EPD Search
Users can efficiently explore and compare materials using the search tree within the "Find & Compare Materials" feature. This tool provides access to a wide range of product categories, all stored in a graph database. Users can also retrieve this information via the openEPD API.
Categories have subcategories within them which can be further expanded. Each category has icons associated with it with a distinct meaning. Use the guide below to understand them better.
Pilot
Pilot categories are only visible to pilot-tier users.
A product category that complements another but is not included in the main category's statistics. To ensure accuracy, it should be tracked separately.
Indicates that a material is used in another product category, but its statistics aren’t included in the main category.
This subcategory uses a different declared unit from its parent, so its EPDs aren't included in the parent category’s statistics.
Search EPDs
Within individual categories, users can refine their search using various parameters to find specific Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs). Based on these inputs, the system returns a tailored list of EPDs that meet the search criteria.
For example, for Concrete, the user can specify compressive strength, Curing time etc.
When a search has been performed, a box and whisker plot will appear under the “kgCO2e embodied per unit” heading. This chart plots the Global Warming Potential (GWP) values of all EPDs returned in the search as well as their statistics.
Search Results and Boxplot
Search results are written in the form of a list with columnar details and search statistics. Users can refine their search using keywords like the name of a manufacturer or a plant using a search box above the displayed list.
This search by default returns Industry as well as Product EPDs. To view Industry Epds, expand the dropdown.
Compare EPDs
Users can compare EPDs by manufacturer, manufacturing plant, or specific product using the 
button. This feature is limited to comparisons within the same product category, meaning EPDs from different categories cannot be compared.
When comparing manufacturers or plants, a figure is generated that displays the overall box-and-whisker plot for EPDs in the search, along with individual plots for each selected manufacturer or plant.
When comparing products, the box-and-whisker plot under the "kgCO2e embodied per unit" heading expands to include the selected products. Similar to comparing manufacturers or plants, this plot displays the overall spread of EPDs and highlights where the chosen EPDs are positioned.
We address the comparability of EPDs from different manufacturers by applying uncertainty to the reported EPD GWP value. See Uncertainty and Specificity for more information.
Digitized EPD
Users can access detailed information for a specific EPD directly from the search results by clicking on the designated button. This action opens a new browser window where the digitized EPD is displayed. The webpage includes comprehensive details such as the product's name, description, declared unit, environmental impact data, and key information about the EPD, like its issue and expiration dates and developer details. The specific content may vary depending on the material category, reflecting the unique specifications of each product.
The webpage also features a box-and-whisker diagram with an arrow that indicates how the selected EPD’s GWP (with 80% confidence) compares to the range of GWP values within its parent product category. This visual tool helps users make informed decisions by showing where the EPD's GWP stands relative to the possible GWP range for that category.
Editing EPDs
To edit a digitized EPD’s information, users must be a Curator, Administrator, Program Operator, or Owner of the EPD (i.e. Manufacturer for Product EPDs or Industry Association for Industry EPDs).
User Account and Organization types and EPD editing privileges.
Administrator
Edit all fields for all EPDs. Only select users and Building Transparency staff and have this level of access.
Curator
Edit all fields for EPDs with errors. This access level is restricted to close partners who have a data curation agreement with Building Transparency.
Program Operator (with Write or Manage permission)
Edit all fields for EPDs under that Program Operator.
Manufacturer (with Write or Manage permission)
Edit product information and plant information fields for EPDs where the manufacturer or its subsidiaries are the owner of the EPD
Industry Association (with Write or Manage permissions)
Edit product information and member information fields for Industry EPDs where the association is the owner of the EPD
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