Environmental Strategies

How to Produce and Publish an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)

Anna Pearce — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 15:50:08 +0000

Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) are becoming essential for manufacturers looking to demonstrate environmental transparency and meet growing demand for verified sustainability data.

If you’re considering producing an EPD, the process may seem technical but it’s far more manageable when broken into clear steps. Read on for our straightforward guide to what’s involved.

What Is an Environmental Product Declaration?

An Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) is a standardised, independently verified document that reports the environmental impacts of a product based on a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). EPDs typically follow recognised standards such as EN 15804, ISO 21930 or ISO 14025. They provide transparent data for specifiers, contractors, procurement teams and sustainability professionals.

Step 1. Choose Your EPD Programme

Before starting your LCA, decide which EPD Programme you intend to publish with. Each programme has its own templates, rules and fee structures. When selecting a programme, it is important to consider alignment with your target markets, compliance with recognised standards (eg EN 15804 or ISO 21930) and the full five-year cost structure.

Choosing early helps ensure the assessment is carried out correctly from the start.

Step 2. Undertake a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)

An EPD is built on a robust Life Cycle Assessment. In order to undertake this, you’ll need either an experienced in-house LCA specialist or an external consultant with relevant expertise.

The LCA process will confirm applicable standards; identify the correct Product Category Rule (PCR); collect manufacturing and product data; and model environmental impacts across relevant life cycle stages.

This step is vital as getting this right ensures your EPD is accurate, credible and compliant.

Step 3. Draft the EPD

Once the LCA is complete, the results are structured into the required EPD format.

The document must clearly present:

The declared unit
System boundaries
Environmental impact indicators
Assumptions and methodology

Transparency and consistency are key.

Step 4. Independent Verification

All Environmental Product Declarations must be independently verified. An approved verifier will review:

Alignment with ISO standards and PCR rules

Data quality and completeness

Methodology and assumptions

Consistency across the document

This step ensures the declaration is robust and trustworthy.

It is recommended to engage in this verification process at the very start of the LCA project – to ensure timely delivery of the publishable EPD document.

Step 5. Submit and Publish

After verification, the final documents are submitted to the chosen EPD Programme. Once publishing fees are settled and checks are completed, the EPD is published in the programme’s public database and assigned a unique registration number.

Most EPDs are valid for five years, unless significant product changes require an update.

Do You Need Advice on Environmental Product Declarations?

Producing an EPD doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Environmental Strategies Ltd provides independent advice to help organisations understand EPD requirements; the difference between these and product carbon footprints; interpret standards; review life cycle assessment (LCA) outputs and make informed decisions throughout the process.

While we do not produce or verify EPDs directly, we can support you in selecting the right approach, refer you to our preferred partners and help you appoint appropriately qualified practitioners.

If you’d like strategic guidance on your EPD pathway, interpretation of standards or support in planning your LCA, get in touch with our team to discuss your options.

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ISO 14001 Re-Issued: What You Need to Know

Anna Pearce — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 15:01:50 +0000

ISO 14001, the international standard for Environmental Management Systems (EMS), will be re-issued in March this year as ISO 14001:2026. The updated version reflects how environmental expectations are changing, particularly around climate change, sustainability and supply chains.

At its core, ISO 14001 still helps organisations manage their environmental impacts in a structured and effective way. However, the revised Standard places greater emphasis on understanding wider environmental conditions, such as climate change, pollution and the use of natural resources. Organisations are also expected to take a broader life-cycle view, considering not only their own activities but also impacts linked to suppliers, contractors and end-of-life disposal. Leadership also plays a more visible role in the updated Standard, with increased focus on embedding environmental responsibility into everyday decision-making, rather than treating it as a compliance exercise. There is also a new emphasis on managing change, helping organisations respond to regulatory updates, operational changes and new technologies in a more structured way.

It is currently expected that organisations will have a three-year transition period to move to ISO 14001:2026. However, we here at ESL believe that early preparation can help spread the workload and avoid pressure closer to certification deadlines.

