“You can’t predict the carbon impact by looking at drawings. You need to prepare the model, do the math, and let the data show you the right solution.”
- Ahmed Tawheed, Senior Sustainability Consultant at Cudd Bentley Consulting
A whole-life carbon assessment (WLCA) is a standardised method for evaluating greenhouse gas emissions associated with all life-cycle stages of a building or infrastructure asset. It builds on life-cycle assessment (LCA) methodology, but applies construction-specific standards such as EN 15978 (buildings) and EN 15804+A2 (environmental product declarations).
The assessment covers four main modules:
This whole-life scope is critical because focusing only on operational energy (B6) risks overlooking high-impact decisions — such as whether to retain or demolish existing structures.
WLCA versus embodied carbon assessments
While embodied carbon assessments look at emissions from construction materials and processes (Modules A1–A5, B1–B5, C1–C4), WLCAs include both embodied and operational emissions.
This distinction matters because many net-zero building claims risk overstating performance if they exclude embodied carbon. A building with excellent operational efficiency but carbon-intensive construction materials may still exceed climate targets.
Why timing matters: conducting WLCA early
Early-stage WLCA allows project teams to:
Once a design is finalised, only marginal reductions are possible.
“The ideal time is when the design is ongoing. If you wait until it’s complete, it’s too late,”
- Vibhuti Bhambri, Sustainability Consultant at Cudd Bentley Consulting
Case study: new build versus refurbishment
Cudd Bentley Consulting, using One Click LCA software, modelled two scenarios for an industrial facility:
Scenario 1: Refurbishment and extension of existing structureFindings:
This outcome reflects the carbon intensity of steel and concrete — reusing substructures and frames avoids substantial emissions.
“When we reuse the substructure and frame, we can avoid between 100 and 200 kg CO₂e/m². At scale, that’s enormous.”
- Ahmed Tawheed, Senior Carbon Consultant at Cudd Bentley
WLCAs are becoming mandatory across Europe and beyond:
EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD): requires whole-life carbon reporting for new buildings >1000m² from 2028, all new buildings from 2030.Outside Europe, uptake is uneven, but WLCA is emerging in public procurement and green building certifications globally.
For structural engineers
For contractors
Accurate WLCA depends on access to robust datasets:
“Without robust data, it’s impossible to make credible claims. One Click LCA’s database helps us prepare accurate models and avoid greenwashing.”
- Ahmed Tawheed, Senior Carbon Consultant at Cudd Bentley
“Refurbishment versus new build is one of the biggest decisions for carbon. WLCA ensures that that decision is made with facts, not assumptions.”
- Ahmed Tawheed, Senior Carbon Consultant at Cudd Bentley
To evaluate and reduce carbon emissions across a project’s full life cycle, ensuring compliance and alignment with net-zero targets.
Embodied carbon analysis looks only at materials and construction. WLCA adds operational and end-of-life stages.
At concept design, with updates at detailed design and post-construction. Early assessment is critical to influence outcomes.
EN 15978, EN 15804+A2, ISO 14040/44, ISO 21930, ISO 14067, plus national frameworks like RICS, UKGBC, and GLA.
No — some buildings are unsafe or inefficient to retain. WLCA provides the evidence to decide case by case.
While approximate, it gives directionally accurate results when using databases and benchmarks. It is far more reliable than assumptions.
They provide verified carbon data for materials. EPDs are increasingly mandatory under EU CPR and ESPR.
Yes. Refurbishment avoids demolition, reduces landfill costs, and minimises offsetting requirements.
No. While regulations are most advanced in the EU, WLCA is increasingly recognised in procurement, ESG reporting, and certifications worldwide.
They ensure both operational and embodied carbon are addressed. A building cannot be credibly “net-zero” without WLCA.
Whole-life carbon assessment is rapidly becoming a non-negotiable requirement in construction. It allows project teams to balance carbon, cost, and compliance while ensuring credible net-zero pathways.
For project teams, investors, and manufacturers alike, WLCA is not just a compliance exercise — it is a pathway to resilient, future-proofed assets.