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Download the Minoro carbon management toolkit to help build a comprehensive plan, assign and track actions and monitor progress.
This toolkit can be accessed from the top menu bar and includes an action tracker, carbon opportunities register, and a carbon management framework.
Stage 0 [Pre-Design]
Strategy
Establishment
-
Strategy
AOD
PFTE
Pre-Design
Estudios Previos
Strategic Definition
Need
Pre-Design
0-01
Establish carbon management scope
What:
Agree on the project's whole-life carbon scope, legal and/or voluntary obligations, management frameworks and methodologies that should be followed.
Why
This action is a critical step in establishing the scope of work and carbon management capabilities required of the project team that will eventually be appointed to design, construct and operate the building.
Without a clear carbon management scope, the project risks missing early opportunities to reduce carbon and establish a robust governance structure to endure the project meets the targets required.
Local and national policies, as well as project funding criteria, will influence the project’s whole-life carbon brief – Refer to actions 1-05 and 1-06 for more guidance on these issues.
Who:
Lead: Client / owner
Support: Project manager + Cost manager + Carbon manager
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owner[s] of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
Establishing the brief should be done through consensus following dialogue between the client and other relevant project stakeholders.
Agreeing the scope of carbon to be managed – whole life, embodied, operational etc. – and the framework / methodology the project team should adopt to organize and validate their efforts.
Once a brief has been agreed it should be recorded in the carbon management plan [CMP] – Refer to action 0-07 for more information on setting up a CMP.
A template carbon management plan is included in the downloadable carbon management toolkit.
International and regional guidance, case studies and downloadable templates to support this action are provided below.
Resources identified with an asterisk [*] are considered universally applicable:
Why it matters: What does the built environment have to do with global warming?
Whole life carbon: Definitions, Roadmaps and frameworks.
Why it matters: Embodied carbon.
Calls to action: Commitments to decarbonising buildings.
Verification: Global net zero carbon certification schemes.
Whole life carbon: Definitions and frameworks.
Australia
New Zealand (Aotearoa)
Calls to action: Commitments to decarbonising buildings.
Australia
New Zealand (Aotearoa)
Verification: Net zero carbon certification schemes.
Australia
New Zealand (Aotearoa)
Whole life carbon: Definitions & frameworks.
European region
France
Italy
Spain
United Kingdom
Calls to Action: Commitments to decarbonising buildings.
France
Italy
Spain
United Kingdom
Verification: Net zero carbon certification schemes.
European region
France
Italy
Spain
United Kingdom
Whole life carbon: Definitions & frameworks.
USA
Calls to action: Commitments to decarbonising buildings.
Canada
USA
Verification: Net zero carbon certification schemes.
USA
0-02
Challenge the project premise / need
What:
Challenge any assumptions used to justify the project need, as defined in the initial brief or business case.
Why:
According to the WorldGBC, an estimated 180 billion square meters of new building floor area will be added globally by 2050.
Reports from the International Energy Agency [IEA] suggest around 80% of the new floor area growth by 2030 is expected to be in emerging markets and developing economies. This trend is likely to continue towards 2050.
Meanwhile, in developed countries such as the UK, estimates indicate that meeting demand for affordable housing - with business-as-usual construction practices - would use the county's remaining GHG emissions budget to remain within a 1.5 degree warming scenario.
For this reason, every effort should be made when developing a project brief to minimise new-build construction by prioritising the reuse of existing buildings. When building new is unavoidable, minimising spatial demand though the use of multipurpose and flexible special programmes can significantly reduce spatial demand whilst still meeting the project's functional and user needs.
Challenging the initial drivers that influenced the initial project need/ business case, and the strategies proposed to meet them, early can lead to positive outcomes not just for carbon emissions but also for a project's budgets and delivery programme. If left too late the impact of challenging and changing the approach to meeting the project need can have a consequently negative impact on both cost and delivery timelines.
Who:
Lead: Client / owner
Support: Building manager + Project manager + Cost manager + Carbon manager
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owner[s] of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
When appraising the justification and assumptions behind the project need, consider whether strategies to minimise new-build construction have been sufficiently explored. If not, the following strategies should be investigated:
Refurbishment & retrofitting: Identify potential buildings within the client’s existing portfolio and assess their potential for refurbishment and/or retrofitting to meet the project need. If the project brief can not be met, explore the acquisition of a new building of a similar typology that is capable of meeting the project brief.
Whilst refurbishment often requires less intervention retrofitting can involve more significant interventions often requiring the replace HVAC and electrical and plumbing systems. Both approaches can provide significant carbon savings in the long and short term but detailed LCA analysis is required to understand their whole-life carbon impact.
Refer to actions 2-02 and 7-02 for further guidance on improving the energy performance of existing buildings through energetic retrofitting.
Adaptive reuse: Consider adaptively reusing existing buildings of a different typology, within or outside of the clients portfolio/ownership, to meet the project need. This approach can often be more involved than retrofitting, often requiring the replacement and reconfiguration of a buildings structure, envelope and services. Regardless of the additional complexities, this approach can still provide a significant whole-life carbon savings.
Refer to action 8-01 for further guidance on the adaptive reuse of existing buildings and their constituent materials and systems.
Multi-functional & flexible spaces: When new construction is unavoidable, maximise the utilisation of multifunctional and flexible programme to optimise spatial demand and net-to-gross area efficiency.
Comparative analysis: If new-build is assumed from the initial project need assessment / business case, this should be used as the baseline to compare against the alternative delivery strategies outlined above. The following criteria should be considered when assessing the viability of the alternative strategies being considered: -
International and regional guidance, case studies and downloadable templates to support this action are provided below.
Resources identified with an asterisk [*] are considered universally applicable:
Renovation & retrofitting:
Adaptive reuse:
Renovation & retrofitting:
Australia
New Zealand (Aotearoa)
Adaptive reuse:
Australia
New Zealand (Aotearoa)
Renovation & retrofitting:
European region
France
Italy
United Kingdom
Adaptive reuse:
European region
France
Italy
United Kingdom
Space utilisation:
European region
Renovation & retrofitting:
Canada
USA
Adaptive reuse:
Canada
USA
0-03
Establish governance & reporting
What:
Establish a carbon responsibilities matrix to identify key roles across the project value chain, assign actions to them and identify necessary reporting protocols.
Why:
This is a critical action to ensure that whole-life carbon is managed and reduced effectively across all subsequent work stages.
Many third-party sustainability certification schemes and emerging carbon standards also require specific governance and reporting protocols to be implemented to achieve credits or towards validation.
Who:
Lead: Client / owner
Support: Client / owner + Building manager + Project manager + Cost manager + Carbon manager
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owner[s] of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
In addition to completing
As project team personnel and responsibilities change from stage to stage, it is recommended that a carbon manager [champion] is nominate from the design team or wider project team to ensure responsibilities are assigned, reporting protocols followed and the project's carbon management plan is updated at each project work stages.
International and regional guidance, case studies and downloadable templates to support this action are provided below.
Resources identified with an asterisk [*] are considered universally applicable:
Governance & Reporting
Governance & Reporting:
Australia
New Zealand (Aotearoa)
Governance & Reporting:
Italy
United Kingdom
Governance & Reporting:
Canada
USA
0-04
Establish policy & legislative drivers
What:
Identify any policy and legislative requirements to undertake whole life carbon management and reduction.
Why:
These mechanisms are employed to drive demand across the value chain for low carbon solutions and products. Understanding local policies and legislation, in relation to whole-life carbon management, is key to determining if the project's whole life carbon brief is lacking, sufficient or going above and beyond.
At the state and regional level planning policies are frequently being set in advance of legislation being implemented through building code at the national level. Whilst compliance with building codes is generally mandatory, more discretion is applied to the application of planning policies, that said, to ignore them entirely will increase the risk of not being granted planning approval / building permits.
Who:
Lead: Client / owner
Support: Building manager + Project manager + Cost manager + Carbon manager
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owner[s] of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
Evaluate national and regional legislative requirements and amend the whole-life carbon brief accordingly. Engage local planning authorities early to understand which policies and requirements the project will be subject to and amend the whole-life carbon brief accordingly.
International and regional guidance, case studies and downloadable templates to support this action are provided below.
Resources identified with an asterisk [*] are considered universally applicable:
Carbon Policy Trackers:
Future Policy: Recommendations (PS to review)
Operational Carbon [energy]: Current policies & regulations
Australia
New Zealand (Aotearoa)
Embodied Carbon: Current policies & regulations
Australia
Circular construction: Current policies & regulations
Australia
Future policy: Recommendations
Australia
New Zealand (Aotearoa)
Operational carbon [energy]: Current policies & regulations
European Region
France
Italy
Spain
United Kingdom
Embodied carbon: Current policies & regulations
European Region
France
United Kingdom
Circular construction: Current policies & regulations
European Region
France
United Kingdom
Future policy: Recommendations & consultations
European Region
France
Italy
Spain
United Kingdom
Operational carbon [energy]: Current policies & regulations
Canada
USA
Embodied carbon: Current policies & regulations
Canada
USA
Future policy: Recommendations
Canada
USA
0-05
Explore sustainable finance options
What:
Identify public and private investment opportunities that support whole life carbon reduction objectives that the project may be able to access.
Why:
One of the primary barriers preventing clients from setting whole-life carbon reduction targets for their projects is the associated capital cost premium.
Whilst it’s well documented that low carbon buildings result in significantly lower operating costs, higher rental returns and asset valuations, initial capex expenditure are still a concern to many building owners and developers. To address this, both public and private finance are available to support projects to meet their whole life carbon reduction objectives.
It is important that projects are aligned with financial institutions' decarbonisation targets and their transition plans.
Who:
Lead: Client / owner + Investor
Support: Cost manager / Client advisory
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owner[s] of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
Public finance: Identify applicable government incentives and determine if the project may qualify for them. Identify any guidelines that need to be complied with to ensure eligibility of project.
Development finance: In certain markets, clients can explore financing through development banks, this is a viable option in regions that have challenges to accessing long-term debt.
All development finance institutions, will have their own requirements and criteria that projects must meet. If the project meets the bank’s requirements, and the project itself is approved by the investment teams, borrowers can explore options such as flexible loans, equity investments, structured finance and blended finance to fund their projects. As this is handled on a case-by-case basis, the client should approach banks directly with an investment proposal to confirm it is a viable option.
Banks: Projects may obtain finance through commercial banks available in the local and international market. Identify possible lenders for the project and explore their green finance or eligibility criteria for financing.
Other forms of private finance: Should bank finance not be available or not appropriate, projects can also explore other forms of private finance, such as equity investments, green bonds and private debt. Options will depend on the local and international market.
International and regional guidance, case studies and downloadable templates to support this action are provided below.
Resources identified with an asterisk [*] are considered universally applicable:
Financial benefits of low carbon buildings:
International finance options:
Financial benefits of low carbon buildings:
Australia
New Zealand (Aotearoa)
Government funding:
Australia
New Zealand (Aotearoa)
Private finance:
Australia
New Zealand (Aotearoa)
Financial benefits of low carbon buildings:
United Kingdom
Government funding:
European Region
France
Italy
Spain
United Kingdom
Private finance:
Spain
United Kingdom
Financial benefits of low carbon buildings:
Canada
USA
Government funding:
Canada
USA
0-06
Explore carbon targets
What:
Explore operational energy use, embodied carbon and whole-life reduction targets appropriate for the given building typology and region.
Why:
Establishing the right approach to target setting is an essential first step in managing carbon across all project stages.
Who:
Lead: Client / owner
Support: Project manager + Cost manager + Carbon manager
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owner[s] of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
Generalised intensity targets: For common building typologies, such as residential and commercial properties, global average operational energy and embodied carbon intensity targets [or limits] have been established by the Science Based Targets Institute.
Many countries, cities and regional authorities and advocacy groups have also set regional intensity targets as guidance or as mandatory requirements under local building and planning codes.
These intensity targets typically related to square meters of floor area [m2] and periodically updated to maintain alignment with the latest science and relevant sectorial decarbonisation pathways.
Project specific targets: When embodied carbon and/or energy use intensity targets are not available in the relevant region for the relevant typology, or not based on the most recent science - a business-as-usual [BAU] baseline should be established from which an agreed percentage reduction can be applied to generate project specific intensity targets.
Two approaches to establish a baseline are outlined below:
1. Benchmarked baseline: Undertake a benchmarking exercise to establish a reasonable business as usual baseline for typical intensity targets using region specific building databases where available.
2. Project specific baseline: Often real-world benchmarking data is not available, or insufficient, to determine a reliable baseline. In these cases, a project specific business as usual baseline design should be developed using standard environmental and construction systems, details and materials typical for the given region.
When a baseline has been established a science-based percentage reduction, aligned to a 1.5deg warming scenario, should be applied to generate the required intensity targets.
When energy use and embodied carbon intensity targets have been established using one of the methods outlined above, budgets and performance criteria can then be set for individual building elements and systems to inform future design work.
International and regional guidance, case studies and downloadable templates to support this action are provided below.
Resources identified with an asterisk [*] are considered universally applicable:
Global carbon reduction targets:
Sector specific targets:
Nationally Legislated Targets:
Australia
New Zealand (Aotearoa)
Nationally Advised Targets:
Australia
New Zealand (Aotearoa)
Nationally Legislated Targets:
European Region
France
Italy
United Kingdom
Nationally Advised Targets:
European Region
Spain
United Kingdom
Nationally Legislated Targets:
Canada
USA
Nationally Advised Targets:
Canada
USA
0-07
Create carbon management plan
What:
Create a project specific carbon management plan [CMP] to capture decisions made in relation to the other actions completed during this stage.
Why:
This is a key document that's purpose is to set out, in clear terms, the client’s expectation in relation to managing and reducing whole life carbon.
To effectively manage carbon across all work stages it is important that the CMP reflects the latest roles, responsibilities, targets, methodologies, and reporting requirements.
This will ensure that the wider project team understand what they are individually and collectively responsible for doing, why it needs to be done and how to go about it.
Who:
Lead: Client / owner + Carbon manager
Support: Building manager + Project manager + Cost manager
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owner[s] of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
The first issue of the CMP should capture the agreed outcomes for each of the actions carried out in this work stage and outline the scope of work that needs to be agreed during the next work stage.
In addition, the CMP should include a copy of the project’s carbon responsibilities matrix, action tracker and carbon reduction opportunities tracker.
The CMP should remain a standalone document that can be included as part of the documentation issued for tender when procuring the services for the design team and subsequently the main contractor.
The final draft of the CMP should be issued at the end of each work stage for review and sign-off by the client.
A template CMP is included in the carbon management toolkit downloadable from the menu above.