Environmental Strategies Ltd supports organisations at every stage of the process, from understanding what the changes mean in practical terms, through to updating documentation, completing gap analyses and supporting transition to the revised Standard. We work with businesses of all sizes to make ISO 14001 clear, manageable and proportionate.

As part of our BSI Associate Consultant Programme (ACP) membership, we can also help our clients gain first access to the updated Standard, including a pre-order package that provides early access to the Final Draft version as well as guidance for use, all at a discounted price.

Our more detailed summary of the changes is available to download by clicking here.

Please get in touch if you would like support with ISO 14001 or help preparing for the updated Standard.

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Environmental Strategies Ltd. Director Named in Environment 100 2025 Winners

Anna Pearce — Mon, 22 Sep 2025 09:55:30 +0000

We are thrilled to announce that our company director, Helen Sprakes, has been recognised in the prestigious Environment 100 list for 2025, as published by the ESS Expo. The Environment 100 is an annual showcase of individuals and organisations across the UK who are leading the way on environmental sustainability: through innovation, impact, leadership, and dedication to positive change. Winners are celebrated at the ESS Expo, held this year at the NEC in Birmingham, highlighting those who set the benchmark for environmental progress. The whole ESL team joined Helen at the NEC to see her receive this award and help her celebrate this fantastic achievement.

At Environmental Strategies Ltd, our mission is to help businesses “grow greener” – to help them strengthen their environmental credentials in a way that also makes economic sense. Over 20 years, we have built our reputation on helping clients achieve ISO certification, reduce carbon emissions, navigate regulation & compliance, and embed sustainability into the heart of their operations. Helen’s recognition speaks to the commitment and integrity of our entire team. It underscores the tangible difference we’re making — not just in assisting other organisations, but in contributing to the broader movement towards net zero, environmental responsibility, and sustainable business practices.

We see this award as both a milestone and a spur for even greater ambition. Some of the ways we’ll be building from here include:

Intensifying support for clients aiming for net zero goals, especially via carbon management planning, performance tracking, and energy management systems.
Broadening our outreach and education efforts – helping more businesses understand the value of sustainable practices, both to their bottom line and to the environment.
Innovating further in how we deliver environmental and energy consultancy, by finding new ways and methodologies to be more effective, more impactful, and more future-focused.

We’d like to thank all our partners and team members, this recognition is every bit as much yours as it is Helen’s. And we especially thank our clients who trust us with their environmental and energy strategies to let us be part of their growth journeys.

To read more about the 2025 Environment 100 winners, visit the ESS Expo website. ESS Expo

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Our Climate Crisis

Anna Pearce — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 08:32:48 +0000

Pictured left to rignt: Our lead energy engineer, Sean Casey with Grace Yoxall and our Sustainability Consultant Madison Marner after an energy audit for one of our clients.

My name is Grace Yoxall; I am 14 years old and I’m currently doing work experience at Environmental Strategies Limited. I’ve completed an IEMA sustainability skills for the workforce course and I’ve put together some information about what I’ve learnt.

In the past 150 years we have noticed the warming of the atmosphere and oceans, sea levels have risen, and overall, many extreme weather and climate events. Climate change has always been around. We have experienced unpredictable natural shifts, however since the mid-20^th century people began to realise that these events were linked to human activity and we were a main cause of accelerating this climate crisis. For example, the burning of fossil fuels in power stations that we use for electricity such as coal and natural gas releases carbon emissions into the atmosphere, essentially heating up the world.

So, what happens If we don’t take action quickly enough to prevent this global issue from getting increasingly worse? First of all, the change in ocean temperature would cause the coral reefs to be more vulnerable to disease and death, and they would face severe degradation. Next, the Artic is warming faster than anywhere else on Earth, and ice-free summers would become a fearful reality. However, it wouldn’t just be our environment we’d be destroying, heat waves would become more frequent around the world, affecting millions- or even billions of people every 5 years putting them at risk. These are just a few of the horrors we would be confronted with as a society.

So how long do we have? Scientists say that we would need to cut our yearly global emissions in half by 2030 to avoid raising global temperatures by 1.5 degrees Celsius. Despite our efforts, many impacts of global warming are now already irreversible, such as extreme species loss from land to marine animals, as well as major climate disasters and hot temperatures becoming more common.

