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Life-cycle analysis
LCA for the HAUS at InstallerShow 2025
How does data support sustainable design and material choices? Read the cradle-to-gate insights — aligning early stage design with EN15804 standards.
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Summary & interpretation of the results
The early-stage life-cycle analysis focuses on primary construction components only. All results include product stage emissions (A1-A3), with biogenic carbon sequestration reported separately in line with EN15804 guidance.
The embodied carbon assessment of the HAUS design demonstrates a total A1–A3 impact of 38,854 kgCO₂e, or 474 kgCO₂e/m². This places the design significantly below the typical UK benchmark of approximately 624 kgCO₂e/m² (based on LETI-adjusted figures), representing a 24% reduction in emissions when compared on a like-for-like scope.
Emissions by building element
The majority of emissions in the HAUS design originate from the external envelope, driven by the quantity and surface area of timber cladding and insulation materials. However, the structure's lightweight timber frame, along with the limited use of concrete and masonry, significantly reduces impacts in the substructure and superstructure categories. The project also uses organic insulation and timber-based materials, which contribute to a high biogenic carbon sequestration value of -46,478 kgCO₂e, shown separately in accordance with EN15804.
The early-stage nature of the design and the use of proxy and generic EPDs in place of product-specific data mean the current figures are likely conservative estimates. The use of more specific manufacturer data, particularly for lower-carbon products, could reasonably lower the reported A1–A3 emissions further — potentially into LETI’s best practice target range of 300–450 kgCO₂e/m².
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Application of LCA results
This LCA demonstrates that the HAUS design performs strongly on upfront embodied carbon (A1–A3) compared to standard UK construction norms. If executed as planned and backed by product-specific data, the building would be well-positioned to:
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Comply with emerging embodied carbon targets such as LETI, RIBA 2030 Challenge, and GLA Whole Life Carbon reporting
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Enhance credentials for certifications like BREEAM, Home Quality Mark, and other sustainability frameworks
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Support sustainability-focused communication, funding efforts, and regulatory or policy alignment on low-impact design
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Design & strategic insights
Beyond compliance and certification, the assessment offers practical guidance for:
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Material selection
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Supply chain engagement
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Early-stage optimisation
These insights can inform ongoing design development, procurement strategies, and regulatory reporting as the project evolves.
About the assessor
This report was prepared by Samuel Boswell, Business Development Consultant at One Click LCA and former sustainable architecture professional.
Samuel has been trained in building Life Cycle Assessment by One Click LCA Ltd, an approved training partner of BRE Academy, multiple Green Building Councils, and a provider of GBCI-recognised continuing education.
the role of epds in AEC decisions
How EPDs impact material selection in AEC
EPDs are becoming a key factor in material selection and procurement, influencing both AEC professionals and manufacturers. Their growing importance is shaping market demand and competitive positioning across regions.
Key insights:
- 83% of AEC respondents report that EPDs influence material selection in building projects.
- 38% consider EPDs very important, while 19% regard them as critical to their decision-making process.
- Only 17% of respondents do not consider EPDs important, indicating that the vast majority recognize their value in material decisions.
Key challenges for manufacturing
Top barriers to LCA and EPD adoption in product development:
- Over 80% of manufacturers identify the high cost and complexity of EPD creation and verification as the biggest barriers.
- Many manufacturers struggle with the financial burden and technical requirements of producing EPDs, including verification and staff shortages, which limit the number of verified declarations available for material selection.
Carbon reduction potential
Carbon reduction potential in manufacturing
The report demonstrates measurable progress in reducing embodied carbon through building LCAs, as well as product LCAs and EPDs, alongside growing confidence among professionals.
Key insights from product development:
- 86% of manufacturers anticipate carbon reductions of up to 30% by applying insights from LCA in their product development processes.
- Within this group of manufacturing experts, 50% expect reductions of up to 10%, while 36% are targeting reductions between 11%–30%.
Download the full carbon report for more insights.
Carbon reduction potential in AEC
The results, based on surveyed AEC professionals, highlight the significant potential of life-cycle assessments (LCAs) to reduce embodied carbon in construction.
Key insights from construction LCAs:
- 31% of AEC respondents report achieving embodied carbon reductions of up to 20% through construction LCAs.
- Over 60% estimate reductions of at least 10% in embodied carbon.
Get the full report for insights into carbon reduction potential across AEC disciplines.
EPD demand to grow ‘significantly’
Both AEC and manufacturing respondents from all surveyed regions anticipate growing demand for EPDs over the next three years. Notably, 100% of respondents in every region expect EPD demand to either increase significantly or slightly.
Key insights:
- 80% of respondents from the United Kingdom and Ireland expect a significant increase in EPD demand within the next three years.
- 75% of North American respondents predict that demand will increase significantly within the next three years.
- 65% of respondents from the Rest of the World expect a significant increase in EPD demand, with an additional 30% anticipating a slight increase.
Download the 2025 report
Get the full report for more insights & data
What you'll find in the full 2025 Carbon Experts Report:
- Detailed regional breakdowns of carbon reduction potential across AEC disciplines and manufacturing sectors.
- Future construction trends, including how automation and digital tools are transforming LCA processes and reducing time and costs.
- Insights into material data gaps in areas like concrete, MEP systems, and steel.
- Regulatory landscape and policy recommendations to support decarbonization at national and regional levels.
- 31 detailed graphs — backed by data from nearly 150 industry experts.
Learnings & opportunities
Insights and opportunities for manufacturers
- EPDs for market growth: With 83% of AEC professionals factoring EPDs into material selection, manufacturers must treat EPDs as strategic assets. Ensuring accessibility, quality, and comparability of EPDs will not only improve procurement success but also enhance competitive positioning. Leveraging automation can scale up EPD creation and reduce costs, making compliance and market entry smoother.
- Adapting to regulations: New regulations such as the EU’s CPR and CBAM are setting higher standards for environmental transparency. Manufacturers who act now — by generating verified EPDs and improving data transparency — can gain early-mover advantages, ensuring compliance while positioning themselves as sustainability leaders.
- Driving industry-wide collaboration: Data fragmentation remains a key barrier, slowing LCA adoption and limiting EPD effectiveness. Collaboration with AEC professionals and suppliers to close data gaps and improve LCA reliability will help overcome this challenge.
Insights and opportunities for AEC professionals
- Maximizing LCA for carbon reduction: Over 60% of AEC respondents report at least a 10% embodied carbon reduction using LCA, with a third achieving up to 20%. Implementing LCAs across all project phases and pushing for lower-carbon materials consistently can unlock even greater reductions.
- EPDs as a core procurement tool: With 83% of AEC professionals considering EPDs critical, prioritizing materials with verified EPDs will drive market shifts toward transparency. Establishing clearer benchmarks and demanding standardized EPDs from suppliers will strengthen material selection frameworks.
- Strengthening manufacturer collaboration: Major data gaps remain in materials like concrete and MEP systems. Working directly with manufacturers to improve data availability and streamline information-sharing will advance reliable environmental assessments and accelerate decarbonization goals.