Governance:
Scope management:
Use of analysis:
UK - UKGBC - Embodied Carbon Scope 3 Reporting Governance:
Australia
New Zealand (Aotearoa)
Scope Management:
Australia
Governance:
European Region
Italy
Spain
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
Use of Analysis:
European Region
Stage 1 [Pre-design]
Outcomes Definition
Establishment
Pre-Design
Initiation
PRE/ESQ
PFTE
Pre-Design
Estudios Previos
Preparation & Briefing
Need
Pre-Design
1-01
Adopt measurement standards
What:
Identify appropriate standards for measuring and reporting against the elements of whole-life carbon [WLC] established in the project specific carbon management plan.
Why:
Adopting measurement and reporting standards for WLC assessment is critical to maintaining the accuracy of the data being reported and understanding the limitations and assumptions applied during a given project stage or reporting cycle. This is essential for making informed design decisions during the early project phases and for verification and disclosure of a buildings as constructed and in-use performance.
WLC standards can also be employed to generate demand signals across the project value-chain for low carbon strategies, materials and products.
In many regions local planning authorities have begun to stipulate WLC reporting as a minimum requirement for new building permit applications. In many cases these planning requirements precede the introduction of WLC legislation for buildings and corresponding regulation via building codes at the national level.
Who:
Lead: Carbon manager + LCA specialist
Support: Client / owner + Architect + Structural eng. + Services eng. + Façade eng.
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owner[s] of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
Review available standards applicable to select the most appropriate for the given region and site location. Many national and local authorities and organisations have published standards for measuring and reporting across all components of a building’s whole-life carbon impact.
In regions without a local standard, there are several standards published that are applicable globally applicable, such as the UK based Royal institute of Chartered Surveyors [RICS] Whole life carbon assessment [WLCA] for the built environment.
International and regional guidance, case studies and downloadable templates to support this action are provided below.
Resources identified with an asterisk [*] are considered universally applicable:
Measurement standards: Whole Life Carbon
Measurement standards: Operational Carbon
Measurement standards: Embodied Carbon
General guidance on existing methodologies:
Measurement standards: Whole Life Carbon [A-C]
New Zealand (Aotearoa)
Measurement standards: Embodied Carbon
Australia
New Zealand (Aotearoa)
Measurement standards: Whole Life Carbon [A-C]
Italy
United Kingdom
Measurement standards: Operational Carbon [B6]
European region
Italy
United Kingdom
Measurement standards: Whole Life Carbon [A-C]
Canada
Measurement standards: Operational Carbon [B6]
Canada
Measurement standards: Embodied Carbon
Canada
1-02
Identify specialist appointments
What:
Specialist roles – as defined in the project’s carbon responsibility matrix referred to under action 0-03 – should be appointed at the commencement of the briefing stage.
Why:
These specialist roles are key to measuring, tracking, and reducing carbon during the design stages. Delays in their appointment can restrict the design team’s ability to identify strategic opportunities to reduce carbon and mitigate any associated risks.
Who:
Lead: Project manager
Support: Client / owner + Cost manager + Carbon manager + Architect + Services eng. + Structural eng. + Façade eng.
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owner[s] of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
The following list outlines the carbon management roles that need to be appointed during the briefing stage:
Depending on the scale and complexity of the project, these roles can be undertaken by specialist consultants, or a member of the core design team with the relevant experience.
International and regional guidance, case studies and downloadable templates to support this action are provided below.
Resources identified with an asterisk [*] are considered universally applicable:
1-03
Establish energy use intensity targets
What:
Establish science-based performance targets for the project’s energy use intensity.
Why:
As demand for electrified heating and cooling increases, the burden on electrical power grids will continue to grow. In response to the climate emergency, electrical power grids must transition to 100% renewables and simultaneously increasing their capacity to keep pace with the growing demand.
To ensuring demand for electrical power does not out strip supply, both existing and new buildings must also limit their annual operational energy consumption. This can be done through a combination of maximising on-site renewables – refer to action 2-03 – and establishing energy use intensity [EUI] targets [or limits] for common building typologies.
EUI is a measure of a building's energy efficiency, typically expressed as energy consumption per unit of floor area. EUI targets for specific building typologies are defined in kilowatt-hours per square meter (kWh/m²), or similar units, taking into consideration the building's function, occupancy, and local energy efficiency standards.
Who:
Lead: Carbon manager + eng.
Support: Client / owner + Project manager + Cost manager
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owner[s] of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
The following section outlines three approaches for setting EUI targets
Approach 1 - Adopt published EUI targets: Establish if science based EUI targets, aligned with a 1.5-degree warming scenario, have been advised or mandated for the relevant building typology at the local or national level.
EUI targets for common building typologies have been published by an increasing number of countries and city/regional authorities. While most targets are intended as guidance, many authorities are increasingly mandating targets for new developments under local planning and building codes.
Note: Mind the gap! Whilst some authorities may set mandatory EUI targets, it is important to establish if they are lined to a 1.5-degree warming scenario.
If targets have not been published by national or regional authorities, research if any best practice EUI targets have been published by local industry bodies or advocacy groups.
Approach 2 - Percentage reduction against a benchmarked EUI baseline: Where published EUI targets do not exist for a given building typology, a baseline EUI should be established through benchmarking against similar buildings, located in the same, or similar climatic region. Once a baseline EUI has been established, a percentage reduction, aligned with a 1.5-degree warming scenario, can then be applied to determine a project’s EUI performance target.
Note: This ‘bottom-up’ method to setting a baseline is commonly used in combination with “top down” methods to establish the global and regional targets outlined in approach 1.
Approach 3 - Percentage reduction against a reference design EUI baseline: If robust benchmarking data is not available, then a project specific EUI baseline should be established by running an operational energy model [OEM] based on a business-as-usual approach to designing the buildings HVAC systems.
The project team should consider the following when discussing which approach to adopt:
Engage stakeholders: Collaborate with key stakeholders, including architects, engineers, and project managers, to ensure that EUI targets align with project goals and requirements.
Use energy modelling tools: Utilise energy modelling tools and simulations to assess the feasibility of different EUI targets. This can help in understanding their potential impact on building performance and cost.
International and regional guidance, case studies and downloadable templates to support this action are provided below.
Resources identified with an asterisk [*] are considered universally applicable:
Based on the following sources, globally new buildings must achieve zero operational GHG emissions by 2030 - This is equivalent to a 100% reduction against a business-as-usual or project specific baseline.
Please refer to the regional resources below to find specific energy use intensity targets [EUI] targets specific to your projects location and typology.
Targets: EUI or equivalent
Australia
Targets: EUI or equivalent
European region
Spain
United Kingdom
Targets: EUI or equivalent
Canada
USA
1-04
Establish embodied carbon targets
What:
Establish science-based intensity targets for the project’s upfront [A1-5] and whole life [A-C] embodied carbon.
Why:
The embodied carbon of buildings and infrastructure accounts for 11% of global annual GHG emissions. Whilst operational carbon associated with buildings is set to reduce globally, demand for new buildings in countries such as China, India and the African continent is forecast to grow significantly. As a result, embodied carbon is likely to represent more than 50% of whole life carbon emissions between now and 2050.
To ensure the decarbonization of built environment and construction industry by 2050, upfront embodied carbon must see a 40% reduction by 2030. To achieve this, transformation is required on multiple fronts including:
Setting mandatory or voluntary embodied carbon intensity [ECI] targets for up front and whole life embodied carbon can provide a powerful mechanism to create the demand signals necessary to accelerate these transformations. ECI targets are expressed in kilo-grams of carbon dioxide equivalent per square meter [KgCO2-eq/m2].
Note: In some jurisdictions embodied carbon targets and limits are used interchangeably.
Who:
Lead: Carbon manager + LCA specialist
Support: Architect + Structural eng. + Services eng. + Façade eng.
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owner[s] of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
ECI targets [or limits] can be established by using one of the following approaches:
Approach 1 - Adopt published ECI targets: Establish if science-based ECI targets, aligned with a 1.5-degree warming scenario, have been advised or mandated for the relevant building typology at the local or national level.
ECI targets for common building typologies have been published by an increasing number of countries and city/regional authorities. While most targets are intended as guidance, many authorities are increasingly mandating targets for new developments under local planning and building codes.
Note: Mind the gap! Whilst some authorities may set mandatory ECI targets, it is important to establish if they are lined to a 1.5-degree warming scenario.
If targets have not been published by national or regional authorities, establish if any best practice ECI targets have been published by local industry bodies or advocacy groups.
Approach 2 - Percentage reduction against a benchmarked ECI baseline: Where published ECI targets do not exist for a given building typology, a baseline ECI can be established through benchmarking against similar buildings, located in the same, or similar climatic region. Once a baseline ECI has been established, a percentage reduction, aligned with a 1.5-degree warming scenario, can then be applied to determine a project’s ECI performance target.
Note: This ‘bottom-up’ method to setting a baseline is commonly used in combination with “top down” methods to establish the global and regional targets outlined in approach 1.
Approach 3 – Percentage reduction against a reference design ECI baseline: Project If robust benchmarking data is not available, then a project specific ECI baseline should be established by running an embodied carbon LCA model based on a business-as-usual approach to designing the building’s primary elements – Refer to action 2.9 for detailed guidance on setting up an LCA model.
The project team should consider the following when discussing which approach to adopt:
Engage stakeholders: Collaborate with key stakeholders, including architects, engineers, and project managers, to ensure that ECI targets align with project goals and requirements.
Use modelling tools: Utilise LCA modelling tools to assess the feasibility of different ECI targets.
International and regional guidance, case studies and downloadable templates to support this action are provided below.
Resources identified with an asterisk [*] are considered universally applicable:
Embodied Carbon Targets:
Benchmarking Tools:
Embodied Carbon Targets:
Australia
New Zealand (Aotearoa)
Benchmarking Tools:
Australia
Targets: Embodied Carbon
European region
UK
Benchmarking Tools:
United Kingdom
Embodied Carbon Targets:
Canada
USA
Benchmarking Tools:
USA
1-05
Identify reduction opportunities
What:
Identify opportunities to reduce carbon and establish a tracker to evaluate each option’s viability prior to incorporation into the project design.
Why:
Maintaining a tracker of carbon reduction opportunities during each project stage ensures each proposal is given due consideration by the relevant members of the project team and, if appropriate, incorporated into the design.
It also provides a mechanism to revisit proposals that may require further study or funding prior to being incorporated into the design.
Continuous reviewing of opportunities also ensures that the project remains aligned with the latest advancements in sustainable practices, technologies, and design strategies. This allows for the incorporation of new insights and improvements over time.
Who:
Lead: Carbon manager + LCA specialist
Support: Architect + Structural eng. + Services eng. + Façade eng.
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owner[s] of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
Establish evaluation criteria: Develop criteria for evaluating proposals based on cost impact, carbon savings, and other technical considerations. Proposals should pass the criteria test and secure funding from the project budget or external funding sources before incorporation into the design. Refer to action 0.05 for more guidance on sustainable finance.
A template carbon opportunities tracker is available for download as part of the Carbon management toolkit.
Collaboration with stakeholders: Collaborate with stakeholders across the project value chain, including architects, engineers, contractors, and facility managers, and academic experts, to gather insights and perspectives on the effectiveness of adopted carbon reduction strategies and potential new opportunities.
Carbon opportunities workshop: Setup a carbon workshop to identify potential reduction opportunities, evaluate their merits and risks, and agree any follow up actions required prior to deciding on their inclusion in the design. The following opportunities could form the basis of an agenda:
Documentation and reporting: Document the findings of the review process and update the carbon reduction opportunities tracker accordingly. Clearly communicate updates to the project team and stakeholders.
International and regional guidance, case studies and downloadable templates to support this action are provided below.
Resources identified with an asterisk [*] are considered universally applicable.
Strategies Guidance
Australasian region
Australia
New Zealand (Aotearoa)
Materials Guidance
Australia
Strategies Guidance
Italy
United Kingdom
Materials Guidance
United Kingdom
Strategies Guidance
Canada
USA
Materials Guidance
USA
1-06
Update carbon management plan
What:
Update the carbon management plan [CMP] to capture any changes to the brief and subsequent decisions made in relation to the other actions completed during this stage.
Why:
This is a key document that's purpose is to set out, in clear terms, the client’s expectation in relation to managing and reducing whole life carbon. To effectively manage carbon across all work stages it is important that the CMP reflects the latest roles, responsibilities, targets, methodologies and reporting requirements. This will ensure that the wider project team understand what they are individually and collectively responsible for doing, why it needs to be done and how to go about it.
Who:
Lead: Carbon manager
Support: Client / owner + Project manager + Cost manager + Architect + Structural eng. + Services eng. + LCA specialist + Façade eng.
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owner[s] of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
Establishing the brief should be done through consensus following dialogue between the client and other relevant project stakeholders.
Agreeing the scope of carbon to be managed – whole life, embodied, operational etc. – and the framework / methodology the project team should adopt to organize and validate their efforts.
Once a brief has been agreed it should be recorded in the carbon management plan.
A template CMP is included in the carbon management toolkit downloadable from the menu above.
Ref to action 0-07 for more information on setting up a carbon management plan.
Stage 2 [Design]
Feasibility
Concepts / Schematic Design
Schematic Design
Concept & preliminary design
APS
PFTE
Concept & Preliminate Design
Proyecto básico
Concept Design
Optioneering
Schematic Design
2-01
Confirm energy use intensity targets
What:
Seek client sign-off of the recommended operational energy use intensity targets [EUI] established in the previous stage under action 1-03.
Why:
Setting defined EUI targets at the commencement of the design phase enables the design team to identify appropriate strategies and systems to achieve them. Without defined targets, it becomes difficult to quantify the scale of the challenge that needs to be met.
Who:
Lead: Carbon manager
Support: Client / owner + Building manager + Project manager + Architect + Services eng. + Façade eng.
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owner[s] of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
Target approval/sign-off: Meet with the client to discuss the findings and recommendations from the previous stage and any subsequent revisions to them resulting from subsequent updates to national/local regulation or regional guidelines that may be relevant to the project.
If the client is reluctant to set a project specific target, the design team should continue to track the design’s predicted performance against the recommended target and make every effort to future proof the design to allow for the incorporation of additional energy efficiency measures to meet the target at a later stage.
Refer to action 1-03 for international and regional guidance on identifying energy reduction/intensity targets.
2-02
Evaluate environmental strategies & systems
What:
Conduct a comprehensive evaluation of potential passive and active environmental design strategies to optimise the building's energy efficiency.
Why:
Considering a combination of passive and active strategies helps to optimise the building's environmental performance. Passive strategies, such as orientation, insulation, and natural ventilation, can reduce reliance on active systems, leading to long-term energy and cost savings. Active strategies, including advanced HVAC systems and renewable energy integration, can also contribute to operational efficiency.
This approach allows the design team to quickly compare sensitivity to changes in performance criteria, across multiple design options without the need to create detailed energy models.
