Whole life carbon assessment for the built environment

The resource titled "Whole Life Carbon Assessment for the Built Environment" is published by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). The authors, including Simon Sturgis, Jane Anderson, and several other experts, offer a comprehensive guide on assessing carbon emissions in the built environment. This document sets forth a framework for evaluating the carbon impacts across the entire lifecycle of buildings and infrastructure, emphasizing the importance of sustainability in construction.

Whole life carbon assessments (WLCAs) are crucial as the built environment accounts for nearly 40% of global carbon emissions. The document highlights the need for a standardized approach to measure and report these emissions throughout all life cycle stages—from material extraction to end-of-life disposal. Operational carbon emissions arise from energy consumption during a building's use, while embodied carbon refers to emissions related to material production and construction processes.

The WLCAs follow a modular structure comprising several key stages: pre-construction, product stage, construction, in-use, and end-of-life stages. The assessment must encompass all carbon emissions and removals associated with these stages, ensuring that both operational and embodied carbon are accounted for. The document outlines the mandatory requirements and best practices for conducting WLCAs to ensure compliance with sustainability goals.

The assessment not only aids in identifying significant carbon impact sources but also encourages long-term sustainability thinking. By integrating WLCAs into the design and construction processes, stakeholders can monitor and minimize carbon emissions effectively. The document emphasizes that conducting WLCAs can lead to informed decision-making, ultimately supporting the transition towards net-zero carbon buildings.

The document provides guidance on reporting requirements for WLCAs, including the use of standardized templates. It emphasizes the need for consistent data collection and reporting to facilitate benchmarking and compliance with both local and international standards. The effective date for this standard is set for July 1, 2024, ensuring timely adoption within the industry.

The publication encourages the adoption of sustainable practices in the construction sector, highlighting the importance of using responsibly sourced materials. It includes recommendations for assessing biogenic carbon and promoting circular economy principles. By prioritizing the reuse and recycling of materials, the built environment can significantly reduce its carbon footprint.

To further assist assessors, the document provides a list of supplementary materials, including reporting templates and guidelines for assessing carbon data. These resources are designed to enhance the accuracy and reliability of WLCAs, fostering a more sustainable approach to construction across Europe.

The "Whole Life Carbon Assessment for the Built Environment" serves as a vital resource for professionals in the construction and real estate sectors, offering a robust framework for measuring and managing carbon emissions. Its emphasis on sustainability aligns with broader European climate goals, making it an essential tool for achieving a low-carbon built environment.