Assessment of Climate Impact in Procurement

The lifecycle perspective introduces new concepts to both procurers and suppliers. Here, we explain some of the most commonly used concepts: LCA, PCR, and EPD.

To calculate a product’s pollution emissions and environmental impact from a lifecycle perspective, a lifecycle assessment (LCA) is typically conducted. The results that are useful in procurement contexts are often presented in the form of an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD), which describes the overall climate impact of a product from a lifecycle perspective. For EPDs to be comparable, they must be calculated in the same manner. This is achieved through product-specific calculation rules known as Product Category Rules (PCR).

It is the responsibility of the bidder to provide LCA data and the EPD, or to engage someone to do so. However, as a procurer, you should ensure that these requirements are met under specified conditions.

For further information on procuring fossil-free and circular products from a lifecycle perspective using LCA, PCR, and EPD, you can download the Swedish guidance document below.