A global study by One Click LCA found that over 80 percent of surveyed professionals stated that EPDs influenced their purchasing decisions, reflecting the growing importance of sustainability and carbon transparency in procurement.
The study gathered insights from 150 qualified professionals across the global construction and manufacturing sectors. Respondents were divided into two key groups including AEC professionals and product manufacturers with the majority coming from Europe.
The 2025 Carbon Experts Report highlights how life-cycle assessments (LCAs) are driving reductions in embodied carbon across the sector. More than 60 percent of architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) professionals estimate that LCAs led to at least a 10 percent reduction in carbon emissions.
EPDs and Carbon Reduction Potential
One Click LCA’s findings indicate that selecting low-carbon materials can reduce carbon emissions by more than one-third. This aligns with the report’s broader assessment that LCAs, when consistently applied, have the potential to make significant contributions to construction decarbonization.
For instance, 31 percent of AEC respondents report achieving embodied carbon reductions of up to 20 percent through construction LCAs, 23 percent have successfully reduced carbon emissions by up to 30 percent, and over 60 percent estimate reductions of at least 10 percent through LCA adoption.
Survey results show a high level of confidence among manufacturers in their ability to cut carbon emissions with 86 percent of manufacturers anticipating reducing carbon in product development by up to 30 percent. Furthermore, 40 percent of manufacturers believe that improving carbon transparency will be crucial for remaining competitive in the next three years.
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Barriers to EPD and LCA Adoption
While EPDs and LCAs offer significant sustainability benefits, key barriers remain, such as regulatory challenges, with 85 percent of AEC respondents citing the lack of national regulations as the biggest obstacle to LCA progress, creating inconsistencies in carbon reduction strategies across regions.
Another issue is limited EPD availability, with 89 percent of AEC professionals reporting that the lack of manufacturer-provided EPDs is a major limitation in assessing material impacts.
This issue is particularly challenging in industries like concrete and mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) systems, where EPDs are less commonly available. Also, over 80 percent of manufacturers find EPD creation expensive and technically challenging.
The Industry’s Call to Action
One Click LCA’s CEO, Panu Pasanen, emphasized the need for industry-wide collaboration: “The construction value chain is critical in addressing climate change. We are now at a tipping point where technology, market demand and regulations are aligning to accelerate sustainable practices. The path to decarbonization requires sustained commitment from all stakeholders.”
Across all surveyed regions, 100 percent of respondents anticipate at least some level of growth in EPD adoption.
The 2025 Carbon Experts Report underscores the impact EPDs are having on the construction industry. Though AECs ask for a greater availability of EPDs from manufacturers, they are increasingly helping them make informed material selections.
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