Initiatives

ACLCA PCR Open Standard

Ensuring transparency and reliability in procurement and supply chain data.

The ACLCA PCR Open Standard is the authoritative framework for developing high-quality Product Category Rules (PCRs) ensuring consistency and reliability in PCRs and Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), which are critical tools for assessing and communicating environmental impacts of products and processes.

The ACLCA PCR Open Standard provides process checklists for each of the key roles in the product category rule creation process and methods and methodologies addenda on areas related to PCR development.

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ACLCA PCR Open Standard V2.0

The Standards Behind the Standards
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ACLCA PCR Open Standard V2.0 and other standards to support a more robust EPD ecosystem
‍The backbone of credible EPDs and transparent data in procurement and design.
Version 2.0 is advancing international interoperability and setting the new benchmark for consistency, comparability, and confidence in product environmental information.
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Version 2.0—and the full suite of standards envisioned—will drive alignment across industries and government to meet the growing demand for credible, comparable environmental data, while building on Version 1 through additional standards to support product environmental information disclosure across all sectors.
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Version 2.0 Standards in Development
‍Version 2.0 work will initially concentrate on several priority focus areas:
•Terminology
•General Program Instructions
•PCR Requirements
•LCA Requirements for the PCR
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These standards will be advanced through targeted Working Groups responsible for drafting documents under the Version 2.0 Committee.
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Who's Involved
‍This update is being developed through a multi-stakeholder committee of recognized thought leaders from:
Industry and manufacturing
Government and policy organizations
LCA program operators
Academia and technical experts
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Why Participate
EPDs are only as strong as the system and standards that are behind them. The ACLCA PCR Open Standard is the recognized framework ensuring PCRs are transparent, interoperable, and technically sound—so procurement, policy, and product data can be trusted.

‍Who should engage
EPD Program operators • Manufacturers • Trade associations • LCA practitioners • Policymakers • Designers • Asset Owners
Be part of shaping the foundation for every credible EPD.
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Get Involved
The call for participation is now open.
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Complete the Interest Form for the working groups under the 2.0 Committee
Join the Version 2.0 Initiative
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Committee and working group roster formation will be based on review of membership, balance, and expertise.

Requirements for Participation
•Active ACLCA membership [Become a member Now!]
•Balanced representation across stakeholder categories (PCR User, PCR Producer, & General Interest)
•Commitment to collaboration and consensus-based decision making
•Expertise and experience in LCA
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Process & Methods Toolkit

Download Full Toolkit

Process (Checklists) + Methods & Methodologies (Addenda)

Download Checklists Only

Process Checklists (.xls)

PCR Open Standard Methods and Methodologies Addenda

The following PCR Open Standard Addenda have been developed to further aid in harmonizing PCRs and EPDs.

Published

Quantifying Renewable Electricity Instruments in Environmental Product Declarations

The addendum provides a methodology for including and allocating renewable electricity instruments (e.g. RECs, PPAs) in LCA and EPDs, detailing modeling, reporting, and verification requirements. It is the first consensus-based approach for integrating renewable energy into EPDs in North America.

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Assessing Data Quality of Background Life Cycle Inventory Datasets

The addendum strengthens standards for Life Cycle Inventory data, ensuring consistent data quality. It addresses discrepancies in LCA outcomes caused by varying background data, enhancing EPD comparability. Standards for using the Enhanced Pedigree Matrix are also provided.

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Determining EPD Types and Calculating and Communicating Data Specificity Through the Supply Chain

Provides much-needed standardized nomenclature for types of EPDs covered under the scope of ISO 21930 (e.g. product-specific, facility-specific). Outlines methods to improve the transparency of data in EPDs. Prescribes a methodology for calculating the supply chain specificity of an EPD. Prescribe EPD labeling requirements for EPD programs following this guidance. Recommends language for policymakers on specifying the types of EPDs they will accept.

