At Whole Life Carbon, we provide independent whole life carbon assessments for developments of all sizes, helping clients measure, reduce, and report their carbon impact in line with UK Net Zero strategies and RICS guidance.

Whole life carbon is a critical part of sustainable building design and responsible construction planning.

It refers to the total carbon emissions associated with a building or infrastructure asset over its entire lifecycle — from material extraction and construction to use, maintenance, and eventual demolition.

Since carbon transparency is now a key consideration in planning, funding, and ESG reporting, whole life carbon modelling is becoming a standard requirement across the built environment.

We deliver detailed analysis based on recognised methodologies, allowing design teams and stakeholders to make informed decisions at every project stage.

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What Is a Whole Life Carbon Assessment?

A whole life carbon (WLC) assessment measures the total greenhouse gas emissions produced over the full life of a building, expressed in kgCO₂e.

It covers both embodied carbon (from the production, transport, and installation of materials) and operational carbon (from energy use during occupancy).

The assessment is usually split into life cycle stages defined by EN 15978 and detailed in the RICS Whole Life Carbon Standard, including upfront emissions (A1–A5), use stage (B1–B7), and end-of-life emissions (C1–C4).

As circular economy strategies and low-carbon materials become more prominent, understanding total carbon output is essential for reducing long-term environmental impact.

Who Needs Whole Life Carbon Assessments?

Whole life carbon assessments are increasingly required for planning applications for major developments, BREEAM and LEED certification, ESG and sustainability reporting, public sector construction under PAS 2080 or Net Zero targets, and tender submissions for contractors and consultants.

Many local authorities request WLC modelling at the design or planning stage to demonstrate commitment to net-zero principles.

Since early-stage modelling can influence material choice, structural systems, and MEP strategy, WLC assessments are most valuable when integrated into early RIBA stages.

How Are Whole Life Carbon Assessments Carried Out?

We carry out WLC assessments by collecting detailed information about the proposed building’s structure, systems, materials, and expected use.

This includes data on quantities of concrete, steel, timber, finishes, services, energy systems, and replacement cycles, as well as demolition and disposal assumptions.

We then use certified carbon databases (such as ICE or EPDs) and modelling tools to calculate the emissions associated with each life cycle stage.

Since transparency and repeatability are key, our reporting follows RICS methodology and includes clear visual breakdowns of carbon hotspots and reduction opportunities.

How Can Whole Life Carbon Be Reduced?

Reducing whole life carbon involves both design and operational decisions.

Embodied carbon can be lowered through the use of recycled materials, lightweight structures, modular systems, or alternative low-carbon components.

Operational carbon can be reduced by improving insulation, incorporating renewables, selecting efficient systems, and optimising control strategies.

As refurbishment often results in lower total carbon than demolition and rebuild, WLC assessments also help justify sustainable retrofit projects.

We work closely with your design team to highlight where reductions can be made and quantify the benefits of each decision.

How Much Does Whole Life Carbon Assessment Cost?

The cost of a whole life carbon assessment ranges from £1,500 to £4,000.

The cost depends on the project size, complexity, and stage of design.

Smaller residential schemes or early-stage feasibility assessments generally cost between £1,500 and £2,000, while larger commercial developments or detailed post-construction studies may range from £3,000 to £4,000.

Costs increase if multiple iterations, scenario modelling, or BREEAM-compliant reports are required.

Since whole life carbon reporting is often needed for planning applications, ESG submissions, or Net Zero frameworks, we tailor our pricing based on scope and deliverables.

A fixed quote is provided after reviewing your drawings, data availability, and carbon reporting goals.

What Are the Benefits of Whole Life Carbon Assessment?

WLC modelling provides measurable insight into a building’s full environmental impact. 

The main benefits include:

• Ensures compliance with Net Zero policies and planning requirements
• Identifies carbon-intensive materials and systems
• Supports sustainable procurement and circular economy approaches
• Improves performance in BREEAM, LEED, and ESG frameworks
• Helps reduce embodied and operational emissions long-term
• Informs design decisions at early RIBA stages
• Enhances transparency with funders, investors, and local authorities
  

Is Whole Life Carbon Reporting Mandatory?

Whole life carbon assessments are not yet mandatory across the UK but are now required by several local planning authorities and funding bodies, particularly for major developments.

The Greater London Authority, for example, requires WLC assessments at pre-application stage for referable developments.

