Whole Life Carbon Assessments

Whole Life Cycle Carbon (WLC) Assessments provide a comprehensive evaluation of the greenhouse gas emissions associated with a building project from its inception to its end-of-life. This goes beyond just operational emissions (the energy used to heat, cool, and light a building) to include the embodied carbon of materials, construction processes, maintenance, and eventual demolition or reuse. As operational efficiencies improve, the embodied carbon of materials becomes a larger proportion of a building's total emissions. WLC Assessments highlight these often-overlooked impacts.

In an era of increasing environmental awareness and stringent carbon reduction targets, WLC Assessments are crucial for several reasons. Whole Life Carbon (WLC) Assessments provide a comprehensive view of a building’s environmental impact, enabling smarter, more informed decisions throughout the project lifecycle. By focusing on embodied carbon, they highlight the emissions associated with materials—an increasingly significant factor as operational efficiencies improve. Our WLC Assessments help ensure compliance with evolving regulations and sustainability standards, including the Greater London Authority guidelines and the RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge, future-proofing your developments. They also support optimised design and material selection, empowering architects, developers, and contractors to minimise the overall carbon footprint of their projects. Beyond sustainability, WLC Assessments enhance your reputation and market value, showcasing a commitment to environmentally responsible construction that attracts eco-conscious buyers and tenants.

Our expert team uses industry-leading methodologies and advanced software to deliver comprehensive Whole Life Carbon (WLC) Assessments, helping developers, architects, and contractors reduce the environmental impact of their projects. The process begins with data collection, gathering detailed information on building materials, construction methods, energy systems, and anticipated lifespan. We then define the assessment scope, covering all relevant life cycle stages (A1-A5, B1-B5, C1-C4, and D for end-of-life benefits and loads). Through precise modelling and analysis, we quantify carbon emissions at each stage, identifying key hotspots. Our team produces clear, actionable reports with practical recommendations for reducing carbon, including guidance on material selection, design optimisation, and circular economy strategies. Finally, we support benchmarking and target setting, comparing your project against industry standards and helping establish achievable carbon reduction goals, ensuring your development is both sustainable and compliant.

Whether you are at the early design stage, preparing for planning applications, or looking to enhance the sustainability credentials of an existing project, our WLC Assessment services can provide the insights you need. We help you navigate the complexities of carbon accounting, identify opportunities for significant reductions, and contribute to a more sustainable built environment.

Contact us today to discuss how a Whole Life Cycle Carbon Assessment can benefit your next project.