In assessing both passive and active strategies it is important to recognise that the climate may change during the design life of the asset. Assessing design performance against different climate change scenarios over time is important to ensure the building is resilient to future climate change scenarios and thus able to ensure its energy consumption remains aligned with applicable energy use intensity targets.
Who:
Lead: Services eng.
Support: Client / owner + Project manager + Cost manager + Carbon manager + Architect + Façade eng.
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owner[s] of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
New buildings: The evaluation should considered the following:
Existing buildings: Where the project involves the retention of an existing building, an energy audit should be commissioned to establish the energy saving opportunities available. Refer to action 7-02 for more guidance on undertaking an energy audit.
Comparative analysis: The following should be undertaken to support the comparative analysis of different environmental strategies and energy saving measure being considered:
Consider local regulations: Ensure that the environmental strategies being considered confirm to local regulations and building codes.
Documentation and reporting: Document the findings of the evaluation process, including the chosen strategies and their rationale. Clearly communicate the selected strategies to the project team and stakeholders at the end of each project design work stage.
International and regional guidance, case studies and downloadable templates to support this action are provided below.
Resources identified with an asterisk [*] are considered universally applicable:
Strategies Assessment
Australia
New Zealand (Aotearoa)
Energy Modelling
New Zealand (Aotearoa)
Strategies Assessment
European region
France
Italy
United Kingdom
Energy Modelling
United Kingdom
Strategies Assessment
Canada
USA
Energy Modelling
Canada
USA
2-03
Commission energy demand response study
What:
Identify the energy demand response [EDR] scope and commission a specialist to undertake the study.
Why:
To analyse the building's capacity to adjust energy consumption in response to external signals, grid conditions, or price fluctuations. Demand response strategies can contribute to overall energy efficiency and resilience.
Understanding and implementing demand response strategies enhances the building's ability to adapt to dynamic energy conditions.
By actively managing energy usage during peak periods or in response to grid demands, the building can contribute to grid stability, reduce operational costs, and potentially earn incentives.
Who:
Lead: Services eng.
Support: Client / owner + Project manager
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owner[s] of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
The following step should be undertaken to complete this action:
International and regional guidance, case studies and downloadable templates to support this action are provided below.
Resources identified with an asterisk [*] are considered universally applicable:
Canada
USA
2-04
Set up an operational energy model [LCA module B6]
What:
Establish a dynamic operational energy model [OEM] simulate and analyse the building’s annualised energy consumption during its operation.
Why:
Creating an OEM is essential for predicting and optimising a building's energy consumption patterns, allowing the project team to make informed decisions and ensure the design aligns with the energy use intensity targets and wider sustainability goals during the design development and operational phases of the building’s life cycle.
Who:
Lead: Services eng.
Support: Architect + Façade eng.
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owner[s] of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
The following steps provide a general overview of the steps that should be followed when setting up an OEM.:
Adopt a modelling methodology: There are several methodologies available for setting up an OEM. Refer to the project’s carbon management plan for details of the agreed modelling methodology and technical requirements. If a method has yet to be agreed, links to some of the most common methodologies can be found in the resources section below.
Define parameters: Identify key parameters to be included in the OEM, such as heating ventilation and cooling [HVAC] system performance, lighting usage, occupancy patterns, and other relevant variables. The model should incorporate data on energy consumption, occupant behaviour, and other relevant factors to provide insights into real-world energy use.
Gather data: Collect accurate and up-to-date data on the building's systems, equipment, and historical energy usage from similar buildings. This may involve sensor data, utility bills, and occupancy patterns. Where all or part of an existing building forms part of the development, historical energy consumption data and as-built construction documentation should be sort to inform the model.
Select modelling software: Choose a suitable building energy modelling software that accommodates the identified parameters and allows for dynamic simulations.
Establish baseline: Set up a baseline design within the operational energy model to represent the expected energy performance of the building under standard conditions. A baseline is useful as a reference for carrying out sensitivity analysis to understand the impact of different operational strategies and climate change resilience scenarios.
Simulate operational scenarios: Simulate various operational scenarios to understand how different factors impact energy consumption. Explore scenarios related to occupancy variations, equipment usage, climate conditions, and the effectiveness of energy-efficient features.
Carry out sensitivity analysis: Calibrate the model using actual performance data to ensure that the simulated results align with observed energy consumption.
Predictive analysis: Conduct scenario analyses to explore the impact of potential changes, improvements, or alternative strategies on the building's operational energy performance to test and validate the opportunities identify in the carbon reduction opportunities tracker.
Continuous monitoring and updating: Implement a process for continuous monitoring and updating of the operational energy model as the building design is developed and new data becomes available.
International and regional guidance, case studies and downloadable templates to support this action are provided below.
Resources identified with an asterisk [*] are considered universally applicable:
Guidance for setting up a whole building operational carbon model
Australia
New Zealand (Aotearoa)
France
Italy
United Kingdom
North American Region
Canada
USA
2-05
Identify energy use hotspots
What:
Based on the results of the operational energy model [OEM] undertaken in action 2-04, identify where energy consumption is concentrated – referred to as “hotspots” – and potential measures to negate them.
Why:
Hotspots can be physical elements or environmental systems that make a significant contribution to building’s overall energy consumption. Identifying hotspots is essential for targeted interventions to improve the buildings overall energy performance to ensure alignment with its energy use intensity target[s].
Who:
Lead: Services eng.
Support: Architect + Façade eng.
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owner[s] of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
The following steps should be undertaken to identify and address hotspots:
Review: Analysis the result of the OEM to pinpoint specific components or systems that make the largest contribution to energy consumption.
Prioritise: Rank the items according to the magnitude of their contribution and potential for introducing energy efficiency measures.
Mitigate: When identifying mitigation measures the following considerations in relation to exclusively new-build developments and those incorporating existing buildings – or parts thereof:
Report: Include any strategies to reduce these hotspots in the carbon reduction opportunities tracker. Refer to action 1-05 for guidance on setting up a carbon opportunities tracker and action 2-12 for guidance on how and when to update it.
International and regional guidance, case studies and downloadable templates to support this action are provided below.
Resources identified with an asterisk [*] are considered universally applicable:
Australia
New Zealand (Aotearoa)
Germany
United Kingdom
USA
2-06
Establish commissioning framework
What:
Establish an extended commissioning and handover process – sometimes referred to as a seasonal commissioning schedule – to ensure that building’s mechanical and electrical systems operate within the performance parameters required to meet the building's targeted energy usage intensity.
Why:
Often there is a gap between a building’s predicted energy consumption and real-world performance. This can be addressed in part by undertaking operational energy modelling during the design stage, however, better modelling alone is not sufficient to fully close this gap.
An extended commissioning and handover schedule, based on an appropriate framework, can ensure a building’s environmental strategies and systems are fully calibrated to reduce any potential performance gap to a minimum.
Unlike conventional commissioning processes, an extended commissioning phase goes beyond the handover phase, encompassing ongoing monitoring, adjustments, and maintenance to optimise a building’s performance across all seasons. The commissioning will identify and address issues promptly to ensure that the building continues to meet energy efficiency and sustainability goals during operation.
Support provided by a commissioning team during the first year reduces operation and maintenance costs and maximised the longevity of the systems installed as defects will be identified and rectified earlier. Comprehensive commissioning frameworks also provide training to help building occupants and facilities managers understand how the building works, supports efficient use and allow users to raise issues and provide valuable feedback to further improve their overall experience.
Who:
Lead: Services eng.
Support: Client / owner + Project manager + Cost manager + Façade eng.
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owner[s] of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
Develop a comprehensive testing and commissioning schedule that outlines procedures for initial commissioning as well as ongoing monitoring and adjustments. Align the commissioning scope with energy performance goals and sustainability objectives as well as with the project timeline to integrate commissioning activities seamlessly.
The schedule should monitor building services when they are run at full load (E.g. heating equipment used in winter and cooling/ventilation during summer), and part load conditions and ensure they perform as they are designed to.
The schedule should identify a suitable timescale for commissioning and re-commissioning of all complex and non-complex building services and control systems and for testing and inspecting building fabric. This should be in accordance with appropriate standards such as local building regulations/codes, guidelines published by governing bodies and other appropriate standards as applicable – E.g. BS EN 13187, BS EN ISO 9972.
The following should be covered in the commissioning schedule:
International and regional guidance, case studies and downloadable templates to support this action are provided below.
Resources identified with an asterisk [*] are considered universally applicable:
Australia and New Zealand (Aotearoa)
Australia
New Zealand (Aotearoa)
United Kingdom
Canada
USA
2-07
Confirm embodied carbon targets
What:
Seek client sign-off of the recommended embodied carbon reduction/intensity targets established in the previous stage under action 1-04.
Why:
Establishing embodied carbon targets is essential for reducing the environmental impact of the building's construction. It aligns with sustainability objectives and helps drive the selection of low-carbon materials and construction methods.
Who:
Lead: Carbon manager + LCA specialist
Support: Client / owner + Project manager + Cost manager + Architect + Façade eng. + services eng.
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owner[s] of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
Target approval/sign-off: Meet with the client to discuss the findings and recommendations from the previous stage and any subsequent revisions to them resulting from subsequent updates to national/local regulation or regional guidelines that may be relevant to the project.
If the client isn’t willing to set project specific targets, the design team should continue to track the design’s predicted performance against the recommended target and make every effort to future proof the design to allow for the incorporation of additional energy efficiency measures to meet the target at a later stage.
Refer to action 1-04 for guidance on identifying embodied carbon reduction/intensity targets.
2-08
Evaluate systems, components & materials
What:
Evaluate different options for key building elements – such as foundations, structure, envelope and heating, ventilation and cooling [HVAC] systems – using established 'rules-of-thumb' guidance and comparative life-cycle carbon analysis techniques.
Why:
Material manufacturing sectors such as cement and steel have recently outlined sector-specific decarbonisation pathways. These pathways facilitate the application of science-based targets for companies responsible for producing construction materials and products. Nevertheless, reducing the upfront embodied carbon emissions of buildings must go beyond the decarbonisation of carbon-intensive materials. Strategies to decrease upfront embodied carbon also include:
Carbon hierarchy
Evaluating the life cycle carbon impact of different systems, components, and materials is therefore crucial to enable design teams to make informed decisions that reduce upfront embodied carbon in line with a project’s science-based carbon intensity targets.
Who:
Lead: Architect + Structural eng. + Services eng. + Façade eng.
Support: LCA specialist
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owner[s] of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
Prior to conducting a whole building upfront embodied carbon study – refer to action 2-09 –conduct an embodied carbon life-cycle assessment of key building systems, components, and materials to ensure the lowest carbon options are selected. Evaluate the environmental impact across extraction, manufacturing, transportation phases. Assess the long-term environmental impact and cost-effectiveness of selected strategies, considering embodied carbon and operational energy. Consider the sustainability of materials used in implementing environmental strategies, evaluating their embodied carbon, recyclability, and overall environmental impact.
Scope of analysis: Each element of a building’s design is open to analysis to inform the selection of appropriate systems, components and materials. Arranging the physical and performative characteristics of the building into the following categories can assist in identifying which elements of the buildings design are open to being met by multiple solutions. Items placed in the first two categories are considered constraints on the design, and therefore not variable to be considered in the pursuit reducing embodied carbon. Those identified as semi-subjective, or objective are open to further optioneering and comparative analysis to find the lowest carbon strategy.
The following list provides an overview of the different buildings elements that typically fall under the semi-subjective form of comparative analysis and some of the strategies that can be adopted to minimise their upfront embodied carbon impact: -
Early concept design phase considerations:
Schematic design phase considerations:
Detailed design considerations:
The following performance criteria are often considered alongside embodied and whole-life carbon:
Documentation and reporting: Document the findings of the evaluation process, including the chosen materials, products and their rationale. Clearly communicate the selected strategies to the project team and stakeholders at the end of each project design work stage.
International and regional guidance, case studies and downloadable templates to support this action are provided below.
Resources identified with an asterisk [*] are considered universally applicable:
Carbon Analysis Tools
Guidance
Databases [EPDs / Benchmarking]:
Australia
New Zealand (Aotearoa)
Italy
United Kingdom
Canada
USA
2-09
Set up embodied carbon model [A1-5]
What:
When the design is sufficiently developed, establish a whole building upfront embodied carbon LCA model to quantify the emissions associated with form efficiencies, material choices, products selection and construction operations.
Why:
This is crucial to understand the carbon emissions associated with strategic design decisions, material and product selection and highlight any issues in meeting the project upfront embodied carbon targets and any relevant legislative compliance standards. This in turn allows the design team to make informed decisions during subsequent design and construction work stages.
Who:
Lead: LCA specialist
Support: Architect + Façade eng. + Structural eng. + Services eng.
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owner[s] of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
The following should be considered when setting up an LCA model covering life cycle modules A1-5, as defined under the BS/EN standard 15978:2011 Sustainability of construction works – Assessment of environmental performance of buildings – Calculation method:
BAU baseline design considerations:
International and regional guidance, case studies and downloadable templates to support this action are provided below.
Resources identified with an asterisk [*] are considered universally applicable:
Guidance for setting up a whole building embodied carbon LCA
Databases [EPDs / Benchmarking]:
Australia and New Zealand (Aotearoa)
Australia
New Zealand (Aotearoa)
European Region
Italy
United Kingdom
Canada
USA
2-10
Identify embodied carbon hotspots
What:
Based on the results of the modelling carried out in action 2-09, conduct an assessment to identify specific elements, materials, or processes within the building's design that contribute significantly to embodied carbon emissions – referred to as “hotspots” – and potential measures to negate them.
Why:
Identifying hotspots is essential for prioritising interventions and focusing design team efforts on areas with the most significant impact. This in turn allows for targeted strategies to reduce upfront embodied carbon emissions.
Who:
Lead: LCA specialist
Support: Architect + Façade eng. + Structural eng. + Services eng.
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owner[s] of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
The following steps should be undertaken to identify and mitigate hotspots:
Review: Analysis the result of the upfront embodied carbon life cycle assessment to pinpoint specific components or systems that make the largest contribution.
Prioritise: Rank the items according to the magnitude of their contribution and potential for introducing lower embodied carbon alternatives.
Mitigation strategies: When identifying mitigation measures the following considerations in relation to exclusively new-build developments and those incorporating existing buildings – or parts thereof:
Communication & reporting: Clearly communicate embodied carbon hotspot findings to the project team and stakeholders. Develop a plan for addressing and mitigating these hotspots. Include any strategies to reduce these hotspots in the carbon reduction opportunities tracker. Refer to action 1-05 for guidance on setting up a carbon opportunities tracker and action 2-12 for guidance on how and when to update it.
International and regional guidance, case studies and downloadable templates to support this action are provided below.
