Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) in Saudi Arabia (KSA) – Complete Guide for Manufacturers

Meet KSA sustainability mandates with verified EPDs for industrial and construction products

Why EPDs Are Essential for Saudi Manufacturers in 2026

Saudi Arabia's ambitious Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative are transforming how businesses approach environmental transparency. Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) have evolved from optional certifications to competitive necessities for manufacturers supplying materials to NEOM, Red Sea Global, Qiddiya, and other giga projects across the Kingdom.

Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) in Saudi Arabia (KSA)

Whether you're producing steel, cement, aluminum, or building materials, understanding how to get an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) is now crucial for securing contracts and demonstrating sustainability leadership in the Saudi market.

What is an Environmental Product Declaration?

An EPD is a standardized, independently verified document that quantifies a product's environmental impact throughout its entire life cycle—from raw material extraction to manufacturing, use, and end-of-life disposal.

In Saudi Arabia, EPDs serve multiple strategic purposes:

Demonstrating compliance with green building standards like Mostaqbal, LEED, and GSAS
Meeting tender requirements for government and private mega-projects
Supporting export documentation with credible environmental data
Strengthening your position in sustainability-focused procurement processes

Understanding Environmental Product Declarations helps manufacturers recognize why this certification has become a cornerstone of modern industrial practice in the Kingdom.

Saudi Arabia's Regulatory Landscape for EPDs

Key Policy Drivers

Saudi Vision 2030 has positioned environmental responsibility at the center of industrial development. The Saudi Green Initiative reinforces this with specific carbon footprint reduction targets that directly impact manufacturing operations.

Giga Projects Leading the Charge

Major developments requiring EPD-backed materials include:

NEOM's sustainable city initiatives
Red Sea Global tourism projects
Qiddiya entertainment complex
AMAALA luxury resort development
Diriyah Gate heritage preservation
King Salman Park urban development

Contractors and procurement teams for these projects actively prioritize products with verified environmental transparency, making EPDs a competitive differentiator rather than just a compliance checkbox.

Industries Adopting EPDs in KSA

The following sectors are experiencing the strongest demand for EPD certification:

Steel manufacturing (rebar, structural beams, coils)
Cement and ready-mix concrete production
Aluminum extrusion and fabrication
Plastics and polymer manufacturing
HVAC and electrical equipment
Building materials and finishes
Packaging manufacturers
Chemical processing industries

EPD vs LCA: Understanding the Relationship

Many Saudi manufacturers wonder about the difference between Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) and EPDs. The distinction matters for planning your certification strategy.

An LCA is an analytical study that measures environmental impacts across a product's life cycle. It's used internally by engineers and sustainability teams to understand and improve environmental performance.

An EPD takes that LCA data, applies standardized Product Category Rules (PCRs), undergoes independent verification, and publishes the results in a format recognized by clients, contractors, and regulators worldwide.

Think of it this way: EPD = LCA + PCR + Verification + Publication

For a detailed comparison, explore our guide on EPD vs LCA: Understanding the Key Differences.

EPD Requirements Specific to Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia accepts EPDs that meet international standards while aligning with regional sustainability frameworks:

Technical Requirements:

Based on EN 15804 methodology
Compliant with ISO 14040/44 LCA standards
Verified by accredited third-party verifiers
Published through globally recognized EPD operators

Recognized EPD Programs:

Environdec (EPD International)
UL Environment
NSF Sustainability
IBU Germany (Institut Bauen und Umwelt)
BRE Global

These international certifications are accepted because they meet the rigorous standards required for use in LEED and EPD certification processes common in Saudi construction projects.

How to Get an EPD in Saudi Arabia: Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Data Collection (2-4 weeks)

Gather comprehensive operational data including:

Energy consumption (electricity, fuel types, and quantities)
Raw material inputs and sourcing information
Production volumes and manufacturing processes
Waste generation and disposal methods
Packaging materials and specifications
Transportation distances for materials and distribution

Step 2: Life Cycle Assessment (1-2 weeks)

Model environmental impacts across five key stages:

Raw material extraction and processing
Manufacturing and production
Distribution and transportation
Use stage (if applicable)
End-of-life disposal or recycling

Step 3: Apply Product Category Rules (1 week)

Ensure your assessment complies with:

EN 15804+A2 for construction products
ISO 21930 for sustainability in building construction
Sector-specific PCRs relevant to your product category

Step 4: Develop EPD Document (1 week)

Create a comprehensive declaration including:

Detailed product description and specifications
Environmental impact tables (carbon footprint, water use, etc.)
Resource use metrics
Waste generation indicators
Compliance statements

Step 5: Third-Party Verification (2-3 weeks)

An accredited verifier reviews:

LCA modeling methodology and accuracy
Data quality and transparency
PCR compliance
EPD formatting and completeness

Learn more about EPD development and verification through NSF Sustainability.

Step 6: Publication

Your verified EPD is published on a registered program operator's database, making it accessible to clients, specifiers, and procurement teams worldwide.

