EPD vs PEP sheet: what are the differences, and which should you choose for your EEE or HVAC product?

Against a backdrop of increasingly stringent environmental regulations in France and across Europe, choosing the right environmental product declaration is becoming a strategic priority for manufacturers.

If you are a manufacturer in the electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) or heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) sector, you have probably already had to use or choose between EPDs (Environmental Product Declarations) and PEP (Product Environmental Profile).

Obtaining recognised environmental certification is now a must for manufacturers wishing to differentiate their products.

These two types of environmental product declarations are often confused – and with good reason: a PEP is technically an EPD. So, what is the real difference? And, more importantly, which one should you choose for your product?

EPDs and PEPs: two concepts that should not be confused

Before comparing them, let’s briefly review the definitions. An EPD (Environmental Product Declaration) is a Type III environmental declaration, based on a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), and compliant with 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 forms part of the PEP Ecopassport® programme, specifically designed for electrical, electronic and HVAC products (EEE/HVAC). In other words: every PEP is an EPD, but not every EPD is a PEP.

The key operational differences between EPDs and PEPs

This is where things get practical for a manufacturer. Beyond the definitions, EPDs and PEPs differ in several key respects.

1. The programme and methodological rules

An EPD can be registered with various operator programmes: International EPD System (IES), IBU (Germany), EPD Italy, INIES (France, construction), etc. Each programme has its own PCRs (Product Category Rules), which define the LCA calculation rules applicable to a product category.

The PEP Data Sheet, on the other hand, must be registered with the PEP Ecopassport® programme. This programme is based on and provides PSRs (Product Specific Rules) tailored to the technical specificities of EEE and HVAC equipment — notably the EN 50693 standard for electronic and electrical equipment. It is this sector-specific focus that makes the PEP so valuable for manufacturers in this sector.

2. Sectoral coverage

Generalist EPD programmes cover a very wide range of products: building materials, chemicals, furniture, packaging, etc. They are not optimised for the specific characteristics of electrical or air-conditioning equipment (line losses, consumption during the use phase, refrigerants with high GWP, etc.).

The PEP Ecopassport® programme has been designed specifically for these products. PEP LCA tools incorporate calculation standards tailored to the use phase of EEE and HVAC products, ensuring more accurate and relevant LCA results for this sector.

3. Regulatory and commercial recognition

In France, the RE2020 (environmental regulations for new buildings) requires a building-level LCA. Data from PEP (Product Environmental Profile) sheets can be used to feed RE2020 calculation software (such as Elodie or OneClickLCA) with manufacturer-specific data, which is far more accurate than default values. This is a strong commercial selling point for design consultancies, architects and project owners.

At European and international level, EPDs registered with member programmes of the ECO Platform (of which PEP Ecopassport® is a part) are enjoying increasing mutual recognition. Since February 2025, a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) has been signed between PEP Ecopassport® and the International EPD System, facilitating the use of environmental declarations beyond French borders.

4. The certification process: timelines and points of contact

Whether you choose an EPD or a PEP Sheet, the process follows the same key steps:

1. Conducting a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) in accordance with ISO 14040/44
2. Drafting of the declaration in accordance with the rules of the chosen programme (PCR or PSR)
3. Verification by an accredited independent third party
4. Registration with the programme operator
5. Publication of the declaration

The main difference lies in the choice of verifier and programme operator. For a PEP Declaration, the verifier must be accredited by PEP Ecopassport®. For a general EPD, the verifier must be accredited by the relevant programme operator. Verification timescales vary depending on the programmes and the complexity of the product, but generally allow between 6 and 18 months for the entire verification process.

Can we do both? EPDs and PEP Data Sheets at the same time?

This question often arises for manufacturers who export or respond to international tenders. The good news is: yes, it is possible and sometimes recommended.

Thanks to the mutual recognition agreement signed in February 2025 between PEP Ecopassport® and the International EPD System, PEP PSRs can now be adopted as PCRs within the IES programme. In practical terms, this means that an LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) carried out for a PEP can serve as the basis for an IES EPD, thereby reducing duplication of work and costs.

If your market is primarily French: opt for the PEP Data Sheet, which is recognised in RE2020 and well-established among French specifiers.

If you are targeting all European or international markets: consider an IES EPD as a complement, or utilise the MRA to maximise the scope of your existing declaration.

Conclusion: EPD or PEP Sheet – which should you choose for your EEE or HVAC product?

For manufacturers of electrical, electronic or HVAC equipment, the answer is clear in the vast majority of cases: start with a PEP Sheet. It is specifically designed for your sector, is legally recognised in France, and is increasingly valued internationally thanks to mutual recognition agreements.

A general-purpose EPD remains relevant if you operate in markets where other schemes are more widely used, or if you wish to maximise your visibility on international platforms such as the International EPD System.

In any case, the foundation of any approach remains the completion of a robust LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) compliant with ISO 14040/44 standards, which will serve as the basis for your product environmental declaration, whether it takes the form of a PEP or an EPD.

Whichever certification you choose, EPD or PEP, it demonstrates your environmental commitment to your customers and specifiers.

Would you like to produce a PEP or an EPD for your product? Contact us for personalised support.