Resources identified with an asterisk [*] are considered universally applicable:
Australia and New Zealand (Aotearoa)
Australia
New Zealand (Aotearoa)
United Kingdom
Canada
USA
2-11
Set up whole life carbon assessment [LCA module A-C]
What:
Establish a comprehensive whole-life carbon assessment for the building, considering not only embodied carbon but also operational carbon and end-of-life considerations.
Why:
This holistic approach allows for a thorough understanding of the building's overall carbon impact throughout its life cycle. A whole-life carbon assessment provides a complete picture of a building's carbon impact, allowing for informed decision-making to minimize carbon emissions across all life cycle stages. It aligns with sustainability goals and supports the achievement of carbon reduction targets.
Who:
Lead: LCA Specialist
Support: Architect + Structural eng. + Services eng. + Façade eng.
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owner[s] of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
To expand on the whole building embodied carbon LCA model - completed under action 2-09 - into a whole life carbon [WLC] assessment, encompassing life-cycle stages B, C and D, the following will need to be incorporated:
Stage B [In-use] Modules B1-B5:
Stage C [End-of-Life] Modules C1-C4:
Stage D [Circular and other considerations] Modules D1-2]
Additional Considerations:
International and regional guidance, case studies and downloadable templates to support this action are provided below.
Resources identified with an asterisk [*] are considered universally applicable:
Guidance
Software
Australia and New Zealand (Aotearoa)
Australia
New Zealand (Aotearoa)
European Region
France
Italy
United Kingdom
Canada
USA
2-12
Update reduction opportunities
What:
Review and update the carbon opportunities tracker capturing any new proposals raised along with any associated risks, mitigation measures and follow up studies to be undertaken.
Why:
Maintaining a register of carbon reduction opportunities during each project stage ensures each proposal is given due consideration by the relevant members of the project team and, if appropriate, incorporated into the design.
It also provides a mechanism to revisit proposals that may require further study or funding prior to being incorporated into the design.
Regularly reviewing opportunities also ensures the project remains aligned with the latest advancements in sustainable practices, technologies, and design strategies allowing for the incorporation of new insights and improvements over time.
Who:
Lead: Carbon manager
Support: Architect + Structural eng. + Services eng. + Façade eng. + Cost manager + Project manager.
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owner[s] of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
Evaluation: The tracker should be periodically reviewed by the project team to identify potential reduction opportunities to address any remaining hotspots documented in the updated WLCA. For each new opportunity identified, evaluate their merits, risks and agree any follow up actions prior to deciding on their incorporation into the design.
Future proofing: The design team should make every attempt to future-proof the design to accommodate opportunities during subsequent project stages that could not be incorporated within the current scheme for economic or programmatic reasons.
Reporting requirements: Refer to the project’s carbon management plan for the associated technical and reporting requirements for this work stage.
Refer to action 1-05 for detailed guidance on setting up and maintaining a carbon opportunities tracker.
2-13
Update carbon management plan
What:
Update the carbon management plan [CMP], capturing any changes to the brief and subsequent decisions made in relation to the other actions completed during this stage.
Why:
This is a key document that's purpose is to set out, in clear terms, the client’s expectation in relation to managing and reducing whole life carbon.
To effectively manage carbon across all work stages it is important that the CMP reflects the latest roles, responsibilities, targets, methodologies and reporting requirements. This will ensure that the wider project team understand what they are individually and collectively responsible for doing, why it needs to be done and how to go about it.
Who:
Lead: Carbon manager
Support: Architect + Structural eng. + Services eng. + Façade eng. + Cost manager + Project manager + Client.
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owner[s] of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
At start of this stage the carbon reduction targets should be signed off by the client, methodologies established for operational energy modelling, upfront embodied and whole life carbon assessments.
Hotspots and associated reduction opportunities should also be recorded in the relevant section of the CMP.
Issue the updated CMP to the client for review and sign off.
A template CMP is included in the carbon management toolkit downloadable from the menu above.
Refer to action 0-07 for guidance on setting up and maintaining the CMP.
Stage 3 [Design]
Concept design
Design Development
Construction Documents
Developed Design
ADP & DPC
PFTE
Developed Design
Proyecto Básico
Spatial Coordination
Design
Developed Design
3-01
Review carbon reduction targets
What:
Review and update the carbon reduction targets with the preferred contractor as required.
Why:
Carbon reduction targets should continue to be updated to reflect the latest data, standards, and legislation. National and regional legislation related to whole life carbon are continually being introduced and performance requirements improved over time.
Who:
Lead: Carbon manager + LCA specialist
Support: Architect + Structural eng. + Services eng. + Façade eng.
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owners of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
Review: Discuss the impact of revising the project’s targets resulting from subsequent updates to national and local building/planning code or regional guidelines relevant to the project.
Approval: Relevant project team stakeholder should meet to discuss the impacts of any proposed updated and seek sign-off from the relevant project leads.
Refer to actions 0-06, 1-03 and 1-04 for guidance on setting embodied carbon and energy use intensity targets.
3-02
Refine environmental strategies & systems
What:
Undertake further analysis and discreet simulation modelling to refine the buildings environmental strategies and systems.
Why:
Refinement of the design ensures compliance with the environmental performance specification established to meet the project energy use intensity/reduction target and any relevant legislative compliance standards.
Compliance with the performance specification requires robust envelope detailing and deployment of appropriate HVAC systems to support low energy, thermal and airtightness performance characteristics.
Who:
Lead: Services eng.
Support: Architect + Facade eng.
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owners of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
Refer to action 2-02 for general guidance on scoping out methodologies and criteria to evaluate environmental strategies and systems.
3-03
Mitigate impacts of extreme weather
What:
Assess the risk of weather extremes and identify active and passive mitigation strategies.
Why:
As planetary warming increases, extreme temperature fluctuations and weather events will occur more frequently. This will in turn increase the burden on buildings to provide a pleasant environment for their occupants.
Understanding the site-specific risks, under different climate change scenarios, will enable building designers to develop project specific climate change adaptation and resilience strategies.
Buildings that are optimised for climate change adaptation and resilience will consume less energy and avoid additional embodied carbon emissions associated with increased maintenance, repairs and retrofitting.
Who:
Lead: Services eng.
Support: Architect + Structural eng. + Façade eng.
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owners of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
Adapting to a changing climate necessitates buildings that can transform and endure. The following outlines the main principles for crafting a building that is both adaptable and resilient to climate change:
These principles are interconnected and most effective when applied cohesively. Continuously monitor and evaluate building performance to identify areas for improvement and adaptation as the climate landscape evolves.
International and regional guidance, case studies and downloadable templates to support this action are provided below.
Resources identified with an asterisk [*] are considered universally applicable.
Australia
New Zealand (Aotearoa)
United Kingdom
Canada
USA
3-04
Update operational energy model [B6]
What:
Update the operational energy model [OEM] using the latest documentation to capture any significant design developments.
Why:
Updating the OEM during each work stage is important to increase the accuracy of the predicted annual energy use intensity [EUI] and to ensure the project remains on track to meet its EUI target.
Who:
Lead: Services eng.
Support: Architect + Façade eng.
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owners of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
Establish the requirements for the current project work stage in relation to updating the OEM and reporting findings to the wider project team.
The specific technical requirements should be outlined in the project’s carbon management plan published at the end of the previous work stage.
Refer to action 2-04 for guidance on setting up and maintaining the OEM.
3-05
Update energy use hotspots
What:
Based on the results of the modelling carried out in action 3-04, identify significant energy use hotspots and potential energy efficiency measures to negate them.
Why:
Energy use hotspots are key areas that, when optimized, can contribute significantly to overall energy efficiency. Identifying hotspots allows the design team to focus their efforts on specific areas of the design when developing carbon reduction opportunities.
Who:
Lead: Services eng.
Support: Architect + Façade eng.
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owners of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
Refer to action 2-05 for guidance on identifying operational/in-use energy hotspots.
3-06
Refine systems, components & materials
What:
Undertake further analysis and discrete LCA modelling to refine the selected building systems, components and materials.
Why:
Evaluating the life cycle carbon impact of different systems, components, and materials is crucial for making informed decisions that contribute to lowering the project's environmental impact, embodied carbon targets and any relevant legislative compliance standards.
Who:
Lead: Architect + Structural eng. + Services eng. + Façade eng.
Support: LCA specialist
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owners of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
Refer to action 2-08
for general guidance on scoping out methodologies and criteria to evaluate environmental strategies and systems.
3-07
Update embodied carbon model [A1-5]
What:
Update the upfront embodied carbon LCA model using the latest design documentation to incorporate update quantity estimates, material and product specifications.
Why:
Updating the upfront embodied carbon estimate as the design develops is an important step to ensure its accuracy and measure its performance against the agreed reduction targets.
Each successive update should attempt to reduce the number of assumptions made, increase the accuracy of the material quantities being measured and fill any holes in the product and material data used.
Who:
Lead: LCA specialist
Support: Architect + Structural eng. + Services eng. + Façade eng.
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owners of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
Establish the requirements for the current project work stage in relation to updating the upfront embodied carbon estimate and reporting findings to the wider project team.
Specific requirements should be outlined in the project’s carbon management plan published at the end of the previous work stage.
Refer to action 2-09
for detailed guidance on setting up an upfront embodied carbon model.
3-08
Update embodied carbon hotspots
What:
Based on the results of the modelling carried out in action 3-07, identify significant embodied carbon hotspots and potential measures to negate them.
Why:
Identifying hotspots allows the design team to focus their efforts on specific areas of the design when developing carbon reduction opportunities.
Who:
Lead: LCA specialist
Support: Architect + Structural eng. +Façade eng.
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owners of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
Refer to action 2-10 for guidance on identifying embodied carbon hotspots.
3-09
Update whole-life carbon assessment [A-C]
What:
Update the whole-life carbon assessment [WLCA] using the updated operational [Life-cycle modules B6] and embodied estimates [Life-cycle modules A1-5] and revised assumptions for life-cycle modules B-C.
Why:
An accurate WLCA is important for calculating carbon offsets for the project and publishing to open access databases.
Who:
Lead: LCA specialist
Support: Architect + Structural eng. + Façade eng.
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owners of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
Establish the requirements for the current project work stage in relation to updating the WLCA and reporting findings to the wider project team.
Specific requirements should be outlined in the project’s carbon management plan published at the end of the previous work stage.
Refer to action 2-11
for guidance on selecting a measurement methodology and setting up a WLCA.
3-10
Update reduction opportunities
What:
Review and update the carbon opportunities tracker capturing any new proposals raised along with any associated risks, mitigation measures and follow up studies to be undertaken.
Why:
Maintaining a register of carbon reduction opportunities during each project stage ensures each proposal is given due consideration by the relevant members of the project team and, if appropriate, incorporated into the design.
It also provides a mechanism to revisit proposals that may require further investigation or funding prior to being into the design.
Regularly reviewing and updating the register will ensure the project remains aligned with the latest advancements in sustainable practices, technologies, and design strategies allowing for the incorporation of new insights and improvements over time.
Who:
Lead: Carbon manager
Support: Cost manager + Architect + Structural eng. + Services eng. + LCA specialist + Façade eng.
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owners of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
Review: The tracker should be reviewed by the wider project team to identify potential reduction opportunities to address any remaining hotspots documented in the updated WLCA.
Evaluate: For each new opportunity identified, evaluate their merits, risks and agree any follow up actions prior to deciding on their incorporation into the design.
Future proofing: The design team should make every attempt to future-proof the design to accommodate opportunities during subsequent project stages that could not be incorporated within the current scheme for economic or programmatic reasons.
Reporting requirements: Refer to the project’s carbon management plan for the associated technical and reporting requirements for this work stage.
Refer to action 1-05 for detailed guidance on setting up and maintaining a carbon opportunities tracker.
3-11
Update carbon management plan
What:
Update the carbon management plan [CMP], capturing any changes to the brief and subsequent decisions made in relation to the other actions completed during this stage.
Why:
This is a key document that's purpose is to set out, in clear terms, the client’s expectation in relation to managing and reducing whole life carbon.
To effectively manage carbon across all work stages it is important that the CMP reflects the latest roles, responsibilities, targets, methodologies and reporting requirements. This will ensure that the wider project team understand what they are individually and collectively responsible for doing, why it needs to be done and how to go about it.
Who:
Lead: Carbon manager
Support: Project manager + Cost manager + Architect + Structural eng. + Services eng. + LCA specialist + Façade eng.
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owners of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
At start of this stage the implementation of the CMP should be well underway for the project’s design phase with progress being regularly discussed during design and project team meetings.
The CMP should be updated to provide clarity to tenderers bidding for the main contractor role during the procurement phase and issued to the client for review and sign off prior to the tender documentation being issued.
A template CMP is included in the carbon management toolkit downloadable from the menu above.
Refer to action 0-07 for guidance on setting up and maintaining the CMP.
3-12
Engage potential contractors
What:
Discuss the project scope and targets in relation to whole-life carbon with potential main/general contractors prior to inform the development of documentation to be included in the invitation to tender.
Note: Depending on the specific procurement route adopted for your project, procurement related action may occur earlier or later than work stage 3.
Why:
Evaluating the market’s understanding of the project’s whole life carbon aspirations, and it's capacity to deliver, will inform the development of the procurement strategy and tender documentation
To be able to deliver the project's objectives, it is essential to understand the capabilities and appetite of the market. This will inform the development of the procurement strategy, tender documentation and selection process in order to select a suitably qualified or capable general/main contractor.
Early engagement of contractors at this stage is highly beneficial in efforts to reduce whole life carbon, for example though:
Who:
Lead: Project manager
Support: Carbon manager + Architect + Structural eng. + Services eng. + LCA specialist + Façade eng.
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owners of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
The contractor's responsibilities may also differ from those indicated by the procurement filter. Ownership of action post tender should be outlined clearly in the tender documentation in the form of a carbon responsibilities matrix.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
Engagement with contractors should cover the following:
International and regional guidance, case studies and downloadable templates to support this action are provided below.
Resources identified with an asterisk [*] are considered universally applicable.
Australia
New Zealand (Aotearoa)
European Region
Italy
Spain
United Kingdom
3-13
Engage supply-chain
What:
Engage with potential suppliers to understand their commitments and strategies to decarbonise their operations and ability to provide environmental product declarations [EPDs] for their products and services.
Why:
To be able to deliver the project objectives it is essential to understand the capabilities and appetite of the market. This will inform the development of the procurement strategy, tender documentation and selection process.
Dialogue with suppliers at this stage or earlier will provide an understanding of the ability to meet the project’s performance specification in relation to embodied carbon emissions and identify preferred suppliers for future engagement with the appointed main contractor.
Who:
Lead: Architect + Structural eng. + Services eng. + LCA specialist + Façade eng.
Support: Carbon manager
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owners of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
Key points to discuss with the supply chain:
International and regional guidance, case studies and downloadable templates to support this action are provided below.
