EPD System (IES), IBU (Germany), EPD Italy, INIES (France, building), etc. Each programme has its own PCR (Product Category Rules), which define the LCA calculation rules applicable to a product category.
The PEP, for its part, is necessarily registered with the PEP Ecopassport® programme. This programme offers PSR (Product Specific Rules) adapted to the technical specifics of EEE and HVAC equipment — notably the EN 50693 standard for electronic and electrical equipment.
2. Sector coverage
Generalist EPD programmes cover a very wide palette of products: construction materials, chemicals, furniture, packaging, etc. They are not optimised for the specifics of electrical or air-conditioning equipment. The PEP Ecopassport® programme was designed precisely for these products.
3. Regulatory and commercial recognition
In France, the RE2020 requires a building-scale LCA. The data from PEPs make it possible to feed RE2020 calculation software with manufacturer-specific data. At the European level, since February 2025, a mutual recognition agreement (MRA) has been signed between PEP Ecopassport® and the International EPD System.
4. The certification process
Whether you choose an EPD or a PEP, the process rests on the same main steps:
- Carrying out an LCA according to ISO 14040/44
- Writing the declaration according to the programme's rules (PCR or PSR)
- Verification by an accredited independent third party
- Registration with the programme operator
- Publication of the declaration
Comparison table: generalist EPD vs PEP
| Criterion | Generalist EPD | PEP (PEP Ecopassport®) |
|---|---|---|
| Reference standard | ISO 14025, EN 15804 | ISO 14025, EN 15804, EN 50693 |
| Target sector | All sectors | EEE and HVAC only |
| Programme operator | IES, IBU, EPD Italy… | PEP Ecopassport® |
| RE2020 recognition | Limited | Yes |
| International comparability | Variable | MRA with IES since 2025 |
Can you do both?
Thanks to the mutual recognition agreement signed in February 2025, an LCA carried out for a PEP can serve as the basis for an IES EPD. If your market is mainly French: favour the PEP. If you target international markets: consider an IES EPD as a complement.
Conclusion
For a manufacturer of electrical, electronic or HVAC equipment, the answer is clear in the vast majority of cases: start with a PEP. It is specifically designed for your sector, recognised in regulation in France, and increasingly valued internationally.
Would you like to produce a PEP or an EPD for your product? Contact us for tailored support.