Material Transparency in Building Design: Understanding EPDs, HPDs and Better Product Selection

When architects and designers specify building products, performance has always been a top priority.  Questions like: Will the product meet the required fire rating, Is it durable, Does it support the design intent, and Will it perform as expected throughout the life of the building are always considered and are essential.  However, they are no longer the only ones considered.

Greater transparency about the products that go into buildings, how those products perform, how they are made, what they are made from and environmental impacts are now at the forefront of planning.

This shift has made material transparency an important part of the design & spec process.

Let’s dive into understanding each document that highlights this information.

But first, what is material transparency?  It’s the practice of openly sharing information about a building product so designers can make informed decisions.  Rather than relying solely on marketing claims, material transparency provides third party documentation about the products environmental impacts, material ingredients, manufacturing processes and certifications.   Manufacturers who are transparent work towards building trust with designers and are able to reflect on the ingredients used in their product(s) as well as their manufacturing processes.

Why Transparency Matters to Designers:

Every project has unique goals.  One owner may prioritize long-term durability. Another may focus on embodied carbon.  A healthcare project may emphasize occupant well-being, while a university project may seek to align with institutional sustainability initiatives.  Material transparency helps architects balance these priorities by providing reliable information that supports better-informed specifications.  It also promotes meaningful conversations between architects, manufacturers, and owners early in the design process—often reducing uncertainty later in construction.

Key Takeaway

Material transparency doesn't tell architects what to specify—it provides the information needed to make informed decisions based on each project's unique goals.

Understanding Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs)

An Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) reports the environmental impacts of a building product using data developed through a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA).

An EPD may include information such as:

Rather than assigning a product a sustainability rating, an EPD presents standardized environmental data that allows designers to compare similar products.  If you'd like to learn more about Environmental Product Declarations, be sure to read our companion article:

Why Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) Matter When Specifying Building Products

Understanding Health Product Declarations (HPDs)

While an EPD focuses on environmental impacts, a Health Product Declaration (HPD) focuses on product ingredients.  An HPD discloses the materials used to manufacture a product and helps architects understand what the product contains.

Just as importantly, an HPD is not a certification or rating.  It does not determine whether a product is "good" or "bad."  Instead, it provides transparency by reporting product ingredients using a standardized format.

This information can help architects, interior designers, and owners evaluate products in accordance with the health and material transparency goals established for a project.



EPD vs. HPD: What's the Difference?

Although the two documents are often discussed together, they answer very different questions.

Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) Health Product Declaration (HPD)
Reports environmental impacts Reports product ingredients
Based on a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Based on ingredient disclosure
Evaluates impacts such as carbon, energy, and water use Provides transparency into material composition
Supports environmental comparisons Supports material transparency and informed selection

Rather than replacing one another, EPDs and HPDs complement each other by providing different types of information about a product.

Why Architects Are Asking for Both

As sustainable design continues to evolve, architects increasingly seek a more complete understanding of the products they specify.

An EPD helps answer questions about environmental impacts.

An HPD provides transparency into product ingredients.

Together, these documents give designers additional information to evaluate products beyond traditional performance characteristics such as fire rating, strength, durability, and appearance.  While no single document tells the whole story, combining performance data with material transparency creates a more informed specification process.

Working with Transparent Manufacturers

Manufacturers who invest in documentation such as EPDs and HPDs demonstrate a commitment to transparency and continuous improvement.  Providing these resources allows architects to evaluate products using standardized information rather than relying solely on product brochures or marketing materials.

When reviewing manufacturers, designers may consider whether they provide:

The availability of this information often simplifies product evaluation and improves communication throughout the project team.

Fire Trol's Commitment to Transparency

Fire Trol believes architects and engineers should have access to clear, reliable product information. That's why we provide third-party verified, product-specific Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), Health Product Declarations (HPDs), and UL-certified fire-rated assemblies. Together, these resources help design professionals evaluate performance, material transparency, and environmental information with confidence.

Looking Beyond Product Performance

Building product selection is no longer based solely on meeting minimum performance requirements.  Today's architects are evaluating products from multiple perspectives, including:

Manufacturers that openly share technical documentation help design teams make better-informed decisions throughout the life of a project.

Conclusion

Material transparency has become an important part of today's building design process.While performance, aesthetics, and cost remain essential considerations, architects increasingly rely on standardized documentation to better understand the products they specify.

Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) provide insight into a product's environmental impacts, while Health Product Declarations (HPDs) provide transparency into product ingredients.  Together, these resources help architects compare products more effectively, support project sustainability goals, and make confident specification decisions based on reliable information.

By partnering with manufacturers that value transparency and provide comprehensive technical documentation, design professionals are better equipped to deliver buildings that balance performance, sustainability, and long-term value.