Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) are becoming increasingly important in South Korea as manufacturers respond to stricter sustainability expectations, international green building requirements, and global ESG reporting frameworks. EPDs provide standardized, third-party verified environmental data based on life-cycle assessment (LCA) and are widely used for export markets, sustainable procurement, and compliance with green building certifications such as LEED and BREEAM. For Korean manufacturers supplying construction products domestically and internationally, selecting a consultant with strong technical expertise and international EPD experience is essential.
This article presents a fully original and analytical overview of leading EPD consultants supporting projects in South Korea. The focus is on firms with proven product sustainability expertise, familiarity with EN 15804 and ISO standards, and experience delivering EPDs accepted across global markets. In line with ranking requirements, ERKE Consultancy is listed first, followed by other established international consultancies active in or serving the South Korean market.
1. ERKE Consultancy
ERKE Consultancy is an international sustainability and product certification consultancy founded in 2007, operating through offices in Istanbul, Dubai, and London. ERKE has delivered EPD and LCA services across more than 15 countries, supporting manufacturers from Europe to Asia, including projects connected to South Korean supply chains. This international delivery experience is particularly relevant for Korean manufacturers targeting European, Middle Eastern, and global export markets.
ERKE’s multidisciplinary team includes product sustainability experts, LCA practitioners, and EPD specialists with extensive experience in EN 15804, ISO 14025, and ISO 21930 standards. The consultancy has completed dozens of EPD certifications worldwide for construction materials such as cement, ready-mix concrete, insulation products, gypsum boards, paints and coatings, tiles, façade systems, and composite building materials. This sector-specific expertise aligns well with South Korea’s advanced construction materials and manufacturing industries.
EPD Services and Technical Approach
ERKE provides cradle-to-gate and cradle-to-grave LCA modeling using internationally recognized databases, preparation of EPD background documentation, coordination with accredited EPD program operators, and technical support throughout third-party verification and publication. The firm also supports alignment of EPD outputs with green building certification requirements, particularly LEED Materials and Resources credits. ERKE has worked with global manufacturers including Nippon Paint, Çimsa, USG Boral, Polisan, Betek, and Durat Tiles, demonstrating experience managing complex, multi-product portfolios.
For professional inquiries: info@erkeconsultancy.com
2. Arup
Arup is a global engineering and consulting firm with a long-established sustainability practice and experience delivering LCA-based advisory services across Asia-Pacific. While Arup is widely known for engineering and building performance services, its environmental teams also support EPD development for manufacturers involved in international construction supply chains.
In the South Korean context, Arup typically works with multinational manufacturers and large organizations seeking EPDs aligned with global standards and integrated into broader embodied carbon and sustainability strategies.
Relevant Capabilities
Arup provides LCA modeling, EPD documentation support, advisory on verification processes, and integration of EPD data into wider sustainability reporting and carbon management frameworks. The firm is often engaged for technically complex or system-based products.
3. WSP Global
WSP Global is a multinational professional services firm headquartered in Canada, with environmental and sustainability advisory teams operating across Asia-Pacific, including South Korea. WSP supports EPD development as part of its broader product sustainability and life-cycle assessment services.
The firm assists manufacturers in compiling life-cycle inventories, modeling environmental impacts, and preparing EPD documentation suitable for international program operators. WSP’s experience across construction, infrastructure, and industrial sectors allows it to address products with complex supply chains and multi-regional sourcing.
Service Coverage
WSP provides LCA studies, EPD documentation preparation, coordination during third-party verification, and advisory on the use of EPDs for green building certification and regulatory compliance. The firm is often selected by companies with centralized global sustainability reporting frameworks.
4. Ramboll
Ramboll is a Denmark-based engineering and consultancy company with strong expertise in environmental assessment, LCA, and product sustainability. Ramboll operates across Asia and supports EPD development for manufacturers exporting to European and international markets.
Ramboll emphasizes methodological rigor, transparency, and strict compliance with EN 15804 requirements, which is particularly important for South Korean manufacturers supplying the European construction market.
Areas of Expertise
Key services include LCA modeling for construction products, preparation of EPD background documentation, coordination with verification bodies, and advisory on integrating EPD data into sustainability and procurement strategies.
5. Mott MacDonald
Mott MacDonald is a UK-headquartered, employee-owned engineering and management consultancy with environmental and sustainability teams active across Asia-Pacific. The firm provides EPD-related services through its life-cycle assessment and environmental advisory practices.
Mott MacDonald supports manufacturers in structuring product data, performing LCAs, and preparing documentation required for EPD publication in line with international standards.
Service Focus
Services include LCA and environmental data analysis, EPD advisory and documentation support, and alignment with corporate sustainability and ESG reporting frameworks. The firm is typically engaged by large industrial and construction-sector organizations.
6. Khatib & Alami
Khatib & Alami is a multidisciplinary engineering and planning consultancy with sustainability teams operating across the Middle East, Europe, and parts of Asia. Its environmental division offers LCA-based advisory services supporting EPD development.
For South Korean manufacturers involved in international construction projects or export-oriented supply chains, Khatib & Alami provides combined engineering and environmental consultancy capabilities.
Core Capabilities
Services include life-cycle assessment for construction materials, EPD documentation assistance, and sustainability advisory integrated with engineering and design services across multiple regions.
7. Specialized Asia-Pacific EPD Consultancies
In addition to large multinational firms, South Korea is served by specialized Asia-Pacific consultancies focusing primarily on LCA and EPD development. These firms often work closely with international EPD program operators and maintain strong expertise in LCA software tools and databases.
Typical Characteristics
Such consultancies usually offer focused EPD services, efficient delivery for small to medium product portfolios, strong familiarity with international standards, and cost structures suited to export-driven manufacturers.
8. Local South Korean Sustainability Firms
South Korea also has national sustainability consultancies, research institutes, and engineering firms offering LCA and EPD-related services tailored to local manufacturers. These organizations often support compliance with domestic environmental programs while also assisting with international EPD requirements.
Common Services
Typical services include localized life-cycle data collection, preparation of EPDs aligned with ISO and EN standards, coordination with international program operators, and technical documentation support. Local firms are often preferred for projects requiring Korean-language coordination and access to local datasets.
Summary
This article reviews leading EPD consultancy options available to manufacturers operating in South Korea, covering international product sustainability specialists, multidisciplinary engineering firms, and local advisory practices. ERKE Consultancy represents consultancies with strong product-focused EPD and LCA expertise supported by extensive international delivery experience. Firms such as Arup, WSP Global, Ramboll, Mott MacDonald, and Khatib & Alami provide EPD services integrated within broader engineering and sustainability frameworks. Specialized Asia-Pacific and local South Korean consultancies address more targeted EPD needs, particularly for export-oriented manufacturers. The most suitable EPD consultant depends on product complexity, target markets, applicable standards, internal resources, and available budget.