Industry groups and professional bodies, including RICS and LETI, continue to push for the integration of WLC into building regulations.

As expectations around carbon accountability grow, these assessments are becoming a standard part of responsible project delivery.

What Standards Do You Follow?

All our whole life carbon reports follow the RICS Whole Life Carbon Assessment for the Built Environment framework.

We also reference EN 15978, BS EN 15804, PAS 2080 (for infrastructure), and other relevant UK and international guidelines.

Our calculations use trusted environmental product declarations (EPDs) and the latest embodied carbon databases to ensure accuracy and comparability.

Since reporting standards are evolving rapidly, we stay up to date with LETI guidance and upcoming regulation to futureproof your project’s compliance.

What Is the Difference Between Embodied and Operational Carbon?

Embodied carbon refers to the emissions produced during the manufacture, transport, construction, maintenance, and eventual disposal of building materials.

Operational carbon relates to the energy used in heating, cooling, lighting, and operating a building throughout its lifetime.

Whole life carbon combines both elements, offering a full picture of a building’s carbon footprint.

Since both embodied and operational emissions contribute to climate change, it is essential to assess and reduce them together.

Why Is Whole Life Carbon Important?

Whole life carbon is important as it allows designers, developers, and asset owners to understand the full environmental impact of a building over its lifecycle.

Reducing only operational energy without considering materials or end-of-life emissions may lead to unintended carbon increases elsewhere.

Since embodied carbon can account for up to 50% of a building’s total emissions over time, it must be considered during the design process.

WLC assessments help meet Net Zero targets, gain planning approvals, and inform responsible investment decisions.

Is Whole Life Carbon Part of the Planning Process?

In some parts of the UK, including London and cities with forward-thinking local plans, whole life carbon assessments are now part of the planning submission process for large or referable developments.

Some councils may request a WLC report to demonstrate how a scheme aligns with climate action policies.

Even when not mandatory, early-stage WLC modelling can help secure support from planning officers and sustainability consultants.

As policy continues to evolve, whole life carbon reporting will likely become a planning requirement more widely.

How Does Whole Life Carbon Relate to Net Zero?

Net Zero targets aim to reduce the total carbon emissions associated with buildings to as close to zero as possible, then offset any remaining impact.

Whole life carbon assessments are essential for Net Zero strategies since they capture emissions from materials, construction, use, and end-of-life phases.

By modelling WLC, design teams can prioritise low-carbon materials, efficient systems, and future-proofed building designs.

Since many organisations now have Net Zero commitments, WLC data supports their ability to measure and report emissions transparently.

What Tools Are Used to Measure Whole Life Carbon?

We use trusted carbon modelling software such as OneClick LCA, eToolLCD, or bespoke lifecycle assessment tools to perform WLC calculations.

These tools rely on data from certified Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), the ICE database, and manufacturer-specific carbon factors.

Our reporting follows the RICS whole life carbon standard and includes visual charts that map emissions across different building life cycle stages.

Since accuracy depends on the quality of input data, we work closely with the design team to gather correct quantities and specifications.

Is a Whole Life Carbon Assessment the Same as a Lifecycle Costing Report?

A whole life carbon assessment focuses on greenhouse gas emissions, while a lifecycle costing report focuses on financial costs over a building’s lifespan.

However, both assessments often run in parallel during project planning, especially for public sector developments or BREEAM schemes.

Since low-carbon choices sometimes have long-term cost benefits, integrating WLC and LCC can result in more sustainable and economical decisions.

Some local authorities or funding bodies may request both assessments for full transparency.

At What Stage Should a Whole Life Carbon Assessment Be Carried Out?

Ideally, a whole life carbon assessment should be initiated during RIBA Stage 2 or Stage 3, while key design decisions are still being made.

This allows for meaningful design changes that reduce emissions before the project becomes too fixed.

We also conduct detailed post-construction WLC reports to meet BREEAM or planning submission requirements.

Since the earlier the modelling is completed, the more opportunity there is to influence material choice and building strategy, early engagement is always recommended.

Get Expert Whole Life Carbon Advice

We offer professional, project-specific analysis tailored to your building or infrastructure scheme with Whole Life Carbon assessments.

Whether you’re designing a new development, applying for planning, or seeking to meet Net Zero targets, we’ll support you with reliable WLC data and clear recommendations.

Contact Whole Life Carbon today for a consultation or quote to start building with a full understanding of your project’s carbon impact.

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