Which EPD databases should I use for timber carbon data?

The primary EPD databases for timber products in Europe are: ECO Platform (pan-European, aggregates national EPD programmes), IBU (Germany), EPD Norge (Norway/Scandinavia), BRE (UK — Environmental Profiles), INIES (France), and the Inventory of Carbon and Energy (ICE) database from the University of Bath (UK, free access). For project-specific assessments, use manufacturer-specific EPDs where available, as these reflect actual production processes rather than industry averages.

The primary EPD databases for timber products in Europe are: ECO Platform (pan-European, aggregates national EPD programmes), IBU (Germany), EPD Norge (Norway/Scandinavia), BRE (UK — Environmental Profiles), INIES (France), and the Inventory of Carbon and Energy (ICE) database from the University of Bath (UK, free access). For project-specific assessments, use manufacturer-specific EPDs where available, as these reflect actual production processes rather than industry averages.

Why this matters

This question relates to Embodied Carbon in Timber Construction: Calculation Methods, which covers the broader topic in detail. Understanding this specific aspect helps architects, builders, and timber dealers make informed specification decisions.

For full context and additional technical detail, see our comprehensive guide:

→ Embodied Carbon in Timber Construction: Calculation Methods

Related questions

• What is embodied carbon in timber construction?
• How do you calculate embodied carbon for timber?
• What is biogenic carbon and how does it affect timber's carbon footprint?

About this answer

This answer is part of the PuurModulair Knowledge Base — comprehensive timber specification guidance for architects, builders, and dealers across the UK, EU, and Scandinavia.