BASF Construction Chemicals contributes to sustainability initiatives EPD service saves clients' time and supports bidding qualifications Canadian Design and Construction Report staff writer As part of the world’s largest chemical company, BASF serves the construction industry with many innovations and industry firsts. That work includes several sustainabil- ity initiatives including its EPD (Environmental Product Dec- laration) service. BASF sustainability manager David Green says the com- pany developed the life cycle assessment based Eco-Effi- ciency Analysis in 1996 and, since the framework, expertise and experience is already in place, EPDs are a natural next step. He says BASF is able to handle the leg- work for EPDs on behalf of clients. “For a customer to take this on alone they would have to follow specific product category rules (PCR), look at lifecycle details and go through third party verification, all of which can be costly and very time consuming. We educate customers about the process and then take away the frustration of having to complete the process.” He says while it might take a customer four to nine months to complete the process alone, BASF’s expertise and streamlined process means an EPD can be produced in three to four weeks. He adds that they have already been successful in helping clients meet pressing bidding deadlines but being proactive is helpful. While LEED proj- ects have been the driving force behind EPDs to this point, The Canadian Design and Construction Report — July-August 2015 – 29