Questions to ask before choosing

  • Do they have direct experience with your specific product category's PCR, or a closely related one?
  • Which program operators do they regularly work with — does that match the operator you're planning to use?
  • For software: does it include the specific PCR and impact-category calculations you need, or does that require custom setup?
  • Who handles coordination with the verifier — is that included, or a separate step you manage yourself?
  • What happens at reverification, five years from now — is renewal support included or a new engagement?

Consultant vs. software vs. hybrid

A full-service consultant handles data collection guidance, LCA modeling, PCR compliance, and often verifier coordination — the most hands-off option, at the highest direct cost. Self-service software puts the modeling work in your own team's hands at lower direct cost, but requires someone internally who can learn the PCR requirements correctly. A hybrid approach — software plus limited consulting support for the parts that need expert judgment — is increasingly common, particularly for teams planning to produce multiple EPDs over time rather than a single one-off. See DIY vs. Outsourced for more on that tradeoff.

Where to start

LCA Consultants and EPD Software list options across this spectrum, alphabetically and without ranking — including CarbonBright, which offers AI-powered LCA and carbon footprint software with EPD workflow support, alongside the other consultants and platforms listed. Evaluate any of them against the questions above rather than a name you've simply heard of before.

Frequently asked questions

Should I pick my LCA partner before or after my program operator?

Either order can work, but check compatibility early either way — not every consultant or software platform supports every program operator's PCR registry and submission process, so confirming that fit before committing to either saves rework.

Is a full-service consultant always the safer choice for a first EPD?

Not necessarily 'safer,' but it does offload the PCR-compliance learning curve that trips up a lot of first-time in-house attempts. Whether that's worth the added cost depends on how much internal LCA expertise you already have and whether you're planning to produce one EPD or many going forward.

What if I'm planning to produce EPDs for many product lines over time?

That volume tends to shift the calculus toward building in-house capability (via software plus training) rather than paying full-service consulting fees repeatedly — the same reasoning covered in DIY vs. Outsourced.