As sustainability gains prominence across industries, Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) are becoming a crucial tool for evaluating and communicating the environmental footprint of products and services. For asphalt producers, EPDs are not merely a fleeting trend but are evolving into a vital component of their business strategy, influencing project bids, stakeholder engagement, and even adherence to environmental regulations.

With this in mind DCC Propane explores the concept of EPDs, their significance for asphalt producers, and how transitioning from oil to propane in asphalt production can contribute to achieving essential EPD targets.

What is an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)?

An Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) is a standardized document that presents comprehensive, quantifiable data regarding the environmental impact of a product throughout its entire lifecycle. This information is typically compiled using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodologies and encompasses various environmental aspects, including:

• Greenhouse gas emissions (GHG)
• Energy consumption
• Resource depletion
• Water usage
• Air and water pollution

Essentially, an EPD offers a transparent view of a product’s environmental footprint, from the extraction of raw materials to its end-of-life management. It serves as a valuable communication tool for manufacturers, contractors, and other stakeholders seeking to minimize the environmental impact of construction projects.

Why Should Asphalt Producers Care About EPDs?

1. Regulatory Compliance and Green Building Standards: Many governmental bodies and institutions now mandate EPDs for specific projects to meet sustainability objectives and regulations, particularly within the construction sector. Green building standards like LEED and Greenroads often require or incentivize the use of products with lower environmental impacts, as documented by EPDs. For example, the Federal Highway Administration is increasingly emphasizing sustainable asphalt paving practices in federally funded projects.

2. Competitive Advantage: Asphalt producers with favorable EPDs are better positioned to secure contracts, especially for public infrastructure projects where sustainability is a key consideration. The U.S. Green Building Council’s 2022 report indicated that a significant majority of developers consider EPDs a critical factor in supplier selection. Demonstrating a commitment to reducing emissions and energy use can enhance a company’s reputation and establish it as a leader in environmentally responsible building practices.

3. Cost Savings: Reducing the environmental impact of asphalt production can lead to operational efficiencies and cost reductions. By optimizing energy consumption, lowering emissions, and minimizing waste, producers can decrease expenses while simultaneously improving their environmental credentials. The National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA) has reported that adopting energy-efficient technologies, such as cleaner fuels, can reduce energy costs by a notable percentage.

4. Transparency and Trust: EPDs foster transparency by providing objective data about a product’s environmental performance. This helps build trust with clients and stakeholders, who are increasingly seeking ways to quantify and reduce the carbon footprint of their projects. Research suggests that a significant portion of consumers value transparency in environmental claims, a trend that extends to business clients.

Switching From Oil to Propane for Asphalt Production: A Path to Better EPDs

One of the most effective strategies for asphalt producers to cut their environmental impact and enhance their EPDs is by transitioning from oil to propane for drying aggregates and heating asphalt. Here’s why:

1. Lower Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Propane burns more cleanly than oil, resulting in a notable reduction in CO2 emissions per unit of energy produced during the asphalt manufacturing process. By making this switch, asphalt producers can significantly lower their overall greenhouse gas emissions, which directly contributes to a more favorable EPD score. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, propane combustion generates less CO2 compared to heating oil per equivalent energy unit.

2. Improved Efficiency: Propane-based systems often exhibit higher efficiency compared to oil-based systems. Propane burners can offer more precise temperature control, leading to reduced energy consumption and waste, further enhancing the environmental metrics captured in an EPD. Industry data indicates that propane burners can achieve high thermal efficiencies, often surpassing those of oil burners, making propane a more energy-conscious choice for producers.

3. Fewer Pollutants: Oil-fired systems can release various pollutants, including sulfur oxides (SOx), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter, all of which can negatively affect air quality. In contrast, propane produces virtually no SOx and significantly lower NOx levels. This results in a cleaner production process and improved air quality, which is reflected positively in an EPD. Studies have shown that propane emits considerably less NOx than oil, a major contributor to smog and acid rain.

4. Cleaner Handling and Storage: Propane is a cleaner-burning fuel, which translates to reduced maintenance requirements and a lower risk of spills or contamination compared to oil. This minimizes both direct and indirect environmental impacts, another factor that can improve an EPD. Furthermore, propane storage often requires less stringent environmental monitoring, potentially leading to cost savings in compliance and safety measures for producers.

Transitioning to Propane

Transitioning to propane is a process that many asphalt producers have already undertaken due to the evident environmental and economic advantages. To begin the transition:

• Assess Your Current Operations: Conduct a thorough evaluation of your energy usage and emissions. This will help pinpoint areas where propane can have the most significant impact.
• Engage with a Propane Supplier: Select a propane supplier with experience in industrial applications, particularly within the asphalt production sector. They can provide guidance and support tailored to your specific needs.
• Develop Your EPD Strategy: Once you have transitioned to propane, collaborate with an environmental consultant or utilize LCA tools to update your EPDs. This will allow you to showcase the improved environmental performance of your asphalt production.

Propane’s Role in a More Sustainable Future

For asphalt producers, prioritizing sustainability and minimizing environmental impact is not just a trend—it’s becoming a fundamental aspect of business operations. EPDs are increasingly becoming an essential requirement for doing business, and producers who proactively take steps to improve their environmental metrics will gain a competitive advantage.

Switching from oil to propane represents a significant change that producers can implement to meet EPD targets. Propane not only reduces emissions and pollutants but also enhances operational efficiency, positioning companies for success in an increasingly environmentally conscious marketplace.