As the construction industry accelerates its digital and environmental transformation, one event stands out for professionals navigating the evolving world of Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs): the ECO Platform Conference. Ahead of the 2025 event in Brussels on May 13, we sat down with Christian Donath, Managing Director of ECO Platform, to hear his insights on digitalization, data standards, regulation, and the future of EPDs in Europe and beyond.
A Life Cycle Perspective from the Ground Up
– I’m a civil engineer by background, and I started out working with a large German contractor, says Donath.
It was there that he developed a deep interest in sustainability in the built environment, helping to launch a green building unit and contributing to the formation of the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB). From there, his work expanded to a global stage through the World Green Building Council, where he championed the idea of common carbon metrics— a concept that has deeply influenced today’s regulatory frameworks such as the Levels Framework in the EU.
His desire to harmonize sustainability data across borders laid the groundwork for ECO Platform, a pan-European initiative ensuring that EPDs are built on shared standards and consistent interpretation.
– We wanted to bring clarity and reliability to the process, especially given the many interpretations of standards like EN 15804. ECO Platform was built to offer common rules and shared governance, explains Donath.
What Is the ECO Conference?
Held annually, the ECO Conference is a key meeting point for stakeholders across the EPD ecosystem — including program operators (POs), regulators, consultants, tool developers, and manufacturers.
– The conference is our way of bringing the ECO family together, says Donath. – While we hold efficient online meetings throughout the year, this is the one time everyone meets in person — from policy officers to industry, EPD Programs, LCA experts and tool providers.
This year’s theme is Digitalization of EPDs, but with a sharper focus than simply converting PDFs.
– We’re not just talking about digitizing documents — we’re talking about a fully digital EPD system. Seamless data flows, scalability, automation, credibility, affordability — all of it, he says.
What Can Attendees Expect?
The day kicks off with insight directly from EU policymakers. Attendees will hear from representatives of DG Energy, DG Environment, and DG Grow, discussing key regulations like the Construction Products Regulation (CPR), Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), and Levels Framework. Standardization leaders from CEN TC350 will explain how this translates into technical guidance.
The afternoon offers a deep dive into:
- Digital Product Passports (DPP)
- Automation and tool verification
- Data management and BIM integration
- Market surveillance and transparency
- Practical case studies from member states and industry
– There’s no other event I know of that brings so many trends and solutions together in such a practical way, says Donath. – Our goal is to identify the remaining gaps and help piece together the puzzle.
Who Will Be There?
While Donath describes the ECO Platform as a “family,” the gathering is not a small reunion. Over 200–250 in-person participants are expected, alongside a large online audience. Previous years have attracted up to 400 digital attendees.
– This is not just for the insiders. The decision-makers from POs, software providers, and background data experts will be present, along with influential policy officers and standardization chairs, says Donath.
And of course, LCA.no will also take part — not only as a technology provider, but also contributing a session on real-world digital solutions already in use by manufacturers producing tens of thousands of EPDs.
— I’m really excited to speak at the ECO Conference! For almost 10 years, we at LCA.no have been working purposefully on the digitalization of EPDs, and we’re looking forward to spending time in Brussels with some of the world’s leading experts in the field, Trond Edvartsen, CEO of LCA.no points out.
Trends and Digital Challenges Ahead
One of the key topics this year is the rise of project-specific and non-published EPDs, and the regulatory challenges they bring.
– It forces us to redefine what an EPD even is. If it’s not published, can it still be called an EPD? These are the types of questions that must be addressed as the industry scales up, says Donath.
Donath believes the future of verification will involve more tool-supported and AI-guided processes, in combination with market surveillance and standardized transparency. This approach, he argues, will ensure reliability at scale without losing the rigor of today’s expert-driven reviews.
Europe as a Global Frontrunner
While some are concerned about shifting priorities within the EU, such as the rollback of certain CSRD ambitions under the Omnibus proposals, Donath remains optimistic.
– I don’t see any signs of retreat on the EPD front. Quite the opposite — there’s growing international interest. Delegations from North America and China visit us to learn how Europe is integrating EPDs into regulation, he shares.
Donath sees this as a once-in-a-generation opportunity.
– We can’t afford to lose momentum. Europe is in the lead, and the rest of the world is watching. We have the chance to set the global standard.
Training the Market: A New Online Course
Recognizing the urgent need for capacity-building, ECO Platform has launched an online training initiative for manufacturers and professionals.
– It’s called the Qualified ECO EPD Officer training. It answers all the basic questions — what’s an EPD, how does verification work, what tools and consultants do I need, what will the regulation require of me? says Donath and continues;
– We have a nine-half-day online program with top instructors. It’s available on our homepage and ends with a certificate that is transferable across employers, Donath explains.
LCA.no is proud to support this kind of initiative, knowing that education is key to broader EPD adoption across supply chains.
– At LCA.no, we regularly host webinars on this topic and are always available to provide guidance and support, says Inger Johanne Brodal, Key Account Manager at LCA.no.
A Final Invitation
So what’s the call to action for companies still standing on the sidelines?
– This is your chance to see what’s coming and how to prepare. Whether you’re a manufacturer, consultant, policymaker, or software provider, this conference gives you the roadmap — and the connections — to get involved.
With a fully booked networking dinner, interactive sessions, and deep engagement from EU institutions, the 2025 ECO Conference promises to be one of the most impactful industry events of the year.
And with companies like LCA.no showcasing real, scalable solutions already in use, there’s plenty to learn — and contribute.
