Introduction
In Denmark, sustainability is no longer optional—it’s embedded into the regulatory fabric. Under the Bygningsreglementet BR25 regulation, buildings of 1 000 m² or more must comply with life-cycle emission limits. For manufacturers, product developers and construction firms, this means that achieving LCA compliance is not just a nice-to-have—it’s increasingly a prerequisite for market access, permitting and competitive advantage. In this guide, you’ll learn what LCA compliance in Denmark involves, why it matters, and how to build an effective compliance workflow—anchored in how a tool like Sustainly can help you meet the requirements with speed, accuracy and scalability.What does LCA compliance in Denmark entail?
LCA compliance in Denmark covers the set of regulatory, standard-based and documentation requirements that relate to life-cycle assessment (LCA) and environmental product declarations (EPDs) under Danish and European frameworks.Key standards & reference frameworks
- The standard EN 15804:2012+A2:2019 is the cornerstone for construction-product EPDs in Denmark.
- The Danish programme operator EPD Danmark publishes technical rules that require compliance with EN 15804 for EPDs.
- Under BR25, LCA and life-cycle carbon calculations are mandatory for most new buildings, with binding CO₂ thresholds for large projects.
Scope & coverage
- Products: Manufacturers must publish Type III EPDs compliant with EN 15804 and complementary PCRs.
- Buildings: New buildings (especially over 1 000 m²) must demonstrate life-cycle carbon calculations using modules defined in EN 15978 and EN 15804 frameworks.
- Documentation must be transparent, verified and follow standardised templates approved by EPD Danmark.
⚠️ Warning: Non-compliance can delay permits (in construction) or reduce market access (in manufacturing).
Why is compliance important for your business?
1. Regulatory risk and permitting
Failing to provide required LCA documentation can lead to delays with planning authorities or denial of permits for new building projects.2. Market access & procurement
Suppliers increasingly face procurement requirements to present verified EPDs. Having compliant and transparent LCA documentation is becoming a competitive advantage in both private and public tenders.3. Strategic sustainability advantage
Doing compliant LCAs early enables your business to identify carbon hotspots, reduce your footprint, and prepare for future, stricter CO₂ thresholds. Using a platform like Sustainly lets you automate and scale compliance while gaining real-time sustainability insights.How to build an LCA compliance workflow
Here’s a practical five-step workflow your sustainability or product team can follow:Step 1: Establish scope & regulatory mapping
- Identify whether you’re working with a product or building project.
- Map applicable frameworks: BR25 for buildings, EPD Danmark for products.
- Define required life-cycle modules (A1–A3, A4–A5, B, C, D).
- Check for any specific CO₂ limit values that apply to your project.
Step 2: Collect and organise your data
- For products: collect data on materials, energy, logistics, and end-of-life scenarios.
- For buildings: gather data on materials, quantities, transport, site operations, and component lifespans.
- Use high-quality, standardised datasets (e.g., EF 3.1) and document all assumptions.
Step 3: Model the LCA or EPD
- For products: create an EN 15804-compliant LCA and generate an EPD verified under EPD Danmark.
- For buildings: use a compliant LCA tool (such as LCAbyg) and ensure that modules, scopes and data quality align with regulatory demands.
- Clearly document allocation rules, functional units, and system boundaries.
Step 4: Verification and publication
- Submit your LCA or EPD for third-party verification.
- For EPDs, ensure compliance with EPD Danmark’s programme rules and publish results transparently.
- Keep detailed records of verifiers, tool reports and datasets used.
Step 5: Monitor, update and integrate
- Update regularly as standards evolve (e.g., new EN 15804 versions or CO₂ limits).
- Integrate compliance workflows into design or product development.
- Use automation and data integration features in Sustainly to keep models up-to-date effortlessly.
Sustainly automates LCA workflows from data collection to verification—ensuring faster compliance and more reliable insights.
Common pitfalls & how to avoid them
| Mistake | Impact | How to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Ignoring life-cycle modules | LCA may not meet full regulatory scope | Verify required modules before modelling |
| Using generic data without justification | Data quality may be questioned | Always document sources and data quality |
| Skipping verification or publication | EPDs may be invalid | Follow EPD Danmark’s verification and publication steps |
| Treating compliance as one-off | Risk of outdated data and missed updates | Implement continuous monitoring |
| Viewing LCA only as a compliance task | Missed opportunity for optimization | Use LCA insights to improve design and reduce cost |
FAQ
Q: Is LCA mandatory for all buildings in Denmark?A: Nearly all new buildings must calculate life-cycle emissions; larger ones must meet specific CO₂ thresholds. Q: What version of EN 15804 should I use?
A: Use EN 15804+A2 with EF 3.1 impact methods for current EPDs under EPD Danmark. Q: Can I use a non-Danish LCA tool?
A: Yes, but it must produce outputs compatible with Danish verification and programme requirements. Q: How often should EPDs be updated?
A: Typically every five years, or sooner if product or standard changes occur.