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