PCR selection: which Product Category Rule is right for you?

PCRs (Product Category Rules) are category-level rules that make EPDs comparable. The same product under different PCRs can yield different results; choosing the correct PCR is therefore the first critical decision in the EPD process. EN 15804+A2 acts as the "core PCR" for construction products, but is rarely sufficient on its own — most categories require an additional Part B (category-specific PCR).

The PCR hierarchy — Part A and Part B

EN 15804+A2 provides "Part A" — the general rules: life cycle modules, indicators, modulary table structure, data-quality requirements. "Part B" provides category-specific rules: EN 16783 for insulation, EN 16757 for concrete, EN 16908 for cement, EN 16485 for wood. Part B governs the functional unit, mandatory modules and accepted assumptions. EN 15804+A2 + the relevant Part B together form the complete PCR set.

Part B by sector

• Insulation — EN 16783 (glass wool, stone wool, EPS, XPS, PIR/PUR, spray-applied, wood fibre)
• Cement and building lime — EN 16908
• Concrete and concrete elements — EN 16757
• Wood and wood-based products — EN 16485
• Glass products — EN 17074
• Structural steel — EN 15804+A2 + worldsteel LCI methodology
• Plastic construction products — PlasticsEurope eco-profile + EN 15804+A2
• Paints and coatings — EN 16906
• Doors, windows, leaves — EN 17213
• Adhesives and sealants — category methodology similar to EN 17074

Program operator differences

Beyond the PCR, the program operator that publishes your EPD also defines practical rules. Accredited bodies like ITB Poland, IBU Germany, EPD International (EPD Norge), ECOnsult each have their own publication format and verification process. Some operators interpret Part B rules differently — IBU treats A4 as mandatory for cement EPDs, ITB treats it as optional. The target market (German domestic, EU-wide, Scandinavian) directly drives operator choice.

PCR selection in 5 questions

• 1. Which construction-material category does my product belong to? (insulation, concrete, cement, steel, plastic, wood, glass, doors/windows…)
• 2. Is there an EN-approved Part B for this category? (the list above is a starting point)
• 3. Which program operator is recognised in my target market? (e.g. ITB or IBU for Turkish construction; EPD International for EU-wide)
• 4. Does EN 15804+A2 + Part B suffice, or do I need building-level (EN 15978)?
• 5. Does PEFCR apply? (if so, EF v3.1 becomes mandatory)

Is your PCR version current?

Part B PCRs are revised periodically. EN 16783 insulation PCR was published in 2017 and updated in 2022. Before verification, confirm that you used the correct version of both EN 15804 (+A2 mandatory) and the relevant Part B. An EPD prepared with an outdated PCR will be rejected by the verifier.