Part Z: a guide for construction manufacturers | One Click LCA

What Part Z means for product manufacturers

To remain on specification lists, manufacturers must provide reliable carbon data. Environmental product declarations (EPDs) are the recognised format for this, offering a third-party verified, cradle-to-grave carbon assessment of a product. Demand for EPDs will rise significantly if Part Z is adopted.

From 2025, all major developments may be required to report whole-life carbon. Already, many public and commercial clients expect EPDs in tenders.

89% of construction professionals say missing product carbon data is a barrier to cutting project emissions. (2025 Carbon Experts Report)

Low-carbon drives market advantage

When whole-life carbon becomes a metric, products with lower emissions will be preferred. Part Z’s anticipated carbon limits will penalise high-carbon materials and reward innovation. Forward-looking manufacturers are already switching to:

• Recycled or low-carbon raw materials
• Energy-efficient or renewable-powered processes
• Product designs that reduce material use

Genuit Group, for example, has invested in verified EPDs and low-carbon alternatives across its MEP product portfolio, enabling clients to make carbon-conscious choices and meet project targets.

Many manufacturers are also adopting net-zero strategies. In a 2025 Carbon Expert Report survey, nearly half had achieved over 10% emissions reductions in products, with leading firms reaching more than 30%. These savings translate directly to stronger bid positions.

Digital product data is essential

Whole-life carbon reporting happens through digital tools, and your data must be compatible. Designers use LCA platforms such as One Click LCA to input product-level data directly into building carbon models. Manufacturers should ensure their EPDs are:

• Available in digital, machine-readable formats
• Hosted on accessible databases (e.g. Materials Compass, BECD)
• Linked to BIM objects and digital product passports

The One Click LCA Manufacturer’s Page enables suppliers to publish EPDs in a format optimised for design tools. This helps ensure products are considered in early-design specifications.

Helping clients achieve net-zero

Manufacturers should see Part Z as a business development opportunity. Developers and contractors are under pressure to reduce Scope 3 emissions and secure green certifications. Supporting them with:

• Verified carbon data
• Lower-carbon product variants
• Design flexibility and LCA support

makes your product more attractive and your company a preferred partner.

Take Kingspan, which has invested in EPD coverage for most of its insulation lines and developed a "Global Warming Potential" guide to help clients model impacts. These resources directly support low-carbon procurement.

Five steps to stay ahead

1. Develop and publish EPDs

   • Prioritise high-volume or high-impact products.
   • Work with a recognised programme operator.

2. Digitise your product data

   • Ensure compatibility with BIM, LCA tools, and digital procurement systems.
   • Maintain and update records.

3. Reduce embodied carbon

   • Innovate in materials, manufacturing, and logistics.
   • Use LCA tools to identify and address hotspots.

4. Train your team and engage clients

   • Equip technical teams to explain EPDs and carbon data.
   • Run CPDs and workshops on whole-life carbon and Part Z.

5. Plan for compliance

   • Set up internal processes to respond to data requests.
   • Prepare for audits, benchmarks, and evolving limits.

Learning from industry leaders

Many manufacturers are already adapting:

• MPA Asphalt developed sector-wide EPDs using One Click LCA.
• Aggregate Industries published site-specific EPDs for its concrete plants.
• Unilin used LCA to reduce product carbon and achieved significant CO2 savings on a major flooring project.
• 7 Steel UK (Celsa Steel) promotes the lower embodied carbon of its EAF steel made from scrap.

These examples show that regulatory readiness can also be a competitive differentiator. Companies that act now benefit not just from compliance, but from product innovation and brand leadership.

Turn compliance into opportunity

Part Z marks a critical shift for the UK construction industry. It will require construction products to be lower-carbon, verifiable, and digitally accessible. Manufacturers who respond now will be best placed to:

• Meet compliance obligations
• Win specifications on carbon-conscious projects
• Support clients’ climate goals
• Future-proof their business in a low-carbon economy

The direction of travel is clear. Transparency, digitalisation and decarbonisation are fast becoming the new industry baseline. The tools and frameworks are available today – and so is the opportunity to lead.