Wood products industry: a new grant for the development of environmental product declarations (EPD)
Competition is fiercer than ever in the wood products industry. Standards are tightening, trends are becoming apparent. To succeed in the Canadian, American and international markets, companies must now emphasize their product’s environmental performance to convince buyers.
To encourage the industry to stay at the leading edge, the Quebec government has announced that it will repay manufacturers up to 75% of the costs incurred for the development of Environmental Product Declarations (EPD).
The Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) is internationally recognized and is a proven way of measuring the environmental impact of a product throughout its life cycle. CT Consultant has the expertise required to carry out this type of assessment.
CT Consultant’s role in the government-funded program
CT Consultant is approved by the Quebec Office for the Promotion of Wood Products (Bureau de promotion des produits du bois du Québec, QWEB) to develop environmental product declarations (EPD) subsidised by the Government of Quebec. Thus, a company that is admissible for the funding programme can appoint our firm to carry out the EPD.
Please contact our Managing Director, Charles Thibodeau, who will be happy to answer your questions.
Telephone: 514-647-9125
E-mail: charles@ctconsultant.ca
How do you assess a product’s environmental performance?
Manufacturing consumer goods involves resource consumption (water, oil, etc.) and leads to waste generation (gaseous, liquid, solid).
The environmental performance of a product is assessed based on its short- and long-term impact on the environment, as well as its effects on human health and on the consumption of non-renewable resources.
The assessment covers the entire life cycle of the product, from the responsible extraction of the raw materials used to make the product right up to its degradation in the environment at the end of its life, including as well the manufacturing processes and the product distribution.
The EPD is presented in the form of a summary report compiling critically analysed and third-party verified scientific data. It informs buyers about a product’s environmental attributes, thereby allowing them to make an informed choice.
How could an environmental product declaration (EPD) be beneficial to my company?
“By subsidising EPD development, the government is giving Quebec companies the means to enter the local, national or international LEED building market.”
EPD is an internationally recognised tool for assessing the environmental impact of a product.
It takes into account the requirements of the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) and meets the LEED green building rating system criteria.
It reassures investors, as it allows for a comparison of products with regard to their sustainability, based on recognised standards and reliable methods.
Its popularity is growing in all major forest product markets such as Europe, the United States and Canada.
It gives greater visibility to companies who have responsible construction methods.
It acts as a certification and can provide a convincing selling point for sales representatives in their marketing activities.
It therefore ultimately contributes to the economic growth of businesses in the wood industry and of Quebec as a whole.
How does the government's program work?
The Quebec Promotion of Wood Products (Bureau de promotion des produits du bois du Québec, QWEB) is responsible for supporting companies in the development of environmental product declarations (EPD).
The program is in effect until March 31, 2022, but could end sooner should the funds be exhausted.
Targeted clients
Quebec companies who manufacture wood products.
Eligibility requirements
The program covers the development of a single Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) per company. The company must be located in Quebec.
The participating company must have the financial ability and sufficient funds to incur the costs of carrying out the EPD.
Services offered
Business support
The development of an EPD requires the expertise of specialised firms.
Businesses that are eligible for the program are supported by recognised environmental life cycle assessment consultants through the QWEB's network of accredited partners. CT Consultant’s Managing Director is one of those experts who can help you carry out the EPD of your product with his team.
Reimbursement of up to 75% of the costs
Completing an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) costs approximately $30,000.
The program reimburses 75% of the costs incurred by the company upon presentation of supporting documents.
Eligible expenditures are those associated with:
the development of an EPD by QWEB-approved consultants (data collection, analysis, assistance throughout the procedure and the verification process, etc.);
the verification of the EPD by QWEB-approved consultants;
the registration of the EPD in the CSA Group certifying body register.
Procedure to take part in the programme
Step 1: Registering your business
Any company who wishes to take part in the program will be required to register with the Quebec Office for the Promotion of Wood Products (QWEB) by filling out the online form available on its website.
LINK TO ACCESS THE ONLINE FORM: EPD registration form (French only)
Step 2: Verifying eligibility
Once the application has been submitted, it will be assessed by the QWEB in collaboration with the Quebec Ministry of Forests, Wildlife and Parks (MFFP). The applicant’s eligibility will then be confirmed.
Step 3: Choosing a consultant
Since the development of an environmental product declaration (EPD) requires specialised expertise, the selected companies will have to choose two consultants among those offered on the QWEB website (French only):
One consultant to collect the necessary data required for the development of the EPD
One consultant to perform the EDP compliance verification
Why choose CT Consultant to support you in producing your EPD?
CT Consultant is a young, steadily growing Quebec company. It specialises in carrying out environmental assessments by means of a notable team of experienced professionals possessing a diverse and complementary set of skills.
The firm is committed to helping local businesses achieve a better understanding of the environmental impacts of the development and marketing of products.
Thus, in addition to carrying out various environmental assessments and answering companies' questions surrounding this topic, CT Consultant also helps companies who are committed to reducing their environmental footprint to:
Increase their profitability;
Improve their corporate image;
Increase their sustainability whilst preserving the environment.
We are looking forward to doing business with you!
For more information
Press release (June 2020) - Québec encourage l’industrie québécoise des produits du bois et favorise son rayonnement. Accessed online at https://quebecwoodexport.com/assets/uploads/CM_Soutien_Finan_QWEB_DGABDI_MNB_R%C3%A9vPS.pdf