Further Development of Product Category Rules (PCR) for Environmental Product Declarations (EPD) of PV Applications

The expansion of rooftop PV and BIPV systems is on the rise, thereby necessitating a systematic framework for assessing the environmental impacts of such systems. In the “PCR4PV” project, Fraunhofer ISE conducted research on the further development of Product Category Rules (PCRs), which form the framework for the preparation of Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for PV modules and PV applications.

Initial Situation

EPDs (Environmental Product Declarations) provide information on the environmental impacts of products used in the construction industry throughout their entire life cycle. This enables a comprehensive assessment of a building’s sustainability. In many countries and regions, EPDs are a prerequisite for public tenders and construction projects. Since EPDs are Type 3 environmental labels, neutrality and an independent, scientific review of detailed environmentally relevant data are key criteria for their determination.

The project originated from specific gaps in existing regulatory frameworks (“NPCR 029”, “EPDItaly014”). Problems arose here due to the absence of explicit performance calculations, inconsistent performance assumptions, a failure to account for the use phase and system boundaries, and unclear delineations beyond the modules. The research gap concerned the lack of harmonization between module and system PCRs and shortcomings in building-related aspects of the life cycle.

Objective

The goal of the project was to present environmental information in an objective, transparent, and comparable manner, while considering the requirements of EU EcoDesign and EPEAT (Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool). In addition, the project aimed to support planning, investment, and sustainability audits, as well as to advance the standardization of EPD calculations in the building sector.

Approach

The new approach encompassed two types of applications: one product-specific under standardized conditions, and the other usage-specific for specific installations. As part of the project, Fraunhofer ISE collaborated with the Institute for Construction and Environment e.V. (IBU) to address key gaps in the definitions of existing PCRs at the PV module and system levels. The project was aimed at various target groups, such as module and system manufacturers, planners, architects, and investors.

Results

In the “PCR4PV” research project, the two targeted harmonized PCRs were developed and independently verified by the Expert Council of IBU Verify GmbH. Both PCRs are available at epd-online.com. The two approaches developed now enable generic comparisons and location-specific assessments. The sample EPDs created based on the further-developed PCRs are available at epd-online.com and ibu-epd.com (in progress). The purpose of the research project was to ensure greater transparency and comparability of environmental performance in the construction, real estate, and housing sectors.