89% of AEC experts say missing product declarations are blocking carbon cuts

Is UK construction missing its chance to cut embodied carbon?

Construction: Data-led design delivers real results

In the UK, more than 60% of AEC professionals report achieving at least a 10% cut in embodied carbon through life-cycle assessments (LCA). A third have reached 20% reductions or more — with engineering and construction disciplines reporting up to 30%, thanks to data-driven design and optimised material choices.

These aren’t abstract figures. They prove that when LCA is applied early, it supports both sustainability goals and commercial performance. For firms navigating rising costs and carbon pressures, integrating LCA in the early design phase is becoming a must — not a nice-to-have.

Manufacturing: Environmental data as a competitive advantage

Nearly half of manufacturers surveyed have reduced carbon emissions by at least 10% through cleaner manufacture processes, with top performers hitting 30% or more. Leaders are using circular strategies, low-impact materials, and supply chain innovation to get ahead.

To support these efforts, digital tools like One Click LCA’s EPD Generator enable manufacturers to create third-party verified environmental product declarations (EPDs) quickly and cost-effectively. By simplifying complex LCA processes and automating background data, the tool makes it easier — especially for SMEs — to document carbon reductions and demonstrate product transparency in a competitive market.

Critically, 83% of UK AEC professionals now consider EPD certificates during procurement. Manufacturers who provide verified data are more likely to win projects — because clients increasingly demand transparent, traceable carbon information across all impact categories.

The roadblocks to low-carbon construction

Missing EPDs equals missed opportunities

A striking 89% of AEC professionals say the absence of EPDs from manufacturers is one of their biggest constraints. Without reliable, product-specific data, it’s nearly impossible to compare options or make low-carbon choices — slowing down decarbonisation at the specification stage.

Lack of clear policy slows carbon progress

85% also point to weak and inconsistent regulations. While voluntary frameworks like RIBA 2030, LETI, and BREEAM are raising the bar, the UK still lacks mandatory whole-life carbon reporting. Without regulatory backing (such as the Part Z), progress remains reliant on early adopters and best practice — not standard practice.

Meanwhile, countries like France and the Netherlands are already enforcing carbon caps. If the UK is to remain competitive and future-ready, policy support for LCA tools and verified data is urgently needed.

EPD complexity and cost: A barrier for SMEs

Over 80% of manufacturers cite cost and complexity as major challenges in generating EPDs. For UK SMEs in particular, the lack of accessible tools and funding makes it difficult to scale transparency — even when they understand its strategic value.

What do the insights mean for UK construction and manufacturing

For AEC professionals:

• Carbon reductions are happening, but not fast enough — embedding LCA earlier in project stages is essential to deepen impact.
• Demand for low-carbon materials is rising — as EPDs influence 83% of material choices, the pressure on suppliers will continue to grow.
• Lack of product data is a project risk — without verified EPDs, teams face delays, reputational risks, and missed carbon targets.

For manufacturers:

• The market is asking for transparency — 89% of manufacturers recognise that EPDs influence contracts, and buyers increasingly demand clear carbon data.
• Carbon performance is a differentiator — early adopters are winning bids by showcasing low-impact products.
• Compliance isn’t optional for long — EU-level policies like the Construction Products Regulation (CPR) and Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) are already influencing UK exports — and domestic regulations will follow.

How to lead on low carbon initiatives

For designers and builders:

• Start LCA early to shape impactful design decisions.

• Require EPDs in procurement to drive demand.

• Upskill your teams to close knowledge gaps and align project stakeholders.

For product manufacturers:

• Digitise EPD generation to reduce cost and time.

• Use EPDs as a sales tool — they’re increasingly a contract requirement.

• Stay ahead of the policy curve as regulations tighten.

For everyone in the value chain:

• Collaborate across disciplines to strengthen data collection and improve carbon accuracy across all impact categories.

Make transparency your competitive edge

The Carbon Experts Report 2025 is clear: carbon progress is real, but too slow. If the UK is to lead globally, we must invest in data, embrace carbon transparency, and close the policy gap.

Now is the time to act. Reducing your impact on the environment is not just about compliance — it’s a pathway to innovation, efficiency, and leadership in a low-carbon economy.