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Volvo Car Corporation has, since 1998, published an environmental product declaration (EPD) for each new car model. The aim of the declaration is to present environmental information for the whole life cycle of the car to consumers. The information is based on life cycle assessment (LCA), but is also complemented with information on environmental management systems and recycling. The declarations are verified by a third party and comply with the ISO 14040, ISO 14031, ISO 14021 and ISO 14001 standards. This paper will focus on the link between the life cycle assessment studies and the environmental product declaration.

In 1989, Volvo pledged to minimize the environmental effects of its operations by adopting a holistic approach to the environmental impact of its products, at every stage of their life cycle. As a means to achieve this goal, it was decided to use Life-cycle Assessment (LCA) philosophy. In collaboration with the Swedish Environmental Institute (IVL) and the Federation of Swedish Industries, an evaluation system based on the environmental goals adopted by the UN Conference on Environment & Development (UNCED), held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992, has been developed. Based on this evaluation method, a computerized tool known as EPS - Environmental Priority Strategies in product design - was born. It is made for use by non-LCA practitioners such as design engineers and purchasing staff. This software, particularly well adapted to the profile of Volvo's products, was introduced in the company in the beginning of the nineties.