Resources identified with an asterisk [*] are considered universally applicable.
Australia
New Zealand (Aotearoa)
European Region
France
Italy
United Kingdom
3-14
Finalise tender documentation
Examples of contract clauses that can be used include:
1. NEC clause X29 (https://www.neccontract.com/resources/x29-climate-...)
2. The Chancery Lane Project (TCLP) (https://chancerylaneproject.org/): Tristan's clause from TCLP encourages decarbonisation through procurement of more sustainable materials. A liquidated damages provision, whereby contractors pay for every tonne by which the project exceeds the carbon budget agreed by the contractor and employer, gives an incentive to contractors to stick to that budget.
What:
Ensure that the carbon management plan [CMP], and other relevant information, adequately capture the carbon management requirements for inclusion in the documentation issued for the tender of the main/principal contractor.
Why:
"If it hasn't been specified in the tender, then it hasn't been bought."
This is a critical action to ensure tender responses make; adequate provision within their offers to meet the project’s whole-life carbon objectives, demonstrate their understanding of the technical requirements, and evidence their experience meeting similar objectives on other recent projects.
Who:
Lead: Project manager + Cost manager
Support: Carbon manager + LCA specialist
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owners of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
Tender documentation: The following information should be included in the carbon management plan and other relevant documentation for tender: -
Tender evaluation criteria/ evidencing: Shortlisted contractors should demonstrate their experience and approach to the following: -
Construction Contract: Use appropriate contract clauses to require and incentivise carbon reduction. Consider the wording of requirements to ensure they are specific and that the relevant parties can be held accountable. See case study examples below for more information.
International and regional guidance, case studies and downloadable templates to support this action are provided below.
Examples of contract clauses that can be used include:
1. NEC clause X29 (https://www.neccontract.com/resources/x29-climate-...)
2. The Chancery Lane Project (TCLP) (https://chancerylaneproject.org/): Tristan's clause from TCLP encourages decarbonisation through procurement of more sustainable materials. A liquidated damages provision, whereby contractors pay for every tonne by which the project exceeds the carbon budget agreed by the contractor and employer, gives an incentive to contractors to stick to that budget.
Stage 4 [Design]
Detailed Design
Contract Documentation
Construction Procurement
Detailed Design
PRO & DCE
Progetto Esecutivo
Detailed Design
Proyecto de Ejecución
Technical Design
Design
Construction Documents
4-01
Finalise contractor scope & responsibilities
What:
Following selection of the preferred contractor, ensure that their scope and responsibilities in relation to carbon management are agreed upon for each of the subsequent work stages and updated in the project’s carbon responsibilities matrix.
Why:
Any ambiguity in the contractor’s scope and responsibilities increases the risk that carbon will not be adequately managed during the current and subsequent work stages. This in turn increases the risk that the contractor design proposals will fail to meet the project’s carbon reduction targets.
Who:
Lead: Project manager
Support: Carbon manager + LCA specialist + Main contractor
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owners of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
The following outlines the key steps to complete this action:
International and regional guidance, case studies and downloadable templates to support this action are provided below.
Resources identified with an asterisk [*] are considered universally applicable:
4-02
Finalise monitoring, reporting procedures
What:
Following selection of the preferred contractor, ensure that their proposed monitoring and reporting procedures are in line with the technical requirements set out in the carbon management plan and submit them for review and sign-off by the client.
Why:
Any ambiguity in the proposed carbon monitoring and reporting procedures increases the risk that carbon will not be adequately managed during the current and subsequent work stages. This in turn increases the risk that the contractor design proposals will fail to meet the project’s carbon reduction targets.
Who:
Lead: Project manager
Support: Carbon manager + LCA specialist + Main contractor
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owners of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
The following outlines the key steps to complete this action:
International and regional guidance, case studies and downloadable templates to support this action are provided below.
Resources identified with an asterisk [*] are considered universally applicable:
4-03
Finalise testing & commissioning procedures
What:
Following selection of the preferred contractor, ensure the proposed commissioning processes are in line with the technical requirements set out in the carbon management plan and submit them for review and sign-off by the client.
Why:
Any ambiguity in the proposed commissioning processes increases the risk that the finished building will not meet the operational energy performance criteria. This in turn increases the risk that the finished building will fail to meet the project’s carbon reduction targets.
Who:
Lead: Project manager
Support: Building manager + Services eng. + Main contractor
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owners of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
Proposals: Contractor to draft a response to the commissioning requirements set out in the carbon management plan, and other relevant documentation, issued at the tender stage. The proposal should include the following:
Client review: Client team to review the contractor’s response and provide comments for incorporation prior to sign-off.
Governance: Contactor to ensure completion of their carbon management responsibilities and objectives as required by the contract are carried out and inform the client of any non-conformances.
International and regional guidance, case studies and downloadable templates to support this action are provided below.
Resources identified with an asterisk [*] are considered universally applicable:
Australia
New Zealand (Aotearoa)
United Kingdom
Canada
4-04
Review carbon reduction targets
What:
Review and update the carbon reduction targets with the preferred contractor as required.
Why:
Carbon reduction targets should continue to be updated to reflect the latest data, standards, and legislation. National and regional legislation related to whole life carbon are continually being introduced and performance requirements improved over time.
The selection of a preferred main/general contractor is a good opportunity to review these targets to ensure the project is keeping pace with the latest science and updated regulations.
It is good practice to horizon scan for new developments that may affect the project/ programme or operation in future. Legal update services such as Lexology, the Science Based Targets initiative [SBTi] and governmental consultations provide sources of information to inform the review of targets.
Who:
Lead: Carbon manager
Support: LCA specialist + Main contractor
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owners of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
Review: Meet with the preferred contractor to discuss the impact of revising the project’s targets resulting from subsequent updates to national and local building/planning code or regional guidelines relevant to the project.
Approval: Relevant project team stakeholder should meet to discuss the impacts of any proposed updated and seek sign-off from the relevant project leads.
Verification / certification: Seek certifications and registration verification, as required. Agree responsibilities for submitting required carbon verifications to the authorized institutions or regulators, as may be required by the project objectives.
Refer to actions 0.06, 1-03 and 1-04 for guidance on setting embodied carbon and energy use intensity targets.
4-05
Finalise environmental strategies & systems
What:
Undertake further analysis and discreet simulation modelling to incorporate alternative environmental strategies & systems put forward by the preferred contractor/constructor.
Why:
Any alternative proposals must be validated for compliance with the environmental performance specification established to meet the project energy use intensity/reduction target and any relevant legislative compliance standards.
Any changes to the envelope detailing and specified HVAC systems to support low energy, thermal and airtightness performance characteristics must be evaluated as part of the validation process.
Who:
Lead: Services eng.
Support: Architect + Façade eng. + Main contractor
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owners of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
Refer to action 2-02 for general guidance on scoping out methodologies and criteria to evaluate environmental strategies and systems.
4-06
Update operational energy model [B6]
What:
Update the operational energy model [OEM] to reflect any contractor proposals incorporated into the design.
Why:
Updating the OEM during each work stage is important to increase the accuracy of the predicted annual energy use intensity [EUI] and confirm the project remains on track to meet its EUI target.
Who:
Lead: Services eng.
Support: Architect + Façade eng. + Main contractor
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owners of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
Establish the requirements for the current project work stage in relation to updating the OEM and reporting findings to the wider project team.
Specific technical requirements should be outlined in the project’s carbon management plan published at the end of the previous work stage.
Refer to action 2-04 for guidance on setting up and maintaining the OEM.
4-07
Finalise systems, components & material
What:
Finalise systems and material specifications, incorporating any proposals put forward by the preferred contractor during tender negotiations.
Why:
Evaluating the life cycle carbon impact of different systems, components, and materials is crucial for making informed decisions that contribute to lowering the project's environmental impact, embodied carbon targets and any relevant legislative compliance standards.
Contractor can leverage their supply chain’s knowledge and their buying power to identify further carbon savings whilst balancing other project constraint such as cost and programme.
Who:
Lead: Architect + Structural eng. + Services eng. + Façade eng.
Support: LCA specialist + Main contractor
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owners of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
1. Prior to incorporating alternative proposals, undertake further analysis and discreet simulation modelling to confirm their viability.
2. Update the design and specifications as required to reflect any changes.
Refer to action 2-08 for general guidance on scoping out methodologies and criteria to evaluate environmental strategies and systems.
4-08
Update embodied carbon model [A1-5]
What:
Update the embodied carbon LCA model incorporating any changes resulting from contractor proposals or studies concluded by design team that were not available for consideration in the previous stage.
Why:
This is one of the last opportunities to revise the embodied carbon estimate prior to locking in the design for construction.
Updating the upfront embodied carbon estimate as the design develops is an important step to ensure its accuracy and measure its performance against the agreed reduction targets.
Each successive update should attempt to reduce the number of assumptions made, increase the accuracy of the material quantities being measured and fill any holes in the product and material data used.
Who:
Lead: LCA specialist
Support: Architect + Structural eng. + Services eng. + Façade eng. + Main contractor
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owners of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
Establish the requirements for the current project work stage in relation to updating the upfront embodied carbon estimate and reporting findings to the wider project team.
Specific requirements should be outlined in the project’s carbon management plan published at the end of the previous work stage.
Refer to action 2-09 for detailed guidance on setting up an upfront embodied carbon model
4-09
Update whole-life carbon assessment [A-C]
What:
Update the whole-life carbon assessment [WLCA] using the updated operational [Life-cycle modules B6] and embodied estimates [Life-cycle modules A1-5] and revised assumptions for life-cycle modules B-C.
Why:
An accurate WLCA is important for calculating carbon offsets for the project and publishing to open access databases.
Who:
Lead: LCA specialist
Support: Architect + Structural eng. + Façade eng. + Main contractor
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owners of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
Establish the requirements for the current project work stage in relation to updating the WLCA and reporting findings to the wider project team.
Specific requirements should be outlined in the project’s carbon management plan published at the end of the previous work stage.
Refer to action 2-11 for guidance on selecting a measurement methodology and setting up a WLCA.
4-10
Update reduction opportunities
What:
Review and update the carbon opportunities tracker capturing any new proposals put forward by the preferred contractor/constructor along with any associated risks, mitigation measures and follow up studies to be undertaken.
Why:
Even as key elements of the building are locked-in during this final design phase, it is important to continue identifying opportunities to find opportunities to minimize the project's whole life carbon profile.
Who:
Lead: Carbon manager
Support: Cost manager + Architect + Structural eng. + Services eng. + LCA specialist + Façade eng. + Main contractor
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owners of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
Review: The tracker should be reviewed with the contractor and wider project team to identify potential reduction opportunities to address any remaining hotspots documented in the updated WLCA.
Evaluate: For each new opportunity identified, evaluate their merits, risks and agree any follow up actions prior to deciding on their incorporation into the design.
Future proofing: The contractor and design team should make every attempt to future-proof the design to accommodate opportunities during subsequent project stages that could not be incorporated within the current scheme for economic or programmatic reasons.
Reporting requirements: Refer to the project’s carbon management plan for the associated technical and reporting requirements for this work stage.
Refer to action 1-05 for detailed guidance on setting up and maintaining a carbon opportunities tracker for the project.
4-11
Update carbon management plan
What:
Update the carbon management plan [CMP], capturing any changes to the brief and subsequent decisions made in relation to the other actions completed during this stage.
Why:
This is a key document that's purpose is to set out, in clear terms, the client’s expectation in relation to managing and reducing whole life carbon.
To effectively manage carbon across all project work stages it is important that the CMP reflects the latest roles, responsibilities, targets, methodologies and reporting requirements.
This will ensure that each member of the wider project team understands what they are responsible for doing, why it needs to be done and how to go about it.
Who:
Lead: Carbon manager
Support: Project manager + Cost manager + Architect + Structural eng. + Services eng. + LCA specialist + Façade eng. + Main contractor
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owners of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
The CMP should be updated to reflect any amendments agreed with the preferred contractor during procurement negotiations and issued to the client for review and sign off prior to being incorporated into the main work contract.
A template CMP is included in the carbon management toolkit downloadable from the menu above.
Ref to action 0-07 for more information on setting up a carbon management plan.
Stage 5 [Construct]
Delivery
Construction
Construction Contract Admin + Field Review
Construction
MDT, VISA & DET
Esecuzione Lavori
Construction
Dirección de Obra
Manufacturing & Construction
Delivery
Construction Administration
5-01
Engage with specialist sub-contractors
What:
Meet with specialist sub-contractors to discuss the project’s carbon performance targets and importance of on-site construction detailing, equipment testing and commissioning to achieve them.
Why:
Informing specialist sub-contractors about the impact their contribution will have on the project’s ability to meet its wider carbon objectives will provide them with a deeper understanding of those objectives and a level of accountability towards them.
By engaging specialist sub-contractors, the project/programme can benefit from the specialist knowledge and skills that these parties can bring to support carbon reduction efforts
Specialist sub-contractors possess specific knowledge of materials, construction techniques and supply chains and can propose alternatives that minimise emissions throughout the project life cycle.
Engagement can also identify and help address any shortcomings in awareness of the importance of carbon reduction efforts and achievement of targets.
Who:
Lead: Main contractor
Support: Carbon manager + Architect + Structural eng. + Services eng. + LCA specialist + Façade eng.
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owners of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
Inviting key specialist sub-contractors and their proposed product suppliers to a pre-construction workshop is a good way to ensure the entire supply-chain understands the projects carbon goals and objectives. This should take place prior entering into contracts with fabricators and material/produce suppliers and installers. Meet the specialist sub-contractors and suppliers of critical equipment and materials, with the main contractor, to review the following:
Ask the main contractor to confirm the planning requirements of specialist sub-contractors and suppliers have been incorporated into the overall construction programme. If any changes to specialist contractors, equipment or materials are proposed during the construction and manufacturing stage, ask the main contractor to identify any risks of non-compliance with carbon objectives that might arise.
5-02
Finalise specialist sub-contractor proposals
What:
Review specialist sub-contractor proposals against the project’s carbon performance targets, reviewing alternative products and materials as required to comply with the project’s whole life carbon targets.
Why:
This is the last opportunity to review specialist sub-contractor proposals compliance with the wider carbon objectives and make any adjustments to improve their performance.
Who:
Lead: Main contractor
Support: Project manager + Cost manager + Carbon manager + Architect + Structural eng. + Services eng. + LCA specialist + Façade eng.
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owners of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
It is recommended that proposed changes to specifications during construction should consider the carbon impacts and that changes be reported to the client team. When reviewing alternative proposals consider the following:
5-03
Undertake benchmark testing
What:
Carry out benchmark tests as required on all mechanical and electrical systems and final construction including rectification work, quality, in-situ thermal performance, thermographic and air tightness testing to ensure the performance specifications are being met.
