/epd-to-spec — EPD Specification Writer

Takes EPD data, GWP limits, or a materials list and generates CSI-formatted specification sections that require Environmental Product Declarations and set maximum Global Warming Potential thresholds. Output follows the same three-part CSI SectionFormat used by /spec-writer.

Input

The user provides one or more of:

1. Material list with GWP limits — "concrete max 350 kg CO2e/m3, rebar max 1.0 kg CO2e/kg"
2. EPD data from the sheet — "use the EPDs I saved to set thresholds"
3. Comparison report — "use the lowest GWP from my last comparison as the max"
4. LEED target — "we're pursuing LEED v4.1 MRc2 Option 2"
5. Verbal description — "write EPD requirements for a ground-up office, concrete and steel structure, curtain wall"
6. Project type — helps determine which CSI divisions need EPD language

If the user invokes the skill without input, ask:

1. What materials need EPD requirements? (paste a list, reference the sheet, or describe the project)
2. Do you have specific GWP thresholds, or should I use industry baselines?

CSI Divisions Where EPDs Are Most Common

Map materials to the correct division. EPD requirements are most relevant for structural, envelope, and interior finish materials:

Spec Generation Workflow

Step 1: Parse and classify materials

Read the user's input and build an inventory:

• Material/product — as provided
• CSI division and section number — mapped from the material type
• GWP threshold — user-provided limit, EPD sheet value, or industry baseline
• Declared unit — must match the unit used in the GWP threshold

If the user provided EPD sheet data or a comparison report, extract the GWP values and declared units from there.

If no GWP thresholds are specified, do not use approximate baselines. Instead, ask the user:

"I need GWP thresholds to write the spec. You can provide them by:

1. Sharing an EPD — I'll extract the GWP value and declared unit
2. Using /epd-research — I'll find EPDs for your material categories
3. Using /epd-compare — compare products and pick a threshold from the results
4. Stating a number — e.g., 'concrete max 350 kg CO2e/m3'

We're working on EC3 API integration that will automate baseline lookups — for now, provide an EPD or a specific threshold."

Do not fall back to hardcoded numbers. Write the spec with [THRESHOLD TBD] placeholders if the user asks to proceed without data, and flag every placeholder clearly.

Report the mapping:

Identified X materials across Y divisions:
- 03 30 00 Cast-in-Place Concrete: GWP max 350 kg CO2e/m3
- 05 12 00 Structural Steel Framing: GWP max 1.16 kg CO2e/kg [VERIFY THRESHOLD]
- 07 21 00 Thermal Insulation: GWP max 1.2 kg CO2e/kg [VERIFY THRESHOLD]

Ask: "Does this mapping look correct? Any thresholds to adjust?"

Step 2: Generate specification sections

For each material, write a three-part outline spec. The EPD-specific language is concentrated in Part 1 (submittals, quality assurance, sustainability) and Part 2 (environmental performance requirements).

Part 1 — General

1.01 Section Includes Standard scope of work for the material. No EPD-specific changes.

1.02 Related Sections Standard cross-references. Add:

• "Section 01 81 13 — Sustainable Design Requirements" (if the project has a sustainability section)

1.03 References Standard material references PLUS:

• ISO 14025, Environmental labels and declarations — Type III environmental declarations — Principles and procedures
• ISO 21930, Sustainability in buildings and civil engineering works — Core rules for environmental product declarations of construction products and services (for North American EPDs)
• EN 15804+A2, Sustainability of construction works — Environmental product declarations — Core rules for the product category of construction products (for European EPDs, if applicable)
• ISO 14044, Environmental management — Life cycle assessment — Requirements and guidelines

1.04 Submittals Add the following to standard submittal requirements:

D. Environmental Product Declarations:
   1. Submit product-specific Type III Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
      conforming to ISO 14025 and ISO 21930.
   2. EPD shall be published by a program operator accredited per ISO 14025,
      including but not limited to: UL Environment, NSF International,
      SCS Global Services, Environdec (International EPD System), IBU, or
      ASTM International.
   3. EPD shall be current and valid at the time of submittal. Expired EPDs
      are not acceptable.
   4. EPD shall be third-party verified by an independent verifier approved
      by the program operator.
   5. Industry-average or sector EPDs are acceptable only when a product-specific
      EPD is not available for the specified product category. Submit documentation
      demonstrating unavailability.
   6. EPD shall report environmental impacts for life cycle stages A1 through A3
      (raw material supply, transport to manufacturer, manufacturing) at minimum.

1.05 Quality Assurance Add:

C. Environmental Performance Verification:
   1. Manufacturer shall demonstrate that the supplied product meets the maximum
      GWP thresholds specified in Part 2.
   2. If the product is sourced from a different manufacturing plant than the one
      covered by the submitted EPD, provide documentation that the EPD is
      representative of the actual production facility.

1.06 Sustainability Requirements (new article — add if not already in the section)

A. Environmental Product Declaration Requirements:
   1. Provide products with Type III Environmental Product Declarations meeting
      the requirements of Article 1.04.D.
   2. Maximum Global Warming Potential (GWP):
      a. [Product]: [VALUE] kg CO2e per [DECLARED UNIT], measured for life cycle
         stages A1 through A3.
   3. GWP shall be calculated in accordance with ISO 21930 and reported using
      characterization factors from IPCC AR5 or later.

B. LEED Documentation (if applicable):
   1. Provide EPD documentation in format required for LEED v4.1 MRc2 credit
      submission.
   2. Coordinate with Owner's LEED consultant for documentation requirements.

1.07 Delivery, Storage, and Handling Standard. No EPD-specific changes.

1.08 Warranty Standard. No EPD-specific changes.

Part 2 — Products

2.01 Manufacturers Standard manufacturer list with "or approved equal" language. Add:

B. All manufacturers shall provide a current, valid Type III EPD meeting the
   requirements of Article 1.04.D. Manufacturers un