A PCR for flood control
Yi-Fung Wang Deputy Director-General
The development of a Product Category Rule (PCR) dedicated to flood control hydraulic works represents a fundamental step toward ensuring transparency and consistency in the environmental reporting of infrastructures. This initiative stems from the growing need for clear and shared regulatory tools that support the sector in its transition toward responsible life-cycle management, even for large-scale projects.
What prompted ITRI’s Green Energy and Environment Research Laboratories to develop a Core PCR specifically focused on flood control water systems?
To achieve the goal of net-zero emissions by 2050, the Water Resources Agency (WRA), Ministry of Economic Affairs of the Republic of China (Taiwan), has established a systematic carbon reduction mechanism during the life cycle of hydraulic engineering, obtaining the international certification PAS 2080:2023 Carbon Management in Buildings and Infrastructure. In its commitment to achieving a progressive annual emission reduction target of 20% by 2022, 30% by 2023, 40% by 2030, and 50% by 2050, it decided to collaborate with the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), a world-leading applied technology research institute and expert in carbon emission reduction strategies. The collaboration aims to address decarbonization challenges while supporting the planning of decarbonization pathways for infrastructure projects. The decision to develop a Core PCR in this product category arose from WRA’s recognition of both the industry’s need to accelerate decarbonization in infrastructure projects and the absence of a unified PCR for water resource conservation projects. To fill this gap, WRA decided to take the lead and guide the development of the first AEC-oriented PCR, published by an international Program Operator, EPDItaly.
This effort ensures carbon emission reporting in compliance with international regulations. WRA’s initiative makes it the first government agency in the Republic of China (Taiwan) to undertake the task of developing the first PCR aimed at the AEC sector with a globally standardized scope and methodology, allowing for consistent and comparable results on environmental impact emissions for infrastructure projects. Furthermore, it has become the first in international EPD libraries dedicated to flood control hydraulic works and aligned with the EN15804 standard.
What are the main benefits you foresee from the implementation and adoption of this PCR, both for industry stakeholders and for environmental impact management?
With the implementation of this Core PCR, WRA and ITRI take a decisive step toward global sustainability and life-cycle transparency for flood control hydraulic works. Recognizing case-by-case carbon reduction practices in infrastructure projects, this PCR is intended to serve as a comprehensive tool for the AEC (architecture, engineering, and construction) sector, LCA professionals, and government entities aiming to align with carbon emission accountability. The involvement of WRA and ITRI in the development process ensures compliance with public policies and consistency with the most recent sustainability requirements. WRA and ITRI consider this PCR a fundamental document that can be adopted and used for a wide range of flood control water network projects; the usability of this PCR is a priority objective.
How do you foresee the future development and application of this PCR in Taiwan (R.O.C.) and internationally? Are there plans to expand its scope or promote it in global markets?
As the first Core PCR developed for infrastructure products in the Republic of China (Taiwan), this initiative is expected to improve transparency and reflect the AEC sector’s commitment to the transition toward sustainability, in line with the goal of carbon neutrality by 2050. Given the significant environmental impact of the AEC sector both in the Republic of China (Taiwan) and globally, WRA, through the development of this PCR, has become the first government entity to adopt concrete measures to address this challenge. It represents a solid commitment to the progress of sustainable infrastructure at both regional and global levels and lays the groundwork for future developments, both as complementary PCRs—adapted to specific sector scenarios—and as Core PCRs that will continue to strengthen accountability and guide progress in sustainable infrastructure.
Why did you choose EPDItaly as a partner in this initiative, and how did the collaboration with ICMQ contribute to the success and credibility of the PCR development process?
EPDItaly and ICMQ boast extensive experience in the development of PCRs and EPDs related to the construction sector in Europe and Asia for the AEC sector. Our collaboration with a Program Operator specialized in building and infrastructure products, such as EPDItaly and ICMQ, brings valuable expertise, ensuring alignment with international standards for construction products (EN15804) and providing clear guidance on the objectives and intended future applications of the PCR.
The Water Resources Agency (WRA), the Ministry of Economic Affairs of the Republic of China (Taiwan), and ITRI aim to establish a long-term, mutually beneficial partnership with ICMQ to strengthen regional expertise in the development of PCRs and EPDs.