Why:
Testing mechanical, electrical systems and building fabric encompass a wide array of components, including electrical wiring, heating ventilation and cooling [HVAC] equipment, external facades and more. Typical testing processes and their benefits include:
Visual Inspection: Visual inspections identify any visible defects or issues with the systems. This includes checking for loose connections, damaged equipment, and proper labelling.
Functional Testing: Test each component and system to ensure they operate as intended. For instance, HVAC systems should be checked for heating and cooling capacity, electrical panels should undergo load testing, and plumbing fixtures should be assessed for proper water flow and drainage.
Performance Testing: Assess the overall performance of mechanical and electrical systems and the building's fabric under various conditions. This may include systems running at different load levels, electrical systems handling peak loads, whole building pressurisation and thermal conductivity surveys.
Who:
Lead: Main contractor
Support: Building manager + Services eng. + Façade eng.
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owners of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
Refer to the testing schedule for more information on the technical and reporting requirements associated with the testing to be undertaken during this work stage.
Ref to action 2-06 for guidance on identifying appropriate frameworks and setting up a project specific testing schedule.
5-04
Undertake commissioning
What:
Ensure commissioning of mechanical and electrical equipment is fully completed and witnessed and that the ‘as installed’ controls strategies, set-points, metering etc. are in line with the operational energy model.
Why:
Commissioning goes beyond simple equipment testing by ensuring that the building's mechanical and electrical systems operate optimally, efficiently, and in harmony with each other. It is essential to ensure the following: -
Who:
Lead: Main contractor
Support: Building manager + Services eng.
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owners of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
Refer to the commissioning schedule for more information on the technical and reporting requirements associated with the commissioning activities to be undertaken during this work stage. The process involves the following key steps:
Ref to action 2-06 for guidance on identifying appropriate frameworks and setting up a project specific commissioning schedule.
5-05
Update operational energy model [B6]
What:
Update the operational energy model [OEM] to reflect the systems and products identified in the as built/constructed documentation.
Why:
Updating the OEM during each work stage is important to increase the accuracy of the predicted annual energy use intensity [EUI] and confirm the project remains on track to meet its EUI target.
Who:
Lead: Services eng.
Support: Architect + Façade eng. + Main contractor
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owners of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
Reporting: Establish the requirements for the current project work stage in relation to updating the OEM and reporting findings to the wider project team.
Evaluation: Review the construction issue documentation and shop drawings issued for construction by the contractor and specialist sub-contractors. If the documentation changes any of the assumption or variables set within OEM then the model should be run again.
Modelling standards: Specific technical standards and requirements should be outlined in the project’s carbon management plan published at the end of the previous work stage.
Refer to action 2-04 for guidance on setting up and maintaining the OEM.
5-06
Update embodied carbon model [A1-A5]
What:
Update the embodied carbon model using specialist sub-contractor documentation and onsite data collection to reflect the actual products and material quantities specified.
Why:
This is the beginning of the process to transition the model inputs from estimations to data based on as-built/constructed.
Who:
Lead: LCA specialist
Support: Architect + Structural eng. + Services eng. + Façade eng. + Main contractor
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owners of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
Evaluation: Replace quantity estimates and generic product data [EPDs] with as-built/constructed data is important to increase the accuracy of the upfront embodied carbon LCA model. Online tools are available to collate and report data related to deliveries. If the documentation changes any of the assumption or variables used the model should be rerun.
Reporting: Establish the requirements for the current project work stage in relation to updating the embodied carbon model and reporting findings to the wider project team.
Embodied carbon LCA standards: Refer to the project’s carbon management plan for guidance on the technical requirements for maintaining and reporting on the project’s upfront embodied carbon for this project work stage.
Refer to action 2-09 for guidance on setting up an upfront embodied carbon model.
5-07
Update whole-life carbon assessment [A-C]
What:
Update the whole-life carbon assessment [WLCA] using the updated operational [Life-cycle modules B6] and embodied estimates [Life-cycle modules A1-5] and revised assumptions for life-cycle modules B-C.
Why:
Prior to construction, this is the last opportunity to update the model to incorporate changes arising from sub-contractor design input and adjust estimates for any in use [B] and end-of-life [C] life cycle modules.
Who:
Lead: LCA specialist
Support: Architect + Structural eng. + LCA specialist + Façade eng. + Main contractor
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owners of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
Establish the requirements for the current project work stage in relation to updating the WLCA and reporting findings to the wider project team.
Specific requirements should be outlined in the project’s carbon management plan published at the end of the previous work stage.
Refer to action 2-11 for guidance on selecting a measurement methodology and setting up a WLCA.
5-08
Update reduction opportunities
What:
Review and update the carbon opportunities tracker capturing any new proposals raised during this stage along with any associated risks, mitigation measures and follow up studies to be undertaken.
Why:
During the manufacturing and construction phase, it is important to continue identifying opportunities to find further carbon savings to minimize the project's whole life carbon profile.
For example, savings can relate to on and off-site operations, waste reduction and vehicle types used on site.
Who:
Lead: Carbon manager
Support: Cost manager + Architect + Structural eng. + Services eng. + LCA specialist + Façade eng. + Main contractor
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owners of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
Review: The tracker should be reviewed with the contractor and wider project team to identify potential reduction opportunities to address any remaining hotspots documented in the updated WLCA.
Evaluate: For each new opportunity identified, evaluate their merits, risks and agree any follow up actions prior to deciding on their incorporation into the design.
Future proofing: The contractor and design team should make every attempt to future-proof the design to accommodate opportunities during subsequent project stages that could not be incorporated within the current scheme for economic or programmatic reasons.
Reporting requirements: Refer to the project’s carbon management plan for the associated technical and reporting requirements for this work stage.
Refer to action 1-05 for detailed guidance on setting up and maintaining a carbon opportunities tracker for the project.
5-09
Update carbon management plan
What:
Update the carbon management plan [CMP], capturing any changes to the brief and subsequent decisions made in relation to the other actions completed during this stage.
Why:
This is a key document that's purpose is to set out, in clear terms, the client’s expectation in relation to managing and reducing whole life carbon. To effectively manage carbon across all work stages it is important that the CMP reflects the latest roles, responsibilities, targets, methodologies and reporting requirements. This will ensure that the wider project team understand what they are individually and collectively responsible for doing, why it needs to be done and how to go about it.
Who:
Lead: Carbon manager
Support: Project manager + Cost manager + Architect + Structural eng. + Services eng. + LCA specialist + Façade eng. + Main contractor
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owners of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
The CMP should be updated to reflect the as-built/constructed documentation and issued to the client for review and sign off prior to being incorporated into the building’s O&M manual.
A template CMP is included in the carbon management toolkit downloadable from the menu above.
Refer to action 0-07 for guidance on setting up and maintaining the CMP.
Stage 6 [Handover]
Project Close
-
Take-Over Procedures, Commissioning + PoE
-
AOR & DOE
Collaudo & Conclusione
-
Liquidación y Recepción
Handover
Delivery
Construction Administration
6-01
Undertake commissioning handover audit
What:
Carry out any remaining commissioning of the mechanical and electrical systems and prepare handover documentation and training for the building operator.
Why:
Preparing adequate handover documentation and training ensures that the relevant individuals are ready to take on the operation of the mechanical and electrical systems during the building operation. This is also the correct time to establish who will be responsible for carrying out the duties set out in the commissioning framework action plan.
Who:
Lead: Services eng.
Support: Building manager + Main contractor
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owners of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
Refer to the commissioning schedule for more information on the technical and reporting requirements associated with the commissioning activities to be undertaken during this work stage. The audit process involves the following key steps:
Ref to action 2-06 for guidance on identifying appropriate frameworks and setting up a project specific commissioning schedule.
6-02
Finalise operational energy model [B6]
What:
Why:
Updating the OEM using the as-built/constructed data will increase the accuracy of the predicted annual energy use intensity [EUI] estimate and identify any issues in meeting the project’s EUI target.
Lead: Services eng.
Support: Architect + Façade eng. + Main contractor
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owners of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
Evaluation: Review any new documentation issued for construction by the contractor and /or specialist sub-contractors. If the documentation changes any of the assumption or variables used the model should be rerun.
Reporting: Establish the requirements for the current project work stage in relation to updating the OEM and reporting findings to the wider project team.
Modelling standards: Specific technical standards and requirements should be outlined in the project’s carbon management plan published at the end of the previous work stage.
Refer to action 2-04 for guidance on setting up and maintaining the OEM.
6-03
Finalise embodied carbon model [A1-A5]
What:
Update the upfront embodied carbon model using as-constructed documentation to reflect the actual products and material quantities installed and incorporate any approved items from the carbon reduction opportunities register.
Why:
Replacing quantity estimates and generic product data [EPDs] with as built/constructed data will increase the accuracy of the estimated upfront embodied carbon and highlight any issues in meeting the project upfront embodied carbon targets.
Who:
Lead: LCA specialist
Support: Architect + Structural eng. + Services eng. + Façade eng. + Main contractor
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owners of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
Evaluation: Review any new documentation issued for construction by the contractor and /or specialist sub-contractors. If the documentation changes any of the assumption or variables used the model should be rerun.
Reporting: Establish the requirements for the current project work stage in relation to updating the embodied carbon model and reporting findings to the wider project team.
Embodied carbon LCA standards: Refer to the project’s carbon management plan for guidance on the technical requirements for maintaining and reporting on the project’s upfront embodied carbon for this project work stage.
Refer to action 2-09 for guidance on setting up an upfront embodied carbon model.
6-04
Finalise whole-life carbon assessment [A-C]
What:
Finalise the whole-life carbon assessment [WLCA] using the updated operational [Life-cycle modules B6] and embodied estimates [Life-cycle modules A1-5] and revised assumptions for life-cycle modules B-C.
Why:
An accurate WLCA is important for calculating carbon offsets for the project’s residual carbon.
WLCA’s based on as-constructed information are also valuable for improving the wider industry’s knowledge and should be considered for publication on open access databases.
WLCA at this stage tells you how you how the project has delivered against the projects targets and gives the client an understanding of the delta, the residual carbon that could be offset to make the building carbon neutral.
Who:
Lead: LCA specialist
Support: Architect + Structural eng. + Façade eng. + Main contractor
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owners of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
Use as-built/constructed documentation, material/product delivery receipts/invoices, site vehicle fuel usage, and site electrical metering data and final energy use modelling estimates to update the WLCA.
Establish the requirements for the current project work stage in relation to updating the WLCA and reporting findings to the wider project team.
Specific requirements should be outlined in the project’s carbon management plan published at the end of the previous work stage.
Refer to action 2-11 for guidance on selecting a measurement methodology and setting up a WLCA.
6-05
Update reduction opportunities
What:
Review and update the carbon opportunities tracker capturing any proposals that could be implemented during the buildings in use phase along with any associated risks, mitigation measures and follow up studies to be undertaken.
Why:
It is important to establish further carbon reduction opportunities that could be implemented by the building owner/operator during its operational phase. The client/contractor should ensure, where possible, that the building design is future proofed to accommodate any known proposals.
6-02 - Operational energy - Updating the OEM using the as-built/constructed data will increase the accuracy of the predicted annual energy use intensity [EUI] estimate and identify any issues in meeting the project’s EUI target.
6-03 - Embodied carbon - Replacing quantity estimates and generic product data [EPDs] with as-built/constructed data will increase the accuracy of the estimated upfront embodied carbon and highlight any issues in meeting the project upfront embodied carbon targets.
6-04 - WLCA – An accurate WLCA is important for calculating carbon offsets for the project and publishing to open access databases.
Who:
Lead: Carbon manager
Support: Cost manager + Architect + Structural eng. + Services eng. + LCA specialist + Façade eng. + Main contractor
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owners of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
Review: The tracker should be reviewed with the contractor and wider project team to identify potential reduction opportunities to address any remaining hotspots identified during action 6-04.
Evaluate: For each new opportunity identified, evaluate their merits, risks and agree any follow up actions prior to deciding on their incorporation into the design.
Future proofing: The contractor and design team should make every attempt to future-proof the design to accommodate opportunities during subsequent project stages that could not be incorporated within the current scheme for economic or programmatic reasons.
Reporting requirements: Refer to the project’s carbon management plan for the associated technical and reporting requirements for this work stage.
Refer to action 1-05 for detailed guidance on setting up and maintaining a carbon opportunities tracker for the project.
6-06
Update carbon management plan
What:
Update the carbon management plan [CMP] prior to handover, capturing any changes to the brief and subsequent decisions made in relation to the other actions completed during this stage.
Why:
This is a key document that's purpose is to set out, in clear terms, the client’s expectation in relation to managing and reducing whole life carbon.
To effectively manage carbon across all work stages, the CMP should be updated at the end of each work stage to reflect the latest roles, responsibilities, targets, methodologies and reporting requirements. This will ensure that the wider project team understands what they are individually and collectively responsible for doing, why it needs to be done and how to go about it.
Who:
Lead: Carbon manager
Support: Project manager + Cost manager + Architect + Structural eng. + Services eng. + LCA specialist + Façade eng. + Main contractor
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owners of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
The CMP should be updated to reflect the as-built/constructed documentation and issued to the client for review and sign off prior to being incorporated into the building’s O&M manual.
A meeting should be arranged with the building operator to brief them on the document and the responsibilities they have in relation to administering the carbon management protocols set up for the building.
A template CMP is included in the carbon management toolkit downloadable from the menu above.
Refer to action 0-07 for guidance on setting up and maintaining the CMP.
Stage 7 [In Use]
Benefits Realisation
Operate
Take-over Procedures, Commissioning + PoE
Building Use
Exploitation du Bâtiment
Funzionalita
Operate
Liquidación y Recepción
Use
Operation
-
7-01
Calibrate energy supply & demand
What:
Undertake in use commissioning and calibration of the building’s environmental systems and associated equipment, as per the procedures set out in the project’s extended commissioning framework action plan.
Why:
An extended commissioning phase goes beyond the usual activities carried out during the construction and hand over phase. These activities encompass ongoing monitoring, adjustments, and maintenance to optimise the build's performance and address issues promptly to ensure that the building continues to meet energy efficiency and sustainability goals over time.
Who:
Lead: Client / owner + Building manager
Support: Services eng. + Main contractor
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owners of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
The owner of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix.
A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
Ensure the main contractor, or relevant specialists, are appointed for the duration of the extended commissioning phase and fully briefed to carry out the required actives. An action plan should be developed in collaboration with the building manager to include, but not limited to, the following: -
Ref to action 2.06 for guidance on setting up an extended commissioning framework and action plan.
7-02
Identify further reduction opportunities [B1-7]
What:
For buildings in operation, identify any carbon reduction opportunities outlining their associated risks, mitigation measures and follow up studies to be undertaken prior to implementation.
Why:
It is important to continue evaluating carbon reduction opportunities throughout the building's operational life to minimise cumulative carbon emissions and energy demand arising from its ongoing operational, maintenance and replacement cycles.
