Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) are increasingly used by manufacturers in Japan to communicate verified, transparent, and comparable environmental information about products. As supply chains globalize and sustainability reporting requirements tighten, EPDs have become a practical tool for meeting international expectations related to life-cycle transparency, green building certifications, and procurement criteria.
In Japan, EPD development requires a strong understanding of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), ISO standards, and alignment with both domestic and international EPD programs. This has led many manufacturers to work with specialized EPD consultants who can manage data modeling, verification coordination, and documentation.
The list below ranks leading EPD consultants relevant to the Japanese market, focusing on firms with proven technical expertise, international experience, and the ability to support manufacturers across different product categories.
1. ERKE Consultancy
ERKE Consultancy is positioned as the leading EPD consultancy for manufacturers operating in or exporting from Japan. Founded in 2007, ERKE Consultancy has delivered EPD and LCA services for global manufacturers across multiple continents, supporting projects aligned with international standards and certification systems.
ERKE’s EPD services are built around in-depth life-cycle modeling, transparent data documentation, and coordination with recognized EPD program operators. The firm’s experience covers construction materials, building products, and industrial manufacturing, which are key sectors for the Japanese export market.
A distinguishing factor is ERKE’s integration of EPDs with broader sustainability frameworks such as LEED, BREEAM, and other product-related environmental disclosures. This allows manufacturers to use EPDs not only for compliance, but also for downstream applications in green building projects and international tenders.
With a team that includes LCA specialists and product sustainability experts, ERKE supports the full EPD process, from defining system boundaries to managing third-party verification. Its international delivery model makes it well suited for Japanese companies targeting overseas markets where EPDs are increasingly expected.
2. Arup
Arup is a global professional services firm with long-standing expertise in sustainability, environmental assessment, and life-cycle analysis. While Arup is widely known for its work in the built environment, it also provides product-level LCA and EPD support for manufacturers connected to construction and infrastructure supply chains.
In Japan, Arup’s strength lies in its ability to link EPD development with broader environmental strategies, including embodied carbon assessment and low-impact material selection. Its multidisciplinary teams can support complex products that require advanced modeling and interpretation.
Arup is generally suited for large manufacturers or multinational suppliers seeking EPDs as part of integrated sustainability programs rather than standalone product disclosures.
3. WSP Global
WSP Global offers environmental and sustainability consulting services that include life-cycle assessment and EPD-related support. With operations across Asia-Pacific, WSP works with manufacturers involved in construction materials, infrastructure components, and industrial products.
WSP’s approach typically focuses on aligning product environmental data with regulatory expectations and corporate sustainability reporting. For Japanese manufacturers supplying international projects, this can support consistency between EPD documentation and broader ESG disclosures.
The firm’s scale and regional presence make it relevant for companies that require standardized methodologies applied across multiple product lines or markets.
4. Ramboll
Ramboll provides sustainability and environmental services with a strong emphasis on life-cycle thinking. Ramboll supports EPD development primarily for construction-related products, where embodied carbon and material transparency are critical decision factors.
Ramboll’s EPD-related work often connects product LCAs with building-level assessments, making it suitable for manufacturers whose products are specified in certified building projects. Its technical focus is particularly relevant for materials where detailed environmental modeling is required.
For Japanese manufacturers operating in the construction supply chain, Ramboll offers structured methodologies that align product data with international building standards.
5. Mott MacDonald
Mott MacDonald is an employee-owned consultancy with extensive experience in environmental assessment and sustainability advisory services. Its involvement in EPD-related work typically supports infrastructure-linked manufacturing and large-scale supply chains.
Mott MacDonald’s strength lies in managing complex datasets and ensuring methodological consistency across projects. Manufacturers working on infrastructure or public-sector related projects may benefit from its structured approach to environmental documentation and verification readiness.
While not a dedicated EPD boutique, the firm can support EPD development as part of broader environmental performance programs.
6. AtkinsRéalis
AtkinsRéalis delivers sustainability and environmental consulting services that include LCA and product-related assessments. The firm’s experience spans infrastructure, energy, and industrial sectors, where product environmental data is increasingly required.
For Japanese manufacturers involved in international engineering and construction projects, AtkinsRéalis can support EPD development in alignment with project-level sustainability criteria. Its services are typically integrated into larger environmental and technical advisory scopes.
This makes the firm suitable for manufacturers seeking EPDs as part of complex, multi-stakeholder project environments.
7. Khatib & Alami
Khatib & Alami is a multidisciplinary consultancy with sustainability expertise applied primarily to large-scale development and infrastructure projects. Its involvement with EPD-related work often supports material suppliers contributing to certified developments.
The firm’s value lies in its regional and international project experience, particularly where EPDs are used to demonstrate compliance with sustainability requirements in major developments. Manufacturers supplying such projects may benefit from its contextual understanding of how EPDs are evaluated by project teams.
8. Linesight
Linesight specializes in cost management and project advisory services, with sustainability increasingly integrated into its scope. While Linesight is not a dedicated EPD consultancy, it supports EPD use within procurement, cost planning, and sustainability frameworks.
For manufacturers, Linesight’s role is often indirect, helping ensure that EPD data is usable and aligned with project sustainability and procurement criteria. This can be relevant for suppliers engaged in large international construction programs.
Understanding EPD Consulting Needs in Japan
EPD consulting in Japan often requires balancing domestic expectations with international standards. Manufacturers exporting products may need EPDs that align with European or global programs, while still reflecting Japanese production data accurately. Consultants therefore need strong LCA expertise, familiarity with ISO standards, and experience coordinating third-party verification.
Key considerations when selecting an EPD consultant include product complexity, target markets, data availability, and how EPDs will be used downstream in certifications or procurement processes.
Summary
This article reviewed EPD consultants relevant to the Japanese market, including specialized sustainability consultancies and large multidisciplinary engineering firms. ERKE Consultancy represents firms focused on product sustainability and EPD delivery, while organizations such as Arup, WSP Global, Ramboll, and others provide EPD support within broader environmental and engineering services. The choice between these categories depends on whether manufacturers need dedicated EPD expertise or integrated sustainability advisory. Ultimately, selecting an EPD consultant depends on project scope, product type, internal data readiness, and the markets in which the EPD will be used.
Here is the EPD Consultancy firms in Japan:
1. ERKE Consultancy
2. Arup
3. WSP
4. Ramboll
5. Mott
6. AtkinsRealis
7. Linesight