As the push towards sustainability intensifies in the construction industry, specifiers, architects, and designers are constantly seeking innovative tools to help reduce carbon emissions. In line with the UK’s commitment to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050, Multipanel has launched a revolutionary tool designed to support these efforts—the EPD (Environmental Product Declaration) Calculator. Available on both Multipanel and Naturepanel, this tool provides an easy way to calculate the CO2 savings of choosing wall panels over traditional tiles in various types of building projects.
Whether you’re working on social housing, modular homes, care facilities, or hotels, this calculator equips you with the necessary information to make eco-friendly material choices right from the initial stages of the design process.
Understanding the Role of EPDs in Sustainable Building
An Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) is a comprehensive document that outlines the environmental impact of a product throughout its lifecycle. It assesses key stages, including material sourcing, production, packaging, transportation, installation, and disposal. This information is crucial for specifiers and designers who want to make informed decisions about the sustainability of the materials they choose for their projects.
EPDs are independently verified according to international standards like ISO 14025 and ISO 14040/14044, ensuring transparency and credibility. For professionals working on projects that seek certifications such as BREEAM or LEED, these declarations can be a deciding factor in selecting materials that contribute to the project’s overall environmental performance.
Why Multipanel’s EPD Calculator Matters
The newly launched EPD Calculator simplifies the process of comparing the environmental impacts of different materials. By focusing on wall panels versus tiles, the tool offers a practical, real-world solution to reducing carbon emissions in building projects.
To illustrate the potential impact: using Multipanel products instead of tiles in 2023 resulted in a CO2 reduction equivalent to driving around the world 628 times. This staggering statistic highlights the significant difference such choices can make in reducing a project’s carbon footprint.
The tool empowers specifiers by providing them with clear, quantifiable data on how much CO2 they can save, helping them meet sustainability targets without sacrificing functionality or design aesthetics.
How the EPD Calculator Works
The EPD Calculator is designed for ease of use, offering a straightforward way to estimate carbon savings. Specifiers simply input key details about their project—such as the size of the area to be covered and the materials being considered—and the calculator does the rest. It provides an immediate comparison between wall panels and tiles, detailing how much CO2 can be saved by opting for Multipanel products.
This data-driven approach allows specifiers to incorporate sustainability into the earliest stages of design, which can lead to both environmental and financial benefits. By choosing eco-friendly materials at the outset, stakeholders can enhance the overall value of the building while reducing long-term operational costs.
Benefits for Specifiers and Building Owners
The advantages of using Multipanel’s EPD Calculator extend beyond environmental gains. Here are a few key benefits:
- Boosted Building Value: Opting for sustainable materials can increase a building’s certification score in green rating systems like BREEAM or LEED, which, in turn, enhances its market value. Developers and property owners can also benefit from increased tenant appeal and potentially higher resale values.
- Lower Lifecycle Costs: Sustainable materials often lead to long-term savings through lower energy consumption and reduced maintenance costs. The CO2 savings identified by the EPD Calculator can translate into cost reductions over the lifespan of the building.
- Regulatory Compliance: As building codes and environmental regulations become more stringent, using tools like the EPD Calculator ensures compliance with these evolving standards, helping to streamline the approval process for new projects.
- Reputation and CSR: Incorporating sustainability into construction projects demonstrates a company’s commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). This can significantly enhance the reputation of developers, architects, and contractors, positioning them as leaders in sustainable building practices.
The Future of Sustainable Construction
The construction industry is on the cusp of a transformation, with sustainability at the forefront of innovation. Tools like Multipanel’s EPD Calculator are essential in driving this change by offering practical, measurable solutions to reduce carbon emissions.
As the UK works towards its 2050 net zero goal, specifiers and designers are now better equipped to make informed choices that contribute to a greener future. The introduction of this tool aligns with the broader shift towards integrating sustainability at every stage of the construction process—from material selection to project completion.
Try the EPD Calculator Today
If you’re a specifier or architect looking to make your next project more sustainable, the Multipanel EPD Calculator is now available for use. Whether your focus is on residential, commercial, or public sector projects, this tool provides the insights you need to make more environmentally responsible decisions.
Click here to access the EPD Calculator and explore how you can reduce your project’s carbon emissions by selecting Multipanel wall panels. Additionally, check out the full range of Multipanel and Naturepanel Wall Boards, and see how your choices can make a significant difference for the environment.
In a world increasingly focused on sustainability, using tools that support greener building practices is not just beneficial—it’s essential. By choosing materials with a lower carbon footprint, you contribute to a more sustainable future, all while enhancing the quality and value of your projects.
Bathrooms - Kitchens 