EN 15804+A2:2019 explained: what the core EPD standard means for architects (2026)

EN 15804+A2:2019 is the CEN standard that sets the core rules for environmental product declarations (EPDs) of construction products. Compared with the earlier EN 15804+A1:2013 it raised the core impact indicators from 7 to 13, split global warming potential (GWP) into four values, and set modules A1 to A3, C1 to C4 and D as the minimum scope. Which EPD version a scheme accepts, and until when, is set by the scheme and the EPD programme, not by EU law. Check both before using product data in a certification submittal.

Key numbers at a glance

The EN text is paywalled; the figures above come from public summaries, so confirm clause wording in the standard. For the wider EPD picture see what is an EPD, and for how the standard relates to ISO 21930 see ISO 21930 vs EN 15804.

Why does EN 15804+A2:2019 exist?

EN 15804 exists so that EPDs of different manufacturers and programmes follow one set of product category rules: the same life-cycle modules, the same core indicators and the same structure for the underlying LCA. Without common rules, two EPDs for the same product type cannot be compared. EN 15804 also supplies the product-level data that building-level assessment under EN 15978 consumes. Outside Europe, ISO 21930 plays a comparable role.

What environmental indicators does EN 15804+A2 require?

EN 15804+A2 sets 13 core environmental impact indicators, against 7 in EN 15804+A1. The additions include water deprivation potential (WDP) and the split of GWP into total, fossil, biogenic and land use values.

Particulate matter, ionizing radiation, ecotoxicity, human toxicity (cancer and non-cancer effects) and soil quality are additional indicators that may be declared in addition to the 13. They are optional and not part of the core set. Units are set in the standard; check them before mixing data from different sources.

GWP-biogenic can be negative for wood-based and bio-based products, because carbon taken up during growth is counted. A single GWP-total figure hides that split, so read all four GWP values when comparing a timber product with concrete or steel.

What lifecycle modules does EN 15804+A2 mandate?

EN 15804+A2 organizes a product’s life cycle into module A (product and construction process stages), B (use stage), C (end of life) and D (benefits and loads beyond the system boundary). The minimum scope for all products is:

• A1 to A3: raw material supply, transport to the manufacturer, manufacturing
• C1 to C4: deconstruction, transport, waste processing, disposal
• D: reuse, recovery and recycling potential beyond the system boundary

Modules A4 to A5 (transport to site and installation) and B1 to B7 (use stage) are optional. An EPD may therefore stop at A1 to A3 plus C and D. A scheme that assesses installation or the use stage needs the optional modules or project data to fill the gap, so check what each scheme expects.

Where is EN 15804+A2 accepted?

LEED v4 accepts EPDs that conform to ISO 14025 and EN 15804 or ISO 21930 (Building Product Disclosure and Optimization, EPD credit). An EPD carrying the ECO EPD mark has passed ECO Platform’s verification, but the mark does not by itself guarantee that a scheme accepts the EPD. Confirm the version and verification route with the scheme.

What changed between EN 15804+A1:2013 and EN 15804+A2:2019?

Four changes matter when mixing data from different EPD generations.

1. GWP is reported as four values. The earlier version had a single GWP indicator. EN 15804+A2 reports GWP-total, GWP-fossil, GWP-biogenic and GWP-luluc.

2. Core indicators rose from 7 to 13. Water deprivation potential (WDP) is among the additions.

3. Additional indicators were introduced. Six further indicators (particulate matter, ionizing radiation, ecotoxicity, human toxicity cancer and non-cancer, and soil quality) may be declared in addition to the core 13; they are optional.

4. Minimum scope. A1 to A3, C1 to C4 and D are the minimum modules in EN 15804+A2.

Mixing older and A2 EPDs in one LCA needs the version difference flagged in the calculation report. EPD programmes set their own dates for moving to the A2 version; check the programme’s page for the date that applies to the EPD in front of you.

Common mistakes when using EN 15804+A2 EPDs

1. Using older EPDs without checking the scheme. An EPD under the earlier version lacks WDP and the GWP split. Some schemes accept it for a period and some do not, so check the scheme’s current EPD version rule and the EPD’s validity (5 years).

2. Reading GWP-total as the only relevant value. GWP-biogenic can be negative for timber and bio-based products. Comparing steel with mass timber on GWP-total alone leaves out information that can change the comparison.

3. Confusing product-level EPDs (EN 15804) with building-level LCA (EN 15978). An EPD feeds a building LCA; it does not replace one. See EN 15978 explained.

4. Ignoring module D. Module D shows potential benefits beyond the system boundary and is reported separately from A to C. A scheme that rewards circularity may ask for it, so check the credit wording.

Frequently asked questions

What is EN 15804+A2:2019?

EN 15804+A2:2019 is the CEN standard of core product category rules for construction-product EPDs. It defines the core environmental indicators, the life-cycle modules and the rules for the underlying life cycle assessment, and it replaced the 2013 +A1 version as the current edition.

What is the difference between GWP-fossil and GWP-biogenic in an EPD?

GWP-fossil covers greenhouse gas emissions from fossil sources. GWP-biogenic covers emissions and removals of carbon in biological materials such as wood. GWP-biogenic can be negative where carbon was taken up during growth. GWP-luluc covers land use and land use change, and GWP-total combines the three.

Which schemes accept EN 15804+A2 EPDs?

LEED v4 BD+C accepts EPDs that conform to ISO 14025 and EN 15804 or ISO 21930. DGNB, BREEAM and RE2020 set their own EPD requirements. Check each scheme’s current documents for the accepted EPD versions and verification routes.

Do older EPDs still qualify for green building ratings?

It depends on the scheme and the submission date. An EPD under the earlier +A1 version has 7 core indicators and a single GWP value. Confirm the scheme’s current rule and the EPD’s validity before relying on it.

What is the difference between EN 15804 and ISO 21930?

EN 15804+A2 is the European standard published by CEN; ISO 21930 is the international standard. Both set rules for construction-product EPDs, and LEED v4 accepts EPDs under either. They are not identical, so check that an EPD names the standard the scheme accepts.