How can you help? The first step is to be aware. You can do this by tracking your own carbon footprint, or if you’re a business, track it for your organisation. Once you’ve done this, you know how much carbon you need to cut down. If you’re a business which manufactures products, use a life cycle analysis. This means to consider environmental impacts outside of your company’s direct control. Assessing the impacts of a product from the raw materials, all the way through to when it’s finally disposed of.

To reach our global Net Zero goal, everyone needs to do their part in making your life as sustainable as it can be. It can be things as easy as switching the lights off as you leave a room, or things like investing In solar panels on your roof. Environmental Strategies can help businesses to play their part – calculating carbon footprints and advising on reduction actions. Please get in touch to discuss your climate ambitions.

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Principles of Sustainability: Understanding Planetary Boundaries and Doughnut Economics

Anna Pearce — Thu, 29 May 2025 12:26:27 +0000

My name is Madison, ESL’s new Sustainability Consultant, and their first Graduate recruit. Two months into my journey here, I have already achieved my Associate Membership with the Institute of Environmental Management (AIEMA). As I immerse myself in this new and exciting role, I want to share a key concept from my course that I found particularly compelling – the Planetary Boundaries concept.

Introduced by the Stockholm Resilience Centre (SRC) in 2009, Planetary Boundaries defines nine critical Earth system processes, the boundaries of which humanity must live within, to ensure a ‘safe operating space’. If these boundaries are exceeded, sustainable development becomes impossible and places risk on the future of both people and our planet.

Fast-forward to the latest update by Richardson et al., (2023), and the reality is eye-opening. Six out of the nine boundaries have already been exceeded, with increasing pressure upon the remaining three. The progression of our status over time can be seen in the image, with Richardson et al., (2023) being the first to analyse all nine systems. This progression signals potentially irreversible environmental change; reinforces the urgency of taking action to limit our impact on the Earth’s systems and serves a reminder of the “why” behind our work in environmental consultancy.

A concept that complements the Planetary Boundaries framework is Doughnut Economics by Kate Raworth. This model visualises sustainability as a balance between social foundations (e.g. health, education and equality) and environmental ceilings (i.e. the Planetary Boundaries). The framework aims to ensure that economic activity meets human needs, without exceeding ecological limits. Together, these concepts highlight the interconnectedness of human and Earth systems, reinforcing the need for holistic and sustainable decision-making. We practice this in our work at Environmental Strategies, offering support to businesses in developing their sustainability strategies and helping them to consider both people and planet in their strategic decision making for the future. Please contact us for more information related to our sustainability planning services.

Image : Azote for Stockholm Resilience Centre, Stockholm University. Based on Richardson et al. 2023, Steffen et al. 2015, and Rockström et al. 2009

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Celebrating Another Milestone for ESL: Helen at the Net Zero and Energy Management Expo

Anna Pearce — Thu, 21 Nov 2024 11:15:10 +0000

Yesterday, our team attended the Net Zero and Energy Management Expo at the Excel Centre in London. This high-profile event brought together leaders, innovators, and visionaries committed to tackling the climate crisis and achieving net zero goals.

We were especially thrilled to cheer on our Managing Director, Helen Sprakes, who was a guest speaker on a panel discussion organised by the IEMA Energy and Climate Change Group. Helen joined a lineup of industry experts to share insights and practical strategies for navigating the complex challenges of energy management in the context of sustainability.

The panel discussion was an inspiring highlight of the day. Helen’s contribution focused on the importance of balancing ambitious net-zero targets with actionable, everyday solutions for businesses of all sizes. Her expertise and passion for driving sustainable change resonated with the audience, sparking thought-provoking conversations during the Q&A session.

For our small team, attending the expo wasn’t just about supporting Helen—it was an invaluable learning experience. We explored cutting-edge innovations, connected with like-minded professionals, and attended sessions covering the latest trends in sustainability, energy management, and climate adaptation.