Total Timeline: 6-10 weeks

Cost of EPD Certification in Saudi Arabia

Budget planning is essential for manufacturers considering EPD certification. Here's a realistic breakdown for KSA operations:

Component	Cost Range (SAR)
Life Cycle Assessment Study	12,000 – 40,000
EPD Report Preparation	5,000 – 15,000
Third-Party Verification	7,000 – 20,000
Total Investment	24,000 – 75,000

Cost factors that influence pricing:

Product complexity and number of variants
Data availability and quality
Need for additional testing or measurements
Choice of EPD program and verifier
Whether you're certifying single products or product families

This investment should be viewed in context: EPDs typically remain valid for five years, and the competitive advantages they provide often result in significant return on investment through improved contract wins and premium positioning.

EPD Benefits for Saudi Manufacturers

Business Advantages

Competitive Positioning: EPDs differentiate your products in crowded markets, particularly for government tenders and giga project procurement where sustainability is a key evaluation criterion.

Market Access: Many international buyers and developers now require EPDs as a baseline for material selection, making certification essential for maintaining and expanding market share.

Export Opportunities: EPDs are increasingly recognized as standard documentation for international trade, particularly in European and North American markets.

Compliance and Standards

Green Building Credits: Products with EPDs earn points in LEED, Mostaqbal, and GSAS rating systems, making them preferred choices for sustainable construction projects.

Regulatory Alignment: EPDs demonstrate proactive compliance with emerging environmental regulations, positioning your company ahead of potential future mandates.

SGI Goals: Supporting Saudi Green Initiative targets for carbon footprint reduction across industrial sectors.

For businesses in the broader Gulf region, our EPD guide for manufacturers in UAE, Saudi Arabia, and GCC provides additional regional context.

EPDs and Green Building Certifications in Saudi Arabia

LEED v4.1 Integration

EPDs directly contribute to LEED credits under:

Materials & Resources: Building Product Disclosure and Optimization
Materials & Resources: Environmental Product Declarations

Projects can earn up to two points by specifying products with EPDs, making these declarations valuable for both manufacturers and building developers.

Mostaqbal (Saudi Building Code)

Saudi Arabia's national green building rating system encourages products with transparent environmental reporting. EPDs support the "Low Environmental Impact Materials" category, helping projects achieve higher sustainability ratings.

GSAS (Gulf Sustainability Assessment System)

Used in some Saudi projects alongside Qatari developments, GSAS awards higher sustainability ratings to buildings that incorporate EPD-backed materials in their construction.

Understanding Environmental Product Declarations for LEED certification helps manufacturers position their products strategically in these rating systems.

Common Questions About EPDs in Saudi Arabia

Is EPD certification mandatory in Saudi Arabia?

EPDs are not yet legally mandatory for most product categories in Saudi Arabia. However, many giga projects, government tenders, and private developments strongly prefer or effectively require them through procurement specifications. The trend is clearly toward increased adoption, making early certification a strategic advantage.

Can I use an international EPD for Saudi projects?

Yes, international EPDs are accepted in Saudi Arabia provided they are third-party verified and based on recognized standards like EN 15804. The global nature of EPD programs means certification obtained through international operators like Environdec or UL Environment is valid for Saudi applications.

How long does an EPD remain valid?

EPDs typically have a five-year validity period, after which they require updating to reflect current production processes and environmental performance data.

Do I need separate EPDs for each product?

Not necessarily. Product families with similar manufacturing processes and compositions can often be covered under a single EPD, reducing certification costs while maintaining transparency.

What if my environmental data isn't perfect?

EPDs report actual environmental performance, not idealized scenarios. The goal is transparency and continuous improvement, not perfection. Many manufacturers use their first EPD as a baseline for identifying improvement opportunities.

For additional guidance, our resource on Environmental Product Declarations for businesses addresses common implementation questions.

Related Environmental Certifications for Saudi Manufacturers

While EPDs focus on environmental impact, manufacturers may also consider:

Health Product Declarations (HPD): Document the chemical composition and health impacts of building materials. Learn more about Health Product Declarations and how they complement EPDs.

Product-Specific Certifications: Depending on your industry, additional certifications like ISO 14001 (Environmental Management Systems) or sector-specific eco-labels may strengthen your sustainability profile.

Getting Started with EPD Certification

The path to EPD certification begins with assessing your current data collection capabilities and understanding which products in your portfolio would benefit most from environmental transparency.

Priority considerations:

Which products are specified in major construction or industrial projects?
Where are competitors already using EPDs as a differentiator?
What data do you already collect that could support LCA requirements?
How does EPD certification align with your broader sustainability goals?

For manufacturers new to environmental declarations, starting with one high-volume or strategic product provides valuable experience with the process before expanding to your full product line.

Comprehensive information about Environmental Product Declarations can help you evaluate whether certification aligns with your business strategy.

Conclusion: EPDs as Strategic Assets in Saudi Arabia's Green Transformation

As Saudi Arabia continues its transformation under Vision 2030, environmental transparency is shifting from a competitive advantage to a business necessity. EPDs provide the credible, standardized documentation that procurement teams, developers, and regulators increasingly require.

For Saudi manufacturers, the question is no longer whether to pursue EPD certification, but when and how to implement it most effectively. The 6-10 week timeline and moderate investment required make EPDs accessible to businesses of various sizes, while the five-year validity period ensures lasting value from certification.

Companies that establish environmental transparency now position themselves as leaders in Saudi Arabia's sustainability-focused economy, ready to meet both current procurement requirements and future regulatory developments.

Ready to begin your EPD certification journey? Contact environmental certification specialists who understand Saudi Arabia's unique regulatory landscape and can guide you through each step of the process.