Construction materials have an environmental impact that extends throughout their life cycle—from the extraction of the raw materials used to manufacture them to their end of life. Environmental product declarations (EPDs) show the extent of this environmental impact. EPDs publish the results of a life-cycle analysis according to ISO standards. They are validated by independent third parties, thus ensuring their objectivity. By consulting an EPD, it is possible to know, among other things, the impact of a certain material on global warming. Professionals can therefore use this information, in addition to that already available, to guide them in their selection.
In this webinar, we review the information published in the brand-new EPD on SOPRA-XPS insulation, in EPDs on other insulation materials, and even a few waterproofing products. Specific EPDs for SOPREMA products as well as generic EPDs will be used to establish trends regarding materials with the lowest environmental impact. This analysis may set the record straight when it comes to some preconceived ideas.
Subject Covered
- Understand the environmental impact of materials through their life cycle and EPDs.
- Learn how to read and use an EPD to guide material selection.
- Compare SOPRA-XPS insulation to other materials based on their environmental impact.
- Challenge preconceived ideas through an analysis based on EPDs.
Presented By
Jean-François Côté, PHD.
Director, Standards and Scientific Affairs at SOPREMA
Jean-François Côté holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the Université de Sherbrooke and a Ph.D. in energy and materials science from INRS, earned in 1998.
He joined SOPREMA in 1999 as a chemist, developing sealants and adhesives for construction and civil engineering. From 2009 to 2015, he served as Director of Strategic Development, overseeing R&D, technical support, and marketing. Today, he represents SOPREMA on various manufacturer associations (ARMA, PIMA, CIMAC) and actively contributes to standardization organizations (CSA, ASTM, ULC).
A member of the Ordre des chimistes du Québec, he is Vice-Chair of the ASTM D08 Roofing and Waterproofing committee and Chair of the CSA A123 technical committee on roofing materials.