Some proposals may have been identified at an early project design work stage, but could not be accommodated at the time of construction for economic or programmatic reasons. Others will be the result of technological innovation, changing user preferences and/or change of ownership.
Who:
Lead: Building manager + Carbon manager
Support: Client / owner
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owners of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
The tracker should be reviewed annually by the building's owner/operator to identify potential reduction opportunities. Some examples are provided below: -
New buildings:
Existing buildings:
Refer to action 1-05 for guidance on setting up and maintaining a carbon opportunities tracker.
International and regional guidance, case studies and downloadable templates to support this action are provided below.
Resources identified with an asterisk [*] are considered universally applicable:
Improving operational energy efficiency [B6]
Minimising embodied carbon associated with maintenance & repairs [B1-5]
Improving operational energy efficiency [B6]
Australia
Minimising embodied carbon associated with maintenance & repairs [B1-5]
Australia
New Zealand (Aotearoa)
Improving operational energy efficiency [B6]
European region
Italy
Minimising embodied carbon associated with maintenance and repairs [B1-5]
France
United Kingdom
Improving operational energy efficiency [B6]
Canada
USA
Minimising embodied carbon associated with maintenance & repairs [B1-5]
USA
7-03
Measurement & verification
What: Completed the necessary measurements and reporting requirements prescribed under the relevant reporting and/or certification regime.
Why: Claims made about the performance of a building in relation to its whole-life carbon emissions should be validated by a qualified third party to ensure they accuracy and maintain public trust.
Who:
Lead: Building manager + Carbon manager
Support: Client / owner
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owners of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
As per the requirements of the chosen certification scheme or emissions reporting protocols, collate and submit all in-use energy performance data and upfront embodied carbon data used to finalise the project's whole-life carbon assessment.
A list of certification schemes and standardised measurement and reporting protocols can be found in the resources section of action 0-01 and 1-01 respectively.
International and regional guidance, case studies and downloadable templates to support this action are provided below.
Resources identified with an asterisk [*] are considered universally applicable:
Measuring operational energy performance:
Verification of performance reporting:
Measuring operational energy performance:
Australia
Verification of performance reporting:
Australia
New Zealand (Aotearoa)
Measuring operational energy performance:
European region
Italy
United Kingdom
Verification of performance reporting:
European region
France
Italy
Spain
United Kingdom
Measuring operational energy performance:
Canada
Verification of performance reporting:
Canada
USA
7-04
Update carbon management plan
What:
Update the project’s carbon management plan [CMP] annually, or more frequently as agreed, capturing any decisions made in relation to actions outlined above for this stage.
Why:
This is a key document that's purpose is to set out, in clear terms, the client’s expectation in relation to managing and reducing whole life carbon.
To effectively manage carbon across all work stages, the CMP should be updated at the end of each work stage to reflect the latest roles, responsibilities, targets, measurement methodologies and reporting requirements.
This will ensure that the wider project team, asset owner/operator understands what they are individually and collectively responsible for doing, why it needs to be done and how to go about it.
Who:
Lead: Building manager + Carbon manager
Support: Client / owner + Main contractor [If commissioned to manage an extended commissioning process]
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owners of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit downloadable from the menu above..
How:
Any updates to the CMP should be issued to the relevant client stakeholders for review and sign off.
A template CMP is included in the carbon management toolkit downloadable from the menu above.
Refer to action 0-07 for guidance on setting up and maintaining the CMP.
Stage 8 [End of life]
Benefits Realisation
-
End-of-Life
End-of-Life
Fin di Vie
Dismissione
-
-
-
Purpose / Performance Review
-
8-01
Explore life extension opportunities [C-D]
What:
Commission a purpose and performance study to explore opportunities to extend the building’s useful life, or parts thereof.
Why:
Renovating, retrofitting and adaptively reusing existing buildings to extend their useful life can significantly reduce embodied carbon, when compared to meeting the same project need with new-build construction. Life extension strategies should therefore be considered for existing buildings prior to any discussion of their demolition. When life extension is not a viable option, every effort should be made to recover as many materials and products as possible for reuse before they are considered for scrap or disposal.
Who:
Lead: Client / owner + Building manager + Carbon manager [If role retained client side]
Support: Specialist consultants as required
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owners of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
The purpose and performance study should consider the following strategies:
Life extension: Explore opportunities to extend the buildings life though refurbishment or repurposing in its entirety or as part of a larger development. Prepare recommendations and hand-over note for the project team taking on the new works. For further guidance on refurbishment, retrofitting and adaptive reuse, refer to actions 0-02 and 7-02.
Material recovery & reuse: If life extension is not a viable route, opportunities to recover materials and products for reuse on other projects should be explored. The following considerations have been provided to guide any exploratory studies:
Circular construction practices: Whilst the inclusion of the following circular construction practices does not necessarily have an immediate impact on a project's upfront embodied and operational carbon emissions, their adoption as standard practice is key to the transition to a circular built environment and construction industry.
International and regional guidance, case studies and downloadable templates to support this action are provided below.
Resources identified with an asterisk [*] are considered universally applicable:
End of life strategies [C1-4 & D]
End of life strategies [C1-4 & D]
Australia
New Zealand (Aotearoa)
End of life strategies [C1-4 & D]
European region
France
Spain
United Kingdom
End of life strategies [C1-4 & D]
Canada
USA
Stage 0 [Pre-Design]
Strategy
Establishment
-
Strategy
AOD
PFTE
Pre-Design
Estudios Previos
Strategic Definition
Need
Pre-Design
0-01
Establish carbon management scope
What:
Agree on the project's whole-life carbon scope, legal and/or voluntary obligations, management frameworks and methodologies that should be followed.
Why
This action is a critical step in establishing the scope of work and carbon management capabilities required of the project team that will eventually be appointed to design, construct and operate the building.
Without a clear carbon management scope, the project risks missing early opportunities to reduce carbon and establish a robust governance structure to endure the project meets the targets required.
Local and national policies, as well as project funding criteria, will influence the project’s whole-life carbon brief – Refer to actions 1-05 and 1-06 for more guidance on these issues.
Who:
Lead: Client / owner
Support: Project manager + Cost manager + Carbon manager
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owner[s] of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
Establishing the brief should be done through consensus following dialogue between the client and other relevant project stakeholders.
Agreeing the scope of carbon to be managed – whole life, embodied, operational etc. – and the framework / methodology the project team should adopt to organize and validate their efforts.
Once a brief has been agreed it should be recorded in the carbon management plan [CMP] – Refer to action 0-07 for more information on setting up a CMP.
A template carbon management plan is included in the downloadable carbon management toolkit.
International and regional guidance, case studies and downloadable templates to support this action are provided below.
Resources identified with an asterisk [*] are considered universally applicable:
Why it matters: What does the built environment have to do with global warming?
Whole life carbon: Definitions, Roadmaps and frameworks.
Why it matters: Embodied carbon.
Calls to action: Commitments to decarbonising buildings.
Verification: Global net zero carbon certification schemes.
Whole life carbon: Definitions and frameworks.
Australia
New Zealand (Aotearoa)
Calls to action: Commitments to decarbonising buildings.
Australia
New Zealand (Aotearoa)
Verification: Net zero carbon certification schemes.
Australia
New Zealand (Aotearoa)
Whole life carbon: Definitions & frameworks.
European region
France
Italy
Spain
United Kingdom
Calls to Action: Commitments to decarbonising buildings.
France
Italy
Spain
United Kingdom
Verification: Net zero carbon certification schemes.
European region
France
Italy
Spain
United Kingdom
Whole life carbon: Definitions & frameworks.
USA
Calls to action: Commitments to decarbonising buildings.
Canada
USA
Verification: Net zero carbon certification schemes.
USA
0-02
Challenge the project premise / need
What:
Challenge any assumptions used to justify the project need, as defined in the initial brief or business case.
Why:
According to the WorldGBC, an estimated 180 billion square meters of new building floor area will be added globally by 2050.
Reports from the International Energy Agency [IEA] suggest around 80% of the new floor area growth by 2030 is expected to be in emerging markets and developing economies. This trend is likely to continue towards 2050.
Meanwhile, in developed countries such as the UK, estimates indicate that meeting demand for affordable housing - with business-as-usual construction practices - would use the county's remaining GHG emissions budget to remain within a 1.5 degree warming scenario.
For this reason, every effort should be made when developing a project brief to minimise new-build construction by prioritising the reuse of existing buildings. When building new is unavoidable, minimising spatial demand though the use of multipurpose and flexible special programmes can significantly reduce spatial demand whilst still meeting the project's functional and user needs.
Challenging the initial drivers that influenced the initial project need/ business case, and the strategies proposed to meet them, early can lead to positive outcomes not just for carbon emissions but also for a project's budgets and delivery programme. If left too late the impact of challenging and changing the approach to meeting the project need can have a consequently negative impact on both cost and delivery timelines.
Who:
Lead: Client / owner
Support: Building manager + Project manager + Cost manager + Carbon manager
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owner[s] of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
When appraising the justification and assumptions behind the project need, consider whether strategies to minimise new-build construction have been sufficiently explored. If not, the following strategies should be investigated:
Refurbishment & retrofitting: Identify potential buildings within the client’s existing portfolio and assess their potential for refurbishment and/or retrofitting to meet the project need. If the project brief can not be met, explore the acquisition of a new building of a similar typology that is capable of meeting the project brief.
Whilst refurbishment often requires less intervention retrofitting can involve more significant interventions often requiring the replace HVAC and electrical and plumbing systems. Both approaches can provide significant carbon savings in the long and short term but detailed LCA analysis is required to understand their whole-life carbon impact.
Refer to actions 2-02 and 7-02 for further guidance on improving the energy performance of existing buildings through energetic retrofitting.
Adaptive reuse: Consider adaptively reusing existing buildings of a different typology, within or outside of the clients portfolio/ownership, to meet the project need. This approach can often be more involved than retrofitting, often requiring the replacement and reconfiguration of a buildings structure, envelope and services. Regardless of the additional complexities, this approach can still provide a significant whole-life carbon savings.
Refer to action 8-01 for further guidance on the adaptive reuse of existing buildings and their constituent materials and systems.
Multi-functional & flexible spaces: When new construction is unavoidable, maximise the utilisation of multifunctional and flexible programme to optimise spatial demand and net-to-gross area efficiency.
Comparative analysis: If new-build is assumed from the initial project need assessment / business case, this should be used as the baseline to compare against the alternative delivery strategies outlined above. The following criteria should be considered when assessing the viability of the alternative strategies being considered: -
International and regional guidance, case studies and downloadable templates to support this action are provided below.
Resources identified with an asterisk [*] are considered universally applicable:
Renovation & retrofitting:
Adaptive reuse:
Renovation & retrofitting:
Australia
New Zealand (Aotearoa)
Adaptive reuse:
Australia
New Zealand (Aotearoa)
Renovation & retrofitting:
European region
France
Italy
United Kingdom
Adaptive reuse:
European region
France
Italy
United Kingdom
Space utilisation:
European region
Renovation & retrofitting:
Canada
USA
Adaptive reuse:
Canada
USA
0-03
Establish governance & reporting
What:
Establish a carbon responsibilities matrix to identify key roles across the project value chain, assign actions to them and identify necessary reporting protocols.
Why:
This is a critical action to ensure that whole-life carbon is managed and reduced effectively across all subsequent work stages.
Many third-party sustainability certification schemes and emerging carbon standards also require specific governance and reporting protocols to be implemented to achieve credits or towards validation.
Who:
Lead: Client / owner
Support: Client / owner + Building manager + Project manager + Cost manager + Carbon manager
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owner[s] of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
In addition to completing
As project team personnel and responsibilities change from stage to stage, it is recommended that a carbon manager [champion] is nominate from the design team or wider project team to ensure responsibilities are assigned, reporting protocols followed and the project's carbon management plan is updated at each project work stages.
International and regional guidance, case studies and downloadable templates to support this action are provided below.
Resources identified with an asterisk [*] are considered universally applicable:
Governance & Reporting
Governance & Reporting:
Australia
New Zealand (Aotearoa)
Governance & Reporting:
Italy
United Kingdom
Governance & Reporting:
Canada
USA
0-04
Establish policy & legislative drivers
What:
Identify any policy and legislative requirements to undertake whole life carbon management and reduction.
Why:
These mechanisms are employed to drive demand across the value chain for low carbon solutions and products. Understanding local policies and legislation, in relation to whole-life carbon management, is key to determining if the project's whole life carbon brief is lacking, sufficient or going above and beyond.
At the state and regional level planning policies are frequently being set in advance of legislation being implemented through building code at the national level. Whilst compliance with building codes is generally mandatory, more discretion is applied to the application of planning policies, that said, to ignore them entirely will increase the risk of not being granted planning approval / building permits.
Who:
Lead: Client / owner
Support: Building manager + Project manager + Cost manager + Carbon manager
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owner[s] of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
Evaluate national and regional legislative requirements and amend the whole-life carbon brief accordingly. Engage local planning authorities early to understand which policies and requirements the project will be subject to and amend the whole-life carbon brief accordingly.
International and regional guidance, case studies and downloadable templates to support this action are provided below.
Resources identified with an asterisk [*] are considered universally applicable:
Carbon Policy Trackers:
Future Policy: Recommendations (PS to review)
Operational Carbon [energy]: Current policies & regulations
Australia
New Zealand (Aotearoa)
Embodied Carbon: Current policies & regulations
Australia
Circular construction: Current policies & regulations
Australia
Future policy: Recommendations
Australia
New Zealand (Aotearoa)
Operational carbon [energy]: Current policies & regulations
European Region
France
Italy
Spain
United Kingdom
Embodied carbon: Current policies & regulations
European Region
France
United Kingdom
Circular construction: Current policies & regulations
European Region
France
United Kingdom
Future policy: Recommendations & consultations
European Region
France
Italy
Spain
United Kingdom
Operational carbon [energy]: Current policies & regulations
Canada
USA
Embodied carbon: Current policies & regulations
Canada
USA
Future policy: Recommendations
Canada
USA
0-05
Explore sustainable finance options
What:
Identify public and private investment opportunities that support whole life carbon reduction objectives that the project may be able to access.
Why:
One of the primary barriers preventing clients from setting whole-life carbon reduction targets for their projects is the associated capital cost premium.
Whilst it’s well documented that low carbon buildings result in significantly lower operating costs, higher rental returns and asset valuations, initial capex expenditure are still a concern to many building owners and developers. To address this, both public and private finance are available to support projects to meet their whole life carbon reduction objectives.
It is important that projects are aligned with financial institutions' decarbonisation targets and their transition plans.
Who:
Lead: Client / owner + Investor
Support: Cost manager / Client advisory
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owner[s] of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
Public finance: Identify applicable government incentives and determine if the project may qualify for them. Identify any guidelines that need to be complied with to ensure eligibility of project.
