Whole life carbon assessment for the built environment

The resource titled "Whole life carbon assessment for the built environment," published by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), serves as a professional standard aimed at guiding the assessment of carbon impacts associated with the built environment. The authors include Simon Sturgis, Jane Anderson, Paul Astle, and others, who collectively bring expertise in carbon definitions, compliance, and sustainability practices.

Whole Life Carbon (WLC) refers to the total greenhouse gas emissions associated with a built asset throughout its life cycle, including operational and embodied carbon. The built environment is responsible for approximately 40% of global carbon emissions, a significant portion of which arises from buildings and infrastructure. A consistent approach to measuring and reporting carbon emissions is crucial for achieving climate goals, such as those outlined in the Paris Agreement.

The WLCA follows a modular structure divided into various life cycle stages: pre-construction, product, construction, in-use, and end-of-life. Each stage is carefully assessed to capture carbon emissions accurately. The methodology supports compliance with European standards like EN 15978 and EN 17472, which facilitate the integration of carbon considerations into project planning.

Key carbon definitions are essential for understanding WLC. Operational carbon arises from energy and water consumption during the asset's use, while embodied carbon includes emissions from material sourcing, manufacturing, and construction processes. User carbon, stemming from user activities, is also considered, highlighting the comprehensive approach taken in assessing carbon impacts.

Conducting a WLCA offers multiple advantages, including improved scope reporting, benchmarking, and carbon target setting. It aids in identifying significant causes of carbon impacts, thus allowing stakeholders to make informed decisions that align with sustainability goals. The standard encourages long-term thinking and the adoption of circular economy principles, prioritizing reuse and recycling in construction.

The WLCA standard is applicable to various construction projects, including new builds, retrofits, and multi-asset developments. It emphasizes the need for assessments during key project phases, ensuring carbon considerations are integrated from the outset. This approach fosters a lower-carbon, resource-efficient built environment, essential for sustainable housing and infrastructure developments.

Adopting the WLCA standard is crucial for professionals in the built environment sector. By implementing these guidelines, stakeholders can contribute to a more sustainable future, reducing carbon emissions and enhancing the resilience of buildings and infrastructure against climate change. The comprehensive framework provided by RICS aims to elevate the quality, comparability, and accuracy of carbon assessments across Europe and beyond.