Multipanel Launches New EPD Calculator Tool to Support Sustainable Building Projects

As sustainability becomes an increasingly important factor in the construction industry, finding ways to reduce carbon emissions is now a top priority for specifiers, architects, and designers. In response to this growing demand, Multipanel has introduced a new tool aimed at helping professionals meet the UK’s ambitious goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2050. The tool, an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) calculator, is available for both Multipanel and Naturepanel wall panels, offering a simple and effective way to measure CO2 savings when choosing wall panels over traditional tiles.

This tool is designed to support specifiers, helping them select the most environmentally-friendly materials for projects such as social housing, new-build homes, modular homes, care homes, and hotels. By integrating this feature at the product selection stage, professionals can significantly reduce the environmental footprint of their projects, making strides towards a more sustainable future.

What is an EPD, and Why is It Important?

An Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) is a document that provides detailed information about the environmental impact of a product throughout its entire lifecycle. This includes everything from the raw materials used, manufacturing processes, transportation, and installation, to the eventual disposal or recycling of the product. The data is compiled through a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and is independently verified to meet stringent international standards such as ISO 14025 and ISO 14040/14044.

For specifiers, architects, and designers, EPDs are invaluable tools that allow them to compare the environmental impact of different materials before making a final selection. By factoring in sustainability at this early stage, specifiers can not only make more responsible choices but also enhance the marketability and long-term value of their projects.

The Role of Multipanel's EPD Calculator in Driving Sustainability

The introduction of the EPD Calculator by Multipanel represents a significant step forward in the construction industry’s sustainability efforts. The tool offers an innovative way to calculate the carbon savings achieved by selecting wall panels instead of tiles.

To put it into perspective, the carbon emissions reduction achieved by using Multipanel products instead of tiles in 2023 is equivalent to driving around the circumference of the Earth 628 times. This remarkable statistic underscores the significant environmental benefits of choosing wall panels over traditional tiling solutions.

The tool not only helps specifiers and architects make environmentally-conscious choices but also provides them with a concrete way to measure these choices in terms of CO2 savings. This feature can be particularly valuable for those working on projects that prioritise green building standards, such as BREEAM or LEED, where every effort to minimise environmental impact adds value to the project.

How Does the EPD Calculator Work?

The EPD Calculator is user-friendly, designed to make the product selection process as smooth as possible. By entering project-specific details, such as the square footage of the walls and the materials being considered, users can quickly see how much CO2 can be saved by opting for Multipanel wall panels instead of tiles.

The tool takes into account the various stages of a product’s lifecycle, ensuring that users receive an accurate assessment of the environmental impact of their choice. Once a comparison is made, specifiers can factor these results into their overall project plans, ensuring that the most sustainable products are used without compromising on quality or functionality.

Benefits for Specifiers and Project Stakeholders

Beyond the obvious environmental benefits, using the EPD Calculator offers several advantages for specifiers and project stakeholders:

1. Enhanced Project Value: By choosing sustainable materials, specifiers can increase the number of points a building receives in green building certification schemes. This can lead to higher market value and better return on investment for developers and property owners.

2. Cost Savings: Sustainable building materials often lead to reduced operational costs over the lifecycle of a building. Lower energy consumption, maintenance, and disposal costs can significantly reduce the total cost of ownership.

3. Compliance with Regulations: With stricter environmental regulations being implemented, tools like the EPD Calculator help specifiers ensure compliance with local and international standards, making it easier to secure planning permissions and certifications.

4. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): Companies that prioritise sustainability in their projects can enhance their brand reputation and demonstrate their commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

A Look Towards the Future

As the UK construction industry moves towards net zero by 2050, tools like Multipanel’s EPD Calculator will play an increasingly vital role in helping professionals meet these goals. The integration of sustainability into the early stages of the design process is key to reducing the environmental impact of buildings, and specifiers now have the tools needed to make a real difference.

By selecting products that have the lowest environmental impact, specifiers and architects can help drive the construction industry towards a more sustainable future, while also benefiting from the increased value and reduced costs associated with green building practices.

Try the EPD Calculator Today

For those looking to make more sustainable choices in their projects, Multipanel’s EPD Calculator is now available to use. Whether you’re working on a social housing development, a new-build home, or a large-scale hotel project, the tool provides you with the data you need to make informed, environmentally-conscious decisions.

Click here to try out the EPD Calculator or explore the full range of Multipanel Wall Boards and Naturepanel products to start reducing your project’s carbon footprint today.

With sustainability becoming a critical focus across all sectors, it’s time to make greener choices that benefit both your project and the planet.