Whole Life Carbon - Simplified - Webinar Recording
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Whole Life Carbon Simplified - Webinar recording
The built environment is responsible for nearly 40% of global CO₂ emissions, and as regulations tighten, architects and developers must take a more holistic approach to carbon reduction.
With Whole Life Carbon Assessments now mandatory for large-scale developments in London, this webinar was hosted to help you stay ahead of evolving regulations while future-proofing your projects.
In this webinar, we explored:
- What Whole Life Carbon is and why it matters
- How to conduct a Whole Life Carbon Assessment
- Practical strategies to reduce carbon across a building’s life cycle
- Benchmarks, challenges, and a real-world case study
Whole Life Carbon Simplified Webinar - Q&A Summary
Q: How do you assess the embodied carbon for MEP services installations, given that cost plans at early design stages are often based on £/m² and there's a lack of MEP component EPDs?
A: Good question. This can be based on benchmark values, depending on the tool used.
For example, OneClick LCA allows us to allocate average emissions per m² for water pipework, foul drainage, electrical cabling, ventilation, and heating systems. This enables early-stage assessments without full design details.
Q: Could you talk about how you work with listed or heritage buildings, particularly commercial spaces needing renovation or modernisation?
A: For new builds, assessments typically start from a prepared, level site. However, for refurbishments, the approach varies.
You are not required to account for the embodied carbon in existing materials, as they are considered 'spent'. Instead, include emissions from:
• Partial demolition/strip-out – Module A5
• New materials – Modules A1–A3
• Transport and site processes – Modules A4–A5
• Operational use – Module B6
• Replacements and end-of-life – Modules B4, C1–C4
• Reuse/recycling benefits – Module D
Note: Heritage or listed status does not affect WLCA methodology.
Q: At RIBA Stage 1, strategic decisions are made, but limited data is available. How can we produce a robust WLCA to guide early carbon strategy?
A: This is a key challenge. Where possible, refer to data from similar previous projects. Use early-stage benchmarks based on Gross Internal Floor Area (GIFA) to estimate systems like ventilation, heating, and cabling.
Basic take-offs from concept plans and an outline of construction approach can enable indicative assessments, supported by OneClick’s standard build-ups.
This stage often involves approximations, refined in later stages as more detail becomes available.
Q: Where can I find reliable material waste factors?
A: Sources include:
• OneClick LCA (built-in factors)
• RICS WLCA guidance
• ICE and London Plan WLCA databases
• WRAP (historical waste data)
Q: When calculating WLCA using Excel tools, should we focus only on GWP-GHG values?
A: Yes. For RICS-compliant assessments, use GWP-GHG values (not GWP-total), as per EN 15804+A2. All other emissions are converted into CO₂-equivalents.
Q: Is there evidence that refurbishment is always better for WLC than new build?
A: Generally, yes, but not always. We've seen cases where the operational efficiency of a new build over 60 years offsets the demolition emissions.
However, refurbishment often has broader environmental benefits:
• Retains embodied carbon
• Avoids demolition waste
• Reduces demand for virgin materials
Each case should be evaluated on its own merits.
Q: How should we set an A1–A5 benchmark for a niche building type, like a film studio?
A: Composite benchmarking can work well:
• Studio spaces → warehouse/light industrial
• Offices → commercial
• Dressing/catering → hospitality/education
• Technical rooms → plant/data centre
Adjust for specific elements like acoustic insulation or increased steel content.
Q: What software and database do you recommend for WLC assessments in the UK?
A: We use OneClick LCA, which is widely accepted and GLA-compliant.
Recommended databases include:
• OneClick’s built-in libraries
• ICE v3 Database – free and widely used for material emissions data
Q: Can you work with BIM software other than Revit, like ArchiCAD or Vectorworks?
A: Yes. OneClick LCA supports IFC file imports and Excel/CSV takeoffs from various BIM platforms. Plug-ins are available for both Revit and ArchiCAD.
Q: How do you ensure consistency between different consultants on WLCA?
A: Variations often stem from different assumptions on lifespan, waste, transport, or database sources. To improve consistency:
• Clients should set a clear WLCA brief outlining key assumptions and scope
• Use an assumptions log for transparency and continuity
• Encourage data sharing between project teams
Q: What success have you had using Revit models in WLCA?
A: Mixed. OneClick’s Revit plug-in is helpful but often requires cleanup.
We benefit from support by Cooper Homewood (our parent company), which has a dedicated BIM team that helps refine models before import into OneClick. Having internal expertise ensures the data is reliable.
Q: We’ve had different consultants assess the same building with wildly different results. Why?
A: Likely reasons include:
• Different scopes (e.g. are site furniture or external works included?)
• Variable MEP detail levels
• Inclusion/exclusion of Module D benefits
• Going beyond RICS scope to be more comprehensive
To mitigate this, align on scope and assumptions at project start.