The expo’s Sustainability and Net Zero Theatre, where Helen spoke, stood out as a hub for actionable ideas and collaboration. Events like this reinforce the importance of our mission to help businesses ‘grow greener’ by improving their environmental credentials whilst also increasing their profit margins.

We left the event inspired and more committed than ever to contribute to a greener, more sustainable future. A huge thank you to the organisers of the Net Zero and Energy Management Expo and to IEMA for spotlighting critical conversations around energy and climate change.

We’re incredibly proud of Helen for representing our company so brilliantly on such an important stage, and we can’t wait to continue growing our impact in the sustainability sector.

Here’s to many more milestones on our journey toward a net zero future!

(For more about the Net Zero and Energy Management Expo, check out their website here.)

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Celebrating 25 Years of Environmental Commitment with Kestrel and Barn Owl Bird Boxes in the North York Moors

Anna Pearce — Wed, 06 Nov 2024 10:04:36 +0000

This year, our company marks 25 years in business. 25 years of dedication to environmental improvements! As a way of celebrating, we are thrilled to announce a special project: the sponsorship of two bird boxes in the beautiful North York Moors National Park. Working with the fantastic team at Make It Wild, a local conservation charity, we have installed one bird box for kestrels and another for barn owls near the village of Chop Gate, in the beautiful North York Moors. This sponsorship underscores our commitment to improving the environment, not just as a company but as individuals who care deeply about the landscapes and species around us.

These boxes will play a crucial role in supporting kestrels and barn owls, both of which have faced challenges due to habitat loss and changing agricultural practices. By providing safe nesting sites in this serene part of the North York Moors, we aim to help these iconic birds thrive and establish a strong foothold in their natural habitats.

Why Kestrels and Barn Owls?

Kestrels and barn owls are among the UK’s most cherished raptors. Kestrels, known for their characteristic hovering flight, often rely on open countryside and moorland, while barn owls, with their distinctive heart-shaped faces, are a familiar sight across farmland and wild grasslands. Yet both species have seen population declines in recent years. Our sponsorship through Make It Wild is part of a larger effort to reverse these trends by ensuring kestrels and barn owls have places to roost, hunt, and raise their young.

Partnering with Make It Wild

Make It Wild has a rich history of conservation work, and their dedication to improving local ecosystems aligns perfectly with our own values. They have successfully installed various nest boxes across the North Yorkshire landscape, as well as in the Peak District and Norfolk, creating safe spaces for wildlife and bringing community attention to conservation issues. You can learn more about their inspiring work with nest boxes here.

Looking Forward

As we look to the future, our goal remains the same: to champion environmental improvements for the benefit of future generations. These bird boxes are a small but impactful way in which we are contributing to the health of local wildlife, and we look forward to hearing reports of kestrels and barn owls making these boxes their home.

Thank you to our clients, partners, and community members for supporting our mission over the past 25 years. Together, we continue to make meaningful strides toward a greener, more sustainable future.

For more on our environmental projects and services, contact us here.

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2024 Changes to ISO Standards

Anna Pearce — Fri, 23 Aug 2024 14:10:44 +0000

Why are the ISO Standards changing?

In support of the ISO London Declaration on Climate Change, ISO passed a resolution earlier this year that has resulted in two new statements of text being added to a number of existing management systems standards, and will be included in all new standards under development/revision.

The additions have been added to address the need to consider the effect of climate change on the ability to achieve the intended results of the management system. The changes have been introduced initially as Amendments to these published standards.

What are the changes?

The below figure shows the text additions which have been made to both the ISO14001:2015 Environment and Energy ISO50001:2018 management systems, along with other Standards such as Quality and Health and Safety. It should be noted that climate change may have a different effect on each management system.

What does it mean for your business and ISO Certifications?

The overall intent of the clauses remains unchanged as they already include the need for the organisation to address internal and external issues that can impact the effectiveness of their management system, the new inclusions ensure that climate change is considered. Your business will not have to recertify to the amended Standard but how you have considered climate change will be reviewed by the auditor during the next visit. The aim of the changes is to ensure that the important topic of climate change is not overlooked.

