# Read EPDs

> Read an EPD into structured, source-linked environmental data.

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## Start here

- [Install](https://architecturestudio.ai/capabilities/skill-epd-parser#capability-setup)
- [New to skills?](https://architecturestudio.ai/docs/agents)
- [All skills](https://architecturestudio.ai/capabilities?kind=skills)

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## What it does

Give Norma an environmental product declaration PDF. Norma extracts its identity, declared unit and reported impacts, keeping every value tied to the stage, indicator and source page.

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## Install

Connect Arch Studio in Claude or ChatGPT, then return to your conversation and ask Norma for the task. Your assistant uses its available file access and tools to carry out the skill.

- [Add to Claude](https://architecturestudio.ai/docs/install?host=claude&surface=app&method=mcp)
- [Add to ChatGPT](https://architecturestudio.ai/docs/install?host=chatgpt&surface=app&method=mcp)
- [Setup guide](https://architecturestudio.ai/docs/install)

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## Versions and source

Arch Studio 1.5.1.2 · MCP — Available as MCP workflow instructions in compatible Claude and ChatGPT connections. The assistant performs the work with its own tools and permissions and verifies the actual result before reporting completion.

Arch Studio 1.5.1.2 · Open source — Included in the public plugin for Claude Code and Codex. In this version: Read EPDs — Extract carbon impacts, life-cycle stages and certifications from environmental declaration PDFs.

- [Hosted release details](https://architecturestudio.ai/releases/hosted-1-5-1-2-0692a162)
- [Read public source](https://github.com/AlpacaLabsLLC/skills-for-architects/blob/b85cba155ddbabe8e721fc79044e5a9ef4aa7540/skills/epd-parser/SKILL.md)
- [Public release details](https://architecturestudio.ai/releases/public-1-5-1-2)

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## Usage

Ask Norma in plain language. With Arch Studio connected through MCP, no $ or / command is required. Norma is your assistant working with Arch Studio.

```text
Use Arch Studio to extract the product identity, declared unit and reported life-cycle impacts from this EPD PDF. Cite the source page for each table and keep unreported stages blank. Do not add it to a library yet.
```

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## What it extracts

### Declaration identity

Norma records the product, version, validity and declared or functional unit.

### Environmental metrics

Norma retains reported impact values with their units, indicators and life-cycle stages.

### Missing information

Norma marks unreported or conflicting fields explicitly. Unreported stages do not become zero.

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## Workflow

1. **Read** — Norma identifies the supplied declaration and its scope.
2. **Extract** — Norma reads the reported fields and retains source-page evidence.
3. **Review** — Norma returns the extraction for review and saves to a library only when requested.

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## Pairs with

Norma can compare extracted declarations after checking their units and system boundaries.

- [Compare EPDs](https://architecturestudio.ai/capabilities/skill-epd-compare)

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## Related skills

Compare EPDs — Compare environmental declarations on a supported common basis.

Find EPDs — Find environmental product declarations for a material shortlist.

- [Compare EPDs](https://architecturestudio.ai/capabilities/skill-epd-compare)
- [Find EPDs](https://architecturestudio.ai/capabilities/skill-epd-research)