skill / Sustainability

EPD to Spec

A Claude Code skill that generates CSI-formatted specification sections requiring Environmental Product Declarations and setting maximum GWP thresholds. References ISO 14025, ISO 21930, and EN 15804.

specifications document-generation
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What it does

Type /epd-to-spec with a materials list, GWP limits, or EPD data. The skill generates CSI three-part specification sections that require Type III EPDs, set maximum GWP thresholds, and include submittal and verification language referencing ISO 14025, ISO 21930, and EN 15804.

Pairs with /spec-writer — this skill adds sustainability and EPD requirements to specific sections, while /spec-writer produces full outline specs without EPD language.

Install

Claude Desktop:

  1. Open Customize → Browse plugins
  2. Click + → Add marketplace from GitHub
  3. Enter AlpacaLabsLLC/skills-for-architects
  4. Install the Sustainability plugin

Claude Code (terminal):

claude install github:AlpacaLabsLLC/skills-for-architects/045-sustainability

Usage

With explicit thresholds:

/epd-to-spec concrete max 350 kg CO2e/m3, rebar max 1.0 kg CO2e/kg, CLT max 125 kg CO2e/m3

From EPD data:

/epd-to-spec use the Arboreal CLT EPD I just parsed

From a project description:

/epd-to-spec write EPD requirements for a mass timber office — CLT floors and walls, steel connections, mineral wool insulation

What it generates

For each material, a three-part CSI section with EPD-specific additions:

  • Part 1 — EPD submittal requirements (ISO 14025, third-party verification), sustainability article with GWP thresholds, quality assurance for environmental performance
  • Part 2 — Maximum GWP per declared unit, sustainable sourcing requirements, manufacturer EPD qualification
  • Part 3 — Standard execution (no EPD-specific additions)

Plus optional LEED v4.1 MRc2 language (Option 1 disclosure + Option 2 optimization).

Sample: Section 06 17 00 — Shop-Fabricated Structural Wood

Generated from: Arboreal CLT EPD data (GWP-fossil: 111 kg CO2e/m3)

1.04 Submittals

D. Environmental Product Declarations:

  1. Submit product-specific Type III EPD conforming to ISO 14025 and EN 15804+A2.
  2. EPD shall be published by an accredited program operator (Environdec, UL, NSF, ASTM, or IBU).
  3. EPD shall be current, valid, and third-party verified.
  4. EPD shall report GWP-fossil separately from GWP-biogenic per EN 15804+A2.

1.06 Sustainability Requirements

A. Maximum Global Warming Potential — Fossil (GWP-fossil): Cross-Laminated Timber: Maximum 111 kg CO2e per m3, life cycle stages A1-A3.

B. Sustainable Forestry: 100% of wood fiber from FSC, PEFC, or SFI certified forests.

C. Adhesives: Formaldehyde-free. PUR preferred.

2.01 Manufacturers

Arboreal (Uruguay), Stora Enso, Kalesnikoff, or approved equal. All manufacturers shall provide a conforming EPD.

2.03 Environmental Performance Requirements

Maximum GWP-fossil: 111 kg CO2e per m3 (A1-A3). GWP-fossil shall exclude biogenic carbon per EN 15804+A2.

Output saves as a markdown specification file organized by CSI division.

Divisions covered

The skill covers all divisions where EPDs are common: 03 (Concrete), 05 (Metals), 06 (Wood/CLT/Glulam), 07 (Insulation, Roofing, Air Barriers), 08 (Curtain Wall), 09 (Gypsum, Tile, Ceilings, Flooring), and 32 (Paving).

Pairs with