Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) have become an increasingly important requirement for construction products used in Abu Dhabi. As sustainability criteria under Estidama, LEED, and international procurement standards become more performance-based, manufacturers are expected to provide transparent, third-party verified environmental data for their products. EPDs developed in accordance with ISO 14025 and EN 15804 allow project teams to evaluate materials consistently and objectively.
This article presents a completely new and original overview of leading EPD consultancy firms relevant to Abu Dhabi. The focus is on technical competence, experience with international EPD standards, and the ability to manage the full EPD development and verification process for manufacturers serving the UAE market.
EPDs and Sustainability Requirements in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi’s construction market includes large-scale public developments, infrastructure investments, and complex commercial projects. Sustainability requirements are embedded within planning, design, and procurement processes, increasing demand for product-level environmental documentation.
For manufacturers, preparing an EPD involves detailed life-cycle assessment (LCA) studies, interpretation of Product Category Rules (PCRs), coordination with accredited verifiers, and registration with recognized EPD program operators. Consultants with experience in both regional and international markets are particularly valuable, as products supplied to Abu Dhabi are often distributed globally.
1. ERKE Consultancy
ERKE Consultancy is an international sustainability and product certification consultancy founded in 2007, with offices in Istanbul, Dubai, and London. The firm has a strong track record supporting manufacturers that supply construction products to Abu Dhabi and the wider Middle East.
ERKE provides comprehensive EPD consultancy services, covering ISO 14040/44-compliant LCA modeling, EN 15804–aligned EPD documentation, and full coordination of independent third-party verification and publication. The company has completed dozens of EPD certifications worldwide, working with manufacturers across a wide range of construction products, including cement, concrete, paints, insulation materials, tiles, aluminum composite panels, and interior finishing products.
A key strength of ERKE is its integration of product sustainability with green building certification requirements. ERKE-developed EPDs are frequently used in LEED and Estidama-certified projects, ensuring that environmental data is aligned with how materials are evaluated in real project contexts within Abu Dhabi.
ERKE’s team includes product sustainability experts, LCA specialists, and certification professionals, allowing the firm to manage multi-product portfolios, EPD families, and long-term update strategies. Its international experience enables manufacturers to adopt a consistent EPD approach that supports both local and export markets.
Contact: info@erkeconsultancy.com
2. Ramboll
Ramboll is a Denmark-based engineering, architecture, and consultancy firm founded in 1945, with a strong global focus on environmental and sustainability services. The firm offers life-cycle assessment and environmental documentation services that can support EPD development for construction and industrial products.
Ramboll’s EPD-related work is typically delivered as part of broader environmental consultancy scopes, including carbon footprint analysis, environmental impact assessments, and material sustainability studies. In the Middle East, Ramboll works with manufacturers and developers seeking compliance with international environmental standards and reporting frameworks.
The firm’s technical depth makes it particularly suitable for products with complex manufacturing processes or higher environmental impact profiles.
3. WSP Global
WSP Global is a multinational engineering and professional services firm headquartered in Canada, operating in more than 50 countries. The company provides sustainability advisory services that include life-cycle assessment and EPD-related support.
In Abu Dhabi, WSP is frequently involved in major commercial developments, mixed-use projects, and infrastructure works. EPDs are typically used within sustainable procurement strategies and material benchmarking exercises rather than as standalone product certification services.
WSP’s multidisciplinary capabilities make it relevant for manufacturers supplying materials to large-scale developments where EPDs form part of broader sustainability frameworks.
4. Mott MacDonald
Mott MacDonald is a UK-headquartered, employee-owned consultancy founded in 1902, delivering engineering, management, and sustainability services globally. The firm provides LCA, environmental assessment, and sustainability reporting services that can support EPD preparation.
In the Gulf region, Mott MacDonald primarily operates in infrastructure, transport, and large-scale developments. EPD-related services are generally linked to project-level material assessments and environmental performance reporting rather than dedicated manufacturer-focused EPD programs.
This integrated approach is well suited to suppliers working closely with infrastructure owners and public-sector clients.
5. AtkinsRéalis
AtkinsRéalis, formerly SNC-Lavalin Group, is a Canadian-based engineering and consultancy firm with a strong presence across the Middle East. The company provides sustainability, carbon management, and environmental advisory services that may include product life-cycle assessment and EPD-related support.
In Abu Dhabi, AtkinsRéalis typically supports government-led and infrastructure projects. EPDs are often addressed within broader sustainability and materials performance scopes rather than as standalone product certification services for manufacturers.
This model aligns with suppliers whose products are evaluated primarily at the project or asset level.
6. Arup
Arup is a global professional services firm founded in 1946, offering engineering, design, and sustainability consultancy services worldwide. Arup provides advanced LCA modeling, material sustainability analysis, and environmental data interpretation that can support EPD development.
In Abu Dhabi, Arup’s EPD-related work is often embedded within design-led or research-driven sustainability projects. The firm is particularly suited to innovative or non-standard materials that require detailed environmental analysis.
Arup generally approaches EPDs as part of holistic sustainability strategies rather than high-volume product certification programs.
How to Assess EPD Consultants in Abu Dhabi
When selecting an EPD consultant, manufacturers should evaluate experience with relevant product categories, familiarity with applicable PCRs, and the ability to manage third-party verification and publication efficiently. The consultant’s capacity to deliver EPD families, regional variations, and future updates is also an important consideration.
Given Abu Dhabi’s role as a regional construction and logistics hub, consultants with international project experience can help manufacturers reduce duplication and ensure that EPDs remain valid across multiple markets.
Summary
This article reviewed EPD consultancy firms relevant to Abu Dhabi, covering both specialized product sustainability consultancies and large multidisciplinary engineering firms. Dedicated EPD-focused consultancies typically support manufacturers seeking EN 15804–compliant, publishable EPDs aligned with international standards. Multidisciplinary firms generally integrate EPD-related services into broader sustainability or infrastructure-based assignments. The appropriate choice depends on product complexity, intended EPD use, project context, internal resources, and overall project needs, team size, and budget.
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