Global standard of EPDs

When it comes to understanding the true environmental impact of building materials, not all EPDs are created equal. Although EPDs follow strict international standards, the quality and relevance of the underlying data can vary widely, especially when generic international data is applied to New Zealand conditions.

For APL, sustainability is one of the core pillars of our business. We believe that transparency and accountability are essential to building better homes and better futures. That’s why our EPDs capture detailed, New Zealand-specific information across every part of our vertically integrated supply chain. This helps architects, builders, and homeowners make confident, informed decisions backed by accurate, independently verified data.

See more information below on what an EPD is, how APL creates one, and why choosing locally produced products with robust EPDs ensures meaningful, reliable insight into environmental impact.

An EPD is essentially a “nutrition label” for a product’s environmental footprint. It provides clear, verified data on energy use, greenhouse gas emissions, waste generation, material and resource consumption, transport and end-of-life impacts.

All EPDs follow international standards, including ISO 14025 and EN 15804, ensuring that information is consistent and comparable across similar product types. An EPD doesn’t rank a product’s environmental impact; it reports the data accurately and transparently so specifiers and consumers can make informed choices.

APL have four EPDs across Commercial and Residential ranges, find them linked here. 

Because APL operates within Profile Group, a vertically integrated group of companies, our EPDs capture a full and accurate picture of the environmental impacts behind each window and door system. This includes contributions from:

• INEX — aluminium extrusion

• AGP — glass manufacturing

• Finex & ColourWorks — surface finishing

• APL Manufacturing — hardware and components

• PPL Plastic Solutions — seals and plastic components

• APL Direct — national transportation network

• End-of-Life processes — recycling, disposal, and material recovery 

International EPDs often rely on generic global datasets and may not reflect New Zealand’s energy mix, transport distances, labour practices or end-of-life outcomes. This can significantly understate or misrepresent the environmental impact of imported products used in NZ projects.

EPD Australasia’s thorough methodology means every Environmental Product Declaration covers all relevant life cycle stages, from raw materials and manufacturing through to disposal.

While the use phase isn’t included for windows and doors (as their operational impacts are minimal and largely user-controlled), an EPD still provides a comprehensive assessment of the product's footprint.

For New Zealand building projects, transparent, NZ-specific EPDs are essential. They ensure that all contributions to carbon impact -  including international shipping emissions for imported goods - are appropriately accounted for. By choosing locally made products with a robust, independently verified EPD, you’re choosing clarity, accuracy, and responsibility across the entire supply chain.