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Allocating Burdens and Benefits of Materials Shared Across Product Systems

The addendum standardizes allocation for materials crossing product system boundaries, reducing subjective variance and preventing double counting of environmental burdens. A harmonized approach enhances EPD comparability, value chain consistency, and avoids miscounted impacts.

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In Review

Allocating Burdens and Benefits of materials shared across across product systems

The addendum standardizes allocation for materials crossing product system boundaries, reducing subjective variance and preventing double counting of environmental burdens. A harmonized approach enhances EPD comparability, value chain consistency, and avoids miscounted impacts.

Quantifying Renewable Electricity Instruments in EPD's

The addendum provides a methodology for including and allocating renewable electricity instruments (e.g. RECs, PPAs) in LCA and EPDs, detailing modeling, reporting, and verification requirements. It is the first consensus-based approach for integrating renewable energy into EPDs in North America.

Under Development

The PCR committee has multiple addenda in development to further aid in harmonizing PCRs and EPDs.

Mass Balance Chain of Custody

The addendum provides guidance for LCA practitioners, policymakers, standards setters, and other stakeholders on how to approach LCA for product systems using Mass Balance.

Developing PCR-specific Digital EPD Reporting Requirements

This addendum standardizes EPD terminology under ISO 21930, enhances data transparency, establishes supply chain specificity calculation methods, prescribes labeling requirements, and provides guidance for policymakers on acceptable EPD types—ultimately improving consistency and usability across the construction sector.

Get Involved

There are multiple ways to get involved in the progression of the PCR Open Standard addenda that are undergoing the developmental process as well as getting involved with ACLCA.

Become an ACLCA Member and join the PCR Committee
Apply and Participate in PCR Open Standard Working Groups (must be an ACLCA member)
Join the Program Operator Forum
Stay up to date - sign up for PCR Open Standard updates, news, and events

Call for Participation

Assessing Data Quality of Background Life Cycle Inventory Datasets

The Assessing Data Quality of Background Life Cycle Inventory Dataset addenda is undergoing a review and potential revision period. This addendum strengthens the standard for usage of Life Cycle Inventory data. Using different background data can lead to drastically different outcomes making EPDs for similar PCRs incomparable. Even with the same foreground data, a choice of different background inventories can create significant differences in the final LCA results.

If you are interested in getting involved in this effort, please apply to the working group:

Apply to Group

PCR Repository

Our one-stop shop for searchable PCRs.

The ACLCA PCR Repository provides a centralized, easy-to-navigate database where you can quickly find, filter, and access PCR documents. Search across multiple Program Operators’ PCRs by technical specifications, industry sectors, or product categories to locate exactly what you need.

Results are available for download in an Excel file, or you can view individual PCRs as PDFs. This streamlined tool saves you time in LCA and EPD development by eliminating the hassle of searching multiple sources.

Program operators interested in adding or updating PCRs can reach out to us at support@aclca.org

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LCA Skills & Competency Framework

The LCA Skills & Competency Framework provides a structured pathway to build expertise in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA).

As organizations and governments seek quantifiable ways to measure and reduce environmental impacts for meeting sustainability goals, this initiative develops clear proficiency levels and skill benchmarks. The framework enables professionals to confidently apply LCA methods, strengthening data-driven environmental decision-making across sectors.

CIP Code

The ACLCA CIP Code Initiative represents a groundbreaking effort to strengthen sustainability education across engineering, business, environmental science, and other disciplines.

The Initiative will strengthen LCA education and accelerate the development of professionals equipped to drive metrics-based sustainable development across global industrial sectors.

Join ACLCA today and help us build a more sustainable tomorrow!

ACLCA provides the platform to learn, connect, and make a lasting impact. Be part of a community that's revolutionizing how we approach environmental decision-making and sustainable development.

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Our Initiatives

PCR Open Standard Version 2.0

ACLCA PCR Open Standard

ACLCA PCR Open Standard V2.0

PCR Repository

LCA Skills & Competency Framework

CIP Code