©2024 This excerpt taken from the article of the same name which appeared in ASHRAE Journal, vol. 67, No. 1, January 2025.
Integrating User Carbon Into the Whole Life Carbon Assessments Standard
By Ghina Annan
Ghina Annan is principal and decarbonization business lead and mechanical team lead at Stantec in Ottawa, Canada.
How do we quantify building emissions? Performing whole life carbon assessment for both new and existing buildings is essential for achieving net zero cities and mitigating the impact of climate change. Whole life carbon emissions encompass the total carbon produced by any built asset throughout its entire lifespan, including construction, operation and eventual disposal. Understanding their implications is crucial for designing sustainable solutions and making informed decisions about building projects. This article is intended to outline what the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors’ “Whole Life Carbon Assessment for the Building Environment (WLCA)” is, and updates to its 2nd edition, which includes integrating user carbon.
Assessing whole life carbon (WLC) involves examining both embodied and operational emissions. Embodied emissions result from the materials and energy used in construction and assembly, while operational emissions stem from the day-to-day occupancy and use of the building. By considering, stakeholders can identify opportunities to reduce emissions and enhance sustainability. For instance, selecting building materials and design features that promote energy efficiency can significantly reduce operational emissions over time.
Integrating whole life carbon assessment into the initial design specification of a building allows clients, investors and designers to prioritize sustainable solutions and strive for net zero operational carbon. This approach ensures that carbon reduction measures are implemented from the outset, leading to more environmentally friendly buildings. As regulators, investors and insurers increasingly scrutinize buildings for their climate impact, whole life carbon assessment is gaining prominence as a vital tool for evaluating an asset’s sustainability. A comprehensive understanding of whole life carbon enables stakeholders to make informed decisions and prioritize measures to reduce emissions
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