Environmental and Professional Benefits of EPDs and CPDs

At Consort Architectural Hardware, we are dedicated to not only providing high-quality architectural solutions but also empowering industry professionals with the knowledge and tools to make informed decisions. In line with this commitment, we place significant emphasis on Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programs. These initiatives serve as cornerstones in promoting sustainable practices and enhancing professional expertise within the construction and architectural sectors.

Understanding EPDs: Sustainable Building

In today's construction landscape, sustainability is no longer an optional consideration—it's a fundamental requirement. Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) play a crucial role in this paradigm shift. EPDs are comprehensive documents that offer a transparent view of a product's environmental impact throughout its lifecycle, following the standardised guidelines of EN 15804. This standard ensures that the environmental data provided is reliable, comparable, and verifiable.

Key Components of an EPD:

• EPD quantifies the resources used and emissions produced at every stage of the product's life cycle, from raw material extraction to disposal.
• It evaluates the potential environmental impacts, such as global warming potential, resource depletion, and other critical factors like acidification and eutrophication.

EPDs may also address aspects like recyclability, ozone depletion, and other environmental concerns.EPDs are instrumental for architects, specifiers, and clients, allowing them to make informed decisions based on a product's environmental footprint. This transparency supports environmentally responsible building practices and compliance with various regional standards, making EPDs a vital tool in global markets.

• Our compliance with EN 15804 not only aligns with the EU's Construction Products Regulation (CPR) but also facilitates market access across Europe, ensuring our products meet stringent environmental standards.
• EPDs support compliance with British Standards, aiding in the achievement of BREEAM certification and alignment with the UK Green Building Council's sustainability criteria.
• Our EPDs contribute to earning LEED credits under the Materials and Resources category, highlighting the environmental attributes of our products.
• We support local green building standards such as Estidama in the UAE and QSAS in Qatar, reinforcing our commitment to sustainable construction practices.

Expanding Knowledge through CPD: Architectural Ironmongery Finishes

In addition to our focus on sustainable practices, Consort Architectural Hardware is proud to introduce our new RIBA-approved CPD course, ‘Architectural Ironmongery Finishes: Finding the Right Balance.’ This course is designed to educate architects, specifiers, and other industry professionals on the intricacies of selecting the right finishes for architectural hardware.

Course Highlights:

• Coating Methods: The course covers a range of coating techniques, including Living Finishes, Surface Finishes, Powder Coatings, Electroplating, and Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD). Each method is discussed in detail, providing insights into their applications, benefits, and limitations.
• Regulatory Standards: Attendees will gain an understanding of key industry standards and how this plays apart in coating.
• Environmental Considerations: The course also explores the environmental impacts associated with different finishes, emphasizing the importance of energy efficiency and sustainability.

As David Gray, our Director of Operations, stated, "Choosing the most appropriate architectural ironmongery finish is essential in enhancing a project’s aesthetics and ensuring the longevity and performance of hardware solutions." This CPD course provides invaluable knowledge, helping professionals make informed decisions that balance durability, aesthetics, and environmental responsibility.

Join Us in Shaping a Sustainable Future

Consort Architectural Hardware invites architects, specifiers, and industry professionals to participate in our CPD course and explore the comprehensive range of our EPD-certified products. By prioritising both environmental transparency and professional development, we are committed to supporting the industry's journey towards sustainability and excellence.

Register for our CPD sessions and discover how our products can contribute to your next project's success. For further information on our EPDs and CPD offerings, please contact our team directly on +44 (0) 121 359 8189. Together, let's build a more sustainable and informed future.