Whole Life Carbon

The construction industry is a major contributor to global carbon emissions, accounting for approximately 40% of the UK’s total emissions. As the world becomes more environmentally conscious, it is crucial to prioritise sustainability in construction practices. One key approach to achieving this is through Whole Life Carbon (WLC) assessments.

Whole Life Carbon refers to the total amount of carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions associated with a building or product throughout its entire lifecycle. This includes emissions from raw material extraction, manufacturing, transportation, construction, operation, maintenance, and eventual demolition or recycling. The assessment of WLC provides a comprehensive understanding of the environmental impact of a building over its entire existence.

In the UK, the London Plan 2021 mandates WLC assessments for major construction projects. This policy aims to reduce the environmental impact of buildings and aligns with the government’s net-zero 2050 target. Standards such as EN 15978 and the RICS Professional Statement on whole life carbon assessment provide a framework for conducting these assessments.

As WLC assessments become more integrated into planning processes, design teams and construction companies must adapt to these requirements to ensure regulatory compliance. This shift not only helps meet legal obligations but also enhances the reputation and value of projects.

WLC assessments encourage the use of sustainable materials, sustainable procurement methods, and the repurposing of existing structures. By integrating these practices from the design stage, the construction industry can significantly reduce its carbon footprint and contribute to global sustainability goals.

Embracing WLC assessments can lead to significant financial and environmental benefits. By identifying opportunities for carbon reduction early in the design process, companies can implement cost-effective and sustainable solutions. This proactive approach can result in lower operational costs, improved energy efficiency, and a reduced carbon footprint.

At L&P we offer a carbon champion role where we monitor the progression of the projects carbon throughout the design and construction process. This dedicated position ensures a consistent focus on carbon reduction, providing specialised expertise and guidance to the project team. Through monthly monitoring and reporting, the Carbon Champion enables timely identification of issues, swift implementation of corrective actions, and data-driven decision-making. This regular oversight creates accountability, improves collaboration among stakeholders, and allows for early identification of carbon reduction opportunities.

This role aligns with the growing industry emphasis on carbon reduction, ultimately leading to more sustainable outcomes and long-term benefits in both environmental impact and project performance.

If you are interested in our WLC or Carbon champion services, please get in touch for more information.