Next steps

Review your approach to Clause 4.1 and 4.2 in your management system. Can you evidence a consideration of the potential impact of climate change on your organisation? Will climate change impact the ability of the management system to achieve what you want it to achieve? Have you thought about which of your interested parties have needs and expectations related to climate matters, and if these are linked to your compliance obligations, how are you demonstrating you meet these needs?

If you would like a discussion regarding how to consider climate change aspects within your management systems and review any documentation used for Clause 4.1 and 4.2, to ensure that any climate change issues considered by your organisation are captured, please do get in touch.

Here is a link to the official ISO communication on the changes:

Changes to ISO Standards relating to Climate Change

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Net Zero Week

Anna Pearce — Wed, 10 Jul 2024 12:23:29 +0000

🌍 Join Us in Celebrating NetZero Week with Environmental Strategies Ltd! 🌍

Environmental Strategies Ltd is proud to stand at the forefront of sustainable innovation and environmental responsibility. Our mission is clear: to empower businesses and communities to achieve their net-zero goals through cutting-edge strategies and solutions.

🔋 Why Choose Environmental Strategies Ltd?
Expertise in Sustainability:
Our team of experts brings years of experience in environmental consulting, energy efficiency, and sustainable practices. We provide tailored solutions that align with your unique needs and goals.
Comprehensive Services:
From carbon footprint analysis to renewable energy implementation, we offer a full suite of services designed to drive impactful change. Our approach is holistic, ensuring every aspect of your operations contributes to a greener future.
Innovative Solutions:
We leverage the latest technology and innovative methodologies to help you reduce emissions and enhance sustainability. Our commitment to innovation means we are always ahead of the curve, providing you with the most effective strategies.
Community Engagement:
We believe in the power of collective action. Our initiatives not only focus on businesses but also engage communities to foster a culture of sustainability and environmental stewardship.

📈 Our Impact:
We’ve helped numerous organisations reduce their carbon footprint, optimise energy usage, and transition to renewable energy sources. Our success stories are a testament to our dedication and expertise.

🌱 Get Involved:
This NetZero Week, take the first step towards a sustainable future with Environmental Strategies Ltd. Whether you’re a small business, a large corporation, or a community organisation, we’re here to guide you on your journey to net-zero.

🔗 Connect with Us:
Visit our website to learn more about our services and how we can help you achieve your sustainability goals. Follow us on LinkedIn for the latest updates and insights on environmental strategies.

Let’s make this NetZero Week the turning point for a sustainable tomorrow.

💚🌍Together, we can make a difference! 🌍💚

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Meet our new Office Administrator – Welcome Anna!

Helen — Wed, 26 Jun 2024 16:13:31 +0000

It’s with great pleasure that I introduce myself as the newest addition to the Environmental Strategies family! My name is Anna, and I am thrilled to join this dedicated and knowledgeable team as their Office Administrator. As the company continues to grow and evolve, I hope to bring with me a wealth of life experience and enthusiasm that will contribute to elevating our business to new heights.

In my new role, I hope to become the backbone of our office in Selby, ensuring that day-to-day operations run smoothly and efficiently. From managing schedules and appointments to overseeing office supplies and coordinating administrative tasks, I will be at the heart of it all, providing essential support to each and every member of our team. This in turn will give them greater opportunity to focus on supporting our clients to achieve their carbon reduction goals.

I bring with me a passion for sustainability and the environment and a commitment to excellence in everything I do. With a background in teaching, I am excited to contribute my skills and expertise to further enhance the incredible work already being done here at Environmental Strategies to help educate our clients on more sustainable business practices.

What drew me to Environmental Strategies was not only its impressive reputation in the industry but also their commitment to ethical business practices, teamwork, and making a positive impact. I believe that by working together and leveraging our unique strengths, we can continue to push boundaries and deliver exceptional energy savings for our clients.

As I embark on this exciting journey, I want to express my gratitude for the warm welcome I’ve already received from Helen and the rest of the team. I am looking forward to working with all of them and sharing in the next chapter of Environmental Strategies’ journey.

We’re already seeing the benefits and organisation that Anna brings to the team. I am so pleased she has joined us! Helen Sprakes, Director

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