IBU Verify GmbH handles the complete validation and verification process of environmental characteristics for DoPCs, EPDs and RCDs according to EN 15804, ISO 14025 and ISO 17029. From the initial review to the release for publication.
Verification process according to ISO 17029
01
Pre-screening
02
Contract conclusion
03
Planning
04
Review
05
Evaluation
06
Decision
07
Issuance
08
Billing
01
Pre-screening & Document Review
Before the start of the technical review, we already check the submitted documents for completeness, plausibility, and formal requirements, including LCA data, background report or technical documentation, and layout.
02
Contract Conclusion & Planning
Once the pre-screening is successfully completed, the contract is concluded and a review plan is established. We select suitable reviewers based on competencies and excluding any conflicts of interest, coordinate the exchange of information between client and reviewer to safeguard impartiality, and ensure that all parties are efficiently involved.
03
Technical Verification / Validation
Our independent reviewers examine the submitted environmental data in detail: we support both initial issuances as well as re-verifications/-validations and adjustments of environmental data of existing EPDs, RCDs and DoPCs. The review covers:
•the consistency and methodology of the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
•the application and conformity of the relevant rules (e.g. c-PCR from hEN, EAD, ETA and PCRs of an EPD programme)
•the formal and substantive accuracy of the subject of review (EPD, RCD, DoPC)
•the transparent and structured traceability and documentation of the entire review process
04
Evaluation & Quality Assurance
Following the verification / validation of the respective subject of review, the work of the preceding review is evaluated. An uninvolved evaluator checks whether the verification / validation complied with the requirements and processes, whether schedules were met, and whether everything was properly documented. This way we ensure that the quality of our work remains consistently assured and that any errors can be corrected during the process. Transparency and quality go hand in hand.
05
Decision & Issuance of the Verification Statement
Within a quality-assured six-eyes principle, the final decision on issuing the verification statement is made by a person who was not involved in the validation / verification. Based on the submitted documentation on pre-planning, contract, schedule, appointment of the reviewer, validation / verification and evaluation, it is decided whether a verification statement can be issued or not, and the client is informed accordingly. Critical assessments are also documented and taken into account.
06
Billing & Completion
After completion of the review, we prepare the billing according to the current fee schedule and our Terms and Conditions. Transparency and traceability are paramount. Partial billing during the process is possible; the client is contacted in this regard (cf. Chapter 6 of the T&C).
NOTE
Complaints & Appeals
Clients are of course free to file a complaint and / or appeal at any point in the review process at any time. For this purpose you can use the contact form provided directly. We strive to clarify the matter as quickly as possible at all times.
DoPC validation
Declaration of Performance and Conformity (DoPC)
A Declaration of Performance and Conformity (DoPC) is a declaration that presents the performance of a product with regard to previously defined essential characteristics. Legally, DoPCs serve as proof of market access (comparable to the CE marking) and are regulated by the Construction Products Regulation (BauPVO or CPR).
Depending on the product group and type, a DoPC can combine different types of evidence. A mandatory part for all construction products under the new Construction Products Regulation of 2025 are the “essential characteristics of environmental sustainability”.
Following successful notification, IBU Verify GmbH validates these essential environmental characteristics on the basis of the legally prescribed hENs, EADs and ETAs and in accordance with ISO 17029. Under AVS system 3+ of the Construction Products Regulation, it acts as an independent notified body to assess and verify the underlying environmental data and calculations for the DoPC.
DAkkS® is a trademark registered in favour of Deutsche Akkreditierungsstelle GmbH. Registration number D-VS-23214-01-00. The accreditation applies exclusively to the scope stated in the accreditation certificate and its annex. View accreditation certificate ↗
EPD verification
Verification of Environmental Product Declarations
An Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) is a Type III environmental declaration that transparently presents quantified information on a product’s environmental impacts throughout its life cycle. It enables manufacturers to communicate environmental product information in a traceable way and on the basis of defined methodological requirements. EPDs therefore provide an important data basis for sustainable construction, building life cycle assessments and procurement decisions.
IBU Verify GmbH carries out the independent verification of EPDs based on the requirements of the relevant EPD programme and the underlying standards and product category rules. The requirements applicable in each case depend on the chosen programme, the product group and the intended application of the EPD.
EPD programmes for which we offer verification
IBU EPD Programme
The EPD programme of Institut Bauen und Umwelt e. V. (IBU) is aimed particularly at manufacturers of construction products and enables the publication of independently verified environmental product declarations. EPDs are prepared on the basis of ISO 14025, EN 15804, ISO 21930 and the applicable programme and product category rules. Published EPDs also meet the requirements of ECO Platform and can be used as a data basis for the environmental assessment of buildings.
The DIN EPD Programme provides a basis for transparent, more comparable and verified environmental information about products. It supports companies across industries in preparing, reviewing and publishing Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) and Product Carbon Footprints (PCFs) based on internationally recognised standards and consistent Product Category Rules (PCRs). Its direct connection to standardisation ensures high process quality, international compatibility and sustainability information that is fit for the future. Independent verification ensures objective and credible results.
We are happy to assess enquiries about other EPD programmes and project-specific requirements individually.
IBU Verify GmbH does not provide consulting services for the calculation or preparation of EPDs. Please contact the relevant EPD programme operator or an appropriately qualified life cycle assessment consultancy.
Critical reviews
Critical Review (CR)
A Critical Review (CR) is an external and independent examination of the methodology, data basis and results of a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) or a statement based on an LCA. The aim is to ensure the quality and credibility of environmental claims.
IBU Verify GmbH conducts Critical Reviews of environmental data and environmental claims. These include Recycled Content Declarations (RCDs) of Institut Bauen und Umwelt e.V. on the basis of ISO 14021, ISO 59020 and EN 45557. We are also happy to assess enquiries involving other review subjects and project-specific requirements individually.
