Clean heat & power: Raising the bar on carbon reporting in UK energy infrastructure

At the Carbon Experts Summit London, Vital Energi’s Head of ESG Anne Johnstone described how her team operationalises this on clean heat and power schemes by standardising workflows in One Click LCA, aligning with PAS 2080 and the RICS Whole Life Carbon Assessment (WLCA) 2nd edition methodology. WLCA (now in full effect from 1 July 2024) provides the calculation and reporting method that complements PAS 2080’s management framework, enabling like-for-like comparisons and defensible reporting.

What raising the bar looks like in delivery

1. Management process (PAS 2080) embedded at project gates

Teams set carbon targets at brief, run option studies with quantified A1–A5/B/C/D impacts, then capture decisions and responsibilities. ICE/BSI guidance stresses that doing this early reduces carbon and cost by avoiding lock-in. 

2. Method consistency (RICS WLCA 2nd ed.)

Using the RICS standard ensures a consistent boundary, data hierarchy, and reporting structure across packages (civils, MEP, energy centre, distribution). RICS confirms the 2nd edition is in force and applicable to buildings and infrastructure. 

3. Supplier-grade data as default

“It really is the availability of EPDs when we are going out to our supply chain and trying to get that information,” said Anne Johnstone about the inhibitor.

The practical fix is to specify EPDs or product-specific LCAs in procurement, support SMEs to generate them, and close gaps with conservative generic product data only where necessary.

4. Centralised LCA platform for traceability

“What we found by using One Click is that it’s improving our standardisation and our transparency. It’s helping us to see where those carbon hotspots are… [and] apply it to our projects,” summarised Johnstone.

That single source of truth streamlines reviews, client reporting and audit, and reduces the risk of contradictory spreadsheets.

Why this matters in UK procurement now

Central government buyers require a Carbon Reduction Plan with Scope 1–3 coverage for contracts over the threshold (previously PPN 06/21, now PPN 006 under the Procurement Act). Bids and delivery are easier when WLCA-aligned outputs feed the CRP and ongoing reporting. 

For heat networks, zoning and regulation are increasing the need for robust evidence to prioritise interventions and demonstrate life-cycle performance, not just tariff outcomes. DESNZ’s programme materials and consultation documents set out how zoning will be implemented and where networks are likely to be least-cost and low-carbon — projects will be expected to evidence this with credible data. 

Practical steps AEC leaders can take this quarter

Mandate PAS 2080 at the brief 

Make carbon management activities and roles explicit in the PMP; use gate reviews to test options and challenge “business-as-usual”. 

Adopt WLCA (2nd ed.) as the method of record

Ensure every package reports to the same RICS structure, so decisions are comparable and auditable. 

Specify EPDs and LCA data in procurement

Make EPDs a scored requirement with a transition plan for SME suppliers; use verified specific data wherever available.

Consolidate data in one LCA platform

This improves version control, supplier onboarding, and evidence packs for clients or funders. RICS lists One Click LCA as validated under its WLCA Software Validation Programme.

“We’re going to keep asking the question — this isn’t going to go away. If you’re not currently geared up to do this, you need to get there,”  Anne Johnstone, Vital Energi 

Raising the bar on carbon reporting is no longer about glossy PDFs. It’s a managed process (PAS 2080), a consistent method (RICS WLCA), supplier-grade data (EPDs), and a single auditable system of record. That is how clean heat and power projects stand up to client scrutiny and deliver proven, lower-carbon outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is PAS 2080 and how does it apply to clean heat & power infrastructure?

PAS 2080:2023 is the UK specification for managing whole-life carbon on infrastructure. It embeds leadership, targets, early option appraisal, and supply-chain collaboration at project gates. Apply it to energy centres, distribution mains, civils/MEP and connections from brief to handover.

How do I implement RICS WLCA (2nd edition) alongside PAS 2080?

Use PAS 2080 for the management process and RICS WLCA (2nd ed.) for calculation and reporting (boundaries, modules, data hierarchy, outputs). Map design stages to WLCA deliverables and lock method settings in your LCA tool for consistency and auditability.

What’s the difference between operational carbon and use-stage carbon?

Operational carbon typically means B6 (energy in use) and, in many UK contexts, B7 (water). Use-stage carbon covers all B-modules (B1–B7): use, maintenance, repair, replacement, refurbishment, operational energy and water. Report them separately to avoid double counting and to stay aligned with WLCA.

Which life-cycle modules must we report for infrastructure WLCAs?

Report A1–A5 (product & construction), B1–B7 (use stage), C1–C4 (end of life), and, where relevant, D (beyond the system boundary). Disclose scope, data sources and exclusions; keep a consistent structure across all packages.

How do EPDs and supplier data improve Scope 3 reporting and procurement?

Specify EPDs (EN 15804) or product-specific LCAs in tenders, score data quality, and give SMEs a transition plan. Replace generic factors as design matures. This raises data quality, strengthens option studies and creates a defensible audit trail.

How do WLCA outputs support UK public-sector Carbon Reduction Plans and audits?

WLCA tables (modules, quantities, sources, baselines/targets) provide defensible evidence for Carbon Reduction Plans in central-government procurements (PPN 006). A single LCA platform maintains version control and exports WLCA-structured reports for bids, contract reporting and audits.