Using EN 15804+A2 Data in LCA: A Guide for Building and Product Assessments

Since July 2022, EN 15804+A2 has been the required standard for Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs). This update changed how environmental impacts are measured, which affects how we use EPD data in Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs).  

Using +A2 Data in Building Assessments

Some LCA tools can use +A2 data, but not all. This is because +A2 uses different impact categories than the older +A1 standard.  

Key Points:

• Compatibility: You can't combine +A1 and +A2 data in a full LCA because their impact categories don't match up. Read also: The New EN 15804 Standard: A Quick Guide (+A1 vs +A2)  
• Limited Use: You can use +A2 data for Global Warming Potential (GWP) calculations in some tools.
• Certification Schemes: Most building certifications (like LEED and BREEAM) currently require A1 data. (Note, BREEAM v7 will mandate +A2)
• Tool Compatibility: Some tools can use +A2 data, including:
  • Tools using 'Global Warming Potential - Fossil' only include most of our carbon tools. 
  • Tools using all GWP indicators from EN 15804+A2 and GWP from +A1 (e.g., Level(s) life-cycle carbon)  
  • Tools using 'Full EN 15804:A2' Environmental Indicators (e.g., Level(s) LCA According to EN15804+A2)
• Future Updates: More tools will support +A2 data in the future, however, this requires changes to industry and regulatory schemes. 

 

Tools That Cannot Use +A2 Data (Yet):

These tools require +A1 data due to certification requirements, but future versions may support +A2.

• Any current BREEAM tool (BREEAM v7 will use +A2)
• Any current LEED tool
• DGNB 2012-2018 tools
• CEEQUAL, Envision & ISCA Infrastructure tools  
• Verde

Using +A2 Data in Product and EPD Assessments

One Click LCA's tools for product LCA (Pre-verified EPD Generator & EPD Hub) can calculate results according to both EN 15804+A2 and EN 15804+A1.  

Learn More:

• Differences between EN 15804+A1 and EN 15804+A2: The New EN 15804 Standard: A Quick Guide (+A1 vs +A2)
• Using +A1 & +A2 data in product LCA: How Do I Use A +A1 EPD In My +A2 LCA?