Environmental Product Declarations for plants and soils: how to quantify carbon uptake in landscape design and construction?

Abstract Purpose Currently, no clear guidance exists for ISO and EN standards of calculating, verifying, reporting the climate impacts plants, mulches, soils used in landscape design construction. In order to optimise potential ecosystem services mitigation greenhouse gas emissions built environment, we unequivocally propose their inclusion when assessing sustainability. Methods We analysed life cycle phases soils, mulches from viewpoint compiling standard-based Environmental Product Declarations. comparison other construction products, differences both mass carbon flows were identified these products. Results Living organic products green infrastructure require an LCA approach own. Most importantly, if conventional Declarations be followed, over time, asymmetric would lead skewed conclusions. Moreover, ability plants reproduce raises additional questions allocating environmental impacts. Conclusions present a set recommendations that are required studied infrastructure. enable quantification change it is essential work further development mandated.