Development finance: In certain markets, clients can explore financing through development banks, this is a viable option in regions that have challenges to accessing long-term debt.
All development finance institutions, will have their own requirements and criteria that projects must meet. If the project meets the bank’s requirements, and the project itself is approved by the investment teams, borrowers can explore options such as flexible loans, equity investments, structured finance and blended finance to fund their projects. As this is handled on a case-by-case basis, the client should approach banks directly with an investment proposal to confirm it is a viable option.
Banks: Projects may obtain finance through commercial banks available in the local and international market. Identify possible lenders for the project and explore their green finance or eligibility criteria for financing.
Other forms of private finance: Should bank finance not be available or not appropriate, projects can also explore other forms of private finance, such as equity investments, green bonds and private debt. Options will depend on the local and international market.
International and regional guidance, case studies and downloadable templates to support this action are provided below.
Resources identified with an asterisk [*] are considered universally applicable:
Financial benefits of low carbon buildings:
International finance options:
Financial benefits of low carbon buildings:
Australia
New Zealand (Aotearoa)
Government funding:
Australia
New Zealand (Aotearoa)
Private finance:
Australia
New Zealand (Aotearoa)
Financial benefits of low carbon buildings:
United Kingdom
Government funding:
European Region
France
Italy
Spain
United Kingdom
Private finance:
Spain
United Kingdom
Financial benefits of low carbon buildings:
Canada
USA
Government funding:
Canada
USA
0-06
Explore carbon targets
What:
Explore operational energy use, embodied carbon and whole-life reduction targets appropriate for the given building typology and region.
Why:
Establishing the right approach to target setting is an essential first step in managing carbon across all project stages.
Who:
Lead: Client / owner
Support: Project manager + Cost manager + Carbon manager
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owner[s] of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
Generalised intensity targets: For common building typologies, such as residential and commercial properties, global average operational energy and embodied carbon intensity targets [or limits] have been established by the Science Based Targets Institute.
Many countries, cities and regional authorities and advocacy groups have also set regional intensity targets as guidance or as mandatory requirements under local building and planning codes.
These intensity targets typically related to square meters of floor area [m2] and periodically updated to maintain alignment with the latest science and relevant sectorial decarbonisation pathways.
Project specific targets: When embodied carbon and/or energy use intensity targets are not available in the relevant region for the relevant typology, or not based on the most recent science - a business-as-usual [BAU] baseline should be established from which an agreed percentage reduction can be applied to generate project specific intensity targets.
Two approaches to establish a baseline are outlined below:
1. Benchmarked baseline: Undertake a benchmarking exercise to establish a reasonable business as usual baseline for typical intensity targets using region specific building databases where available.
2. Project specific baseline: Often real-world benchmarking data is not available, or insufficient, to determine a reliable baseline. In these cases, a project specific business as usual baseline design should be developed using standard environmental and construction systems, details and materials typical for the given region.
When a baseline has been established a science-based percentage reduction, aligned to a 1.5deg warming scenario, should be applied to generate the required intensity targets.
When energy use and embodied carbon intensity targets have been established using one of the methods outlined above, budgets and performance criteria can then be set for individual building elements and systems to inform future design work.
International and regional guidance, case studies and downloadable templates to support this action are provided below.
Resources identified with an asterisk [*] are considered universally applicable:
Global carbon reduction targets:
Sector specific targets:
Nationally Legislated Targets:
Australia
New Zealand (Aotearoa)
Nationally Advised Targets:
Australia
New Zealand (Aotearoa)
Nationally Legislated Targets:
European Region
France
Italy
United Kingdom
Nationally Advised Targets:
European Region
Spain
United Kingdom
Nationally Legislated Targets:
Canada
USA
Nationally Advised Targets:
Canada
USA
0-07
Create carbon management plan
What:
Create a project specific carbon management plan [CMP] to capture decisions made in relation to the other actions completed during this stage.
Why:
This is a key document that's purpose is to set out, in clear terms, the client’s expectation in relation to managing and reducing whole life carbon.
To effectively manage carbon across all work stages it is important that the CMP reflects the latest roles, responsibilities, targets, methodologies, and reporting requirements.
This will ensure that the wider project team understand what they are individually and collectively responsible for doing, why it needs to be done and how to go about it.
Who:
Lead: Client / owner + Carbon manager
Support: Building manager + Project manager + Cost manager
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owner[s] of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
The first issue of the CMP should capture the agreed outcomes for each of the actions carried out in this work stage and outline the scope of work that needs to be agreed during the next work stage.
In addition, the CMP should include a copy of the project’s carbon responsibilities matrix, action tracker and carbon reduction opportunities tracker.
The CMP should remain a standalone document that can be included as part of the documentation issued for tender when procuring the services for the design team and subsequently the main contractor.
The final draft of the CMP should be issued at the end of each work stage for review and sign-off by the client.
A template CMP is included in the carbon management toolkit downloadable from the menu above.
Governance:
Scope management:
Use of analysis:
UK - UKGBC - Embodied Carbon Scope 3 Reporting Governance:
Australia
New Zealand (Aotearoa)
Scope Management:
Australia
Governance:
European Region
Italy
Spain
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
Use of Analysis:
European Region
Stage 1 [Pre-design]
Outcomes Definition
Establishment
Pre-Design
Initiation
PRE/ESQ
PFTE
Pre-Design
Estudios Previos
Preparation & Briefing
Need
Pre-Design
1-01
Adopt measurement standards
What:
Identify appropriate standards for measuring and reporting against the elements of whole-life carbon [WLC] established in the project specific carbon management plan.
Why:
Adopting measurement and reporting standards for WLC assessment is critical to maintaining the accuracy of the data being reported and understanding the limitations and assumptions applied during a given project stage or reporting cycle. This is essential for making informed design decisions during the early project phases and for verification and disclosure of a buildings as constructed and in-use performance.
WLC standards can also be employed to generate demand signals across the project value-chain for low carbon strategies, materials and products.
In many regions local planning authorities have begun to stipulate WLC reporting as a minimum requirement for new building permit applications. In many cases these planning requirements precede the introduction of WLC legislation for buildings and corresponding regulation via building codes at the national level.
Who:
Lead: Carbon manager + LCA specialist
Support: Client / owner + Architect + Structural eng. + Services eng. + Façade eng.
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owner[s] of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
Review available standards applicable to select the most appropriate for the given region and site location. Many national and local authorities and organisations have published standards for measuring and reporting across all components of a building’s whole-life carbon impact.
In regions without a local standard, there are several standards published that are applicable globally applicable, such as the UK based Royal institute of Chartered Surveyors [RICS] Whole life carbon assessment [WLCA] for the built environment.
International and regional guidance, case studies and downloadable templates to support this action are provided below.
Resources identified with an asterisk [*] are considered universally applicable:
Measurement standards: Whole Life Carbon
Measurement standards: Operational Carbon
Measurement standards: Embodied Carbon
General guidance on existing methodologies:
Measurement standards: Whole Life Carbon [A-C]
New Zealand (Aotearoa)
Measurement standards: Embodied Carbon
Australia
New Zealand (Aotearoa)
Measurement standards: Whole Life Carbon [A-C]
Italy
United Kingdom
Measurement standards: Operational Carbon [B6]
European region
Italy
United Kingdom
Measurement standards: Whole Life Carbon [A-C]
Canada
Measurement standards: Operational Carbon [B6]
Canada
Measurement standards: Embodied Carbon
Canada
1-02
Identify specialist appointments
What:
Specialist roles – as defined in the project’s carbon responsibility matrix referred to under action 0-03 – should be appointed at the commencement of the briefing stage.
Why:
These specialist roles are key to measuring, tracking, and reducing carbon during the design stages. Delays in their appointment can restrict the design team’s ability to identify strategic opportunities to reduce carbon and mitigate any associated risks.
Who:
Lead: Project manager
Support: Client / owner + Cost manager + Carbon manager + Architect + Services eng. + Structural eng. + Façade eng.
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owner[s] of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
The following list outlines the carbon management roles that need to be appointed during the briefing stage:
Depending on the scale and complexity of the project, these roles can be undertaken by specialist consultants, or a member of the core design team with the relevant experience.
International and regional guidance, case studies and downloadable templates to support this action are provided below.
Resources identified with an asterisk [*] are considered universally applicable:
1-03
Establish energy use intensity targets
What:
Establish science-based performance targets for the project’s energy use intensity.
Why:
As demand for electrified heating and cooling increases, the burden on electrical power grids will continue to grow. In response to the climate emergency, electrical power grids must transition to 100% renewables and simultaneously increasing their capacity to keep pace with the growing demand.
To ensuring demand for electrical power does not out strip supply, both existing and new buildings must also limit their annual operational energy consumption. This can be done through a combination of maximising on-site renewables – refer to action 2-03 – and establishing energy use intensity [EUI] targets [or limits] for common building typologies.
EUI is a measure of a building's energy efficiency, typically expressed as energy consumption per unit of floor area. EUI targets for specific building typologies are defined in kilowatt-hours per square meter (kWh/m²), or similar units, taking into consideration the building's function, occupancy, and local energy efficiency standards.
Who:
Lead: Carbon manager + eng.
Support: Client / owner + Project manager + Cost manager
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owner[s] of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
The following section outlines three approaches for setting EUI targets
Approach 1 - Adopt published EUI targets: Establish if science based EUI targets, aligned with a 1.5-degree warming scenario, have been advised or mandated for the relevant building typology at the local or national level.
EUI targets for common building typologies have been published by an increasing number of countries and city/regional authorities. While most targets are intended as guidance, many authorities are increasingly mandating targets for new developments under local planning and building codes.
Note: Mind the gap! Whilst some authorities may set mandatory EUI targets, it is important to establish if they are lined to a 1.5-degree warming scenario.
If targets have not been published by national or regional authorities, research if any best practice EUI targets have been published by local industry bodies or advocacy groups.
Approach 2 - Percentage reduction against a benchmarked EUI baseline: Where published EUI targets do not exist for a given building typology, a baseline EUI should be established through benchmarking against similar buildings, located in the same, or similar climatic region. Once a baseline EUI has been established, a percentage reduction, aligned with a 1.5-degree warming scenario, can then be applied to determine a project’s EUI performance target.
Note: This ‘bottom-up’ method to setting a baseline is commonly used in combination with “top down” methods to establish the global and regional targets outlined in approach 1.
Approach 3 - Percentage reduction against a reference design EUI baseline: If robust benchmarking data is not available, then a project specific EUI baseline should be established by running an operational energy model [OEM] based on a business-as-usual approach to designing the buildings HVAC systems.
The project team should consider the following when discussing which approach to adopt:
Engage stakeholders: Collaborate with key stakeholders, including architects, engineers, and project managers, to ensure that EUI targets align with project goals and requirements.
Use energy modelling tools: Utilise energy modelling tools and simulations to assess the feasibility of different EUI targets. This can help in understanding their potential impact on building performance and cost.
International and regional guidance, case studies and downloadable templates to support this action are provided below.
Resources identified with an asterisk [*] are considered universally applicable:
Based on the following sources, globally new buildings must achieve zero operational GHG emissions by 2030 - This is equivalent to a 100% reduction against a business-as-usual or project specific baseline.
Please refer to the regional resources below to find specific energy use intensity targets [EUI] targets specific to your projects location and typology.
Targets: EUI or equivalent
Australia
Targets: EUI or equivalent
European region
Spain
United Kingdom
Targets: EUI or equivalent
Canada
USA
1-04
Establish embodied carbon targets
What:
Establish science-based intensity targets for the project’s upfront [A1-5] and whole life [A-C] embodied carbon.
Why:
The embodied carbon of buildings and infrastructure accounts for 11% of global annual GHG emissions. Whilst operational carbon associated with buildings is set to reduce globally, demand for new buildings in countries such as China, India and the African continent is forecast to grow significantly. As a result, embodied carbon is likely to represent more than 50% of whole life carbon emissions between now and 2050.
To ensure the decarbonization of built environment and construction industry by 2050, upfront embodied carbon must see a 40% reduction by 2030. To achieve this, transformation is required on multiple fronts including:
Setting mandatory or voluntary embodied carbon intensity [ECI] targets for up front and whole life embodied carbon can provide a powerful mechanism to create the demand signals necessary to accelerate these transformations. ECI targets are expressed in kilo-grams of carbon dioxide equivalent per square meter [KgCO2-eq/m2].
Note: In some jurisdictions embodied carbon targets and limits are used interchangeably.
Who:
Lead: Carbon manager + LCA specialist
Support: Architect + Structural eng. + Services eng. + Façade eng.
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owner[s] of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
ECI targets [or limits] can be established by using one of the following approaches:
Approach 1 - Adopt published ECI targets: Establish if science-based ECI targets, aligned with a 1.5-degree warming scenario, have been advised or mandated for the relevant building typology at the local or national level.
ECI targets for common building typologies have been published by an increasing number of countries and city/regional authorities. While most targets are intended as guidance, many authorities are increasingly mandating targets for new developments under local planning and building codes.
Note: Mind the gap! Whilst some authorities may set mandatory ECI targets, it is important to establish if they are lined to a 1.5-degree warming scenario.
If targets have not been published by national or regional authorities, establish if any best practice ECI targets have been published by local industry bodies or advocacy groups.
Approach 2 - Percentage reduction against a benchmarked ECI baseline: Where published ECI targets do not exist for a given building typology, a baseline ECI can be established through benchmarking against similar buildings, located in the same, or similar climatic region. Once a baseline ECI has been established, a percentage reduction, aligned with a 1.5-degree warming scenario, can then be applied to determine a project’s ECI performance target.
Note: This ‘bottom-up’ method to setting a baseline is commonly used in combination with “top down” methods to establish the global and regional targets outlined in approach 1.
Approach 3 – Percentage reduction against a reference design ECI baseline: Project If robust benchmarking data is not available, then a project specific ECI baseline should be established by running an embodied carbon LCA model based on a business-as-usual approach to designing the building’s primary elements – Refer to action 2.9 for detailed guidance on setting up an LCA model.
The project team should consider the following when discussing which approach to adopt:
Engage stakeholders: Collaborate with key stakeholders, including architects, engineers, and project managers, to ensure that ECI targets align with project goals and requirements.
Use modelling tools: Utilise LCA modelling tools to assess the feasibility of different ECI targets.
International and regional guidance, case studies and downloadable templates to support this action are provided below.
Resources identified with an asterisk [*] are considered universally applicable:
Embodied Carbon Targets:
Benchmarking Tools:
Embodied Carbon Targets:
Australia
New Zealand (Aotearoa)
Benchmarking Tools:
Australia
Targets: Embodied Carbon
European region
UK
Benchmarking Tools:
United Kingdom
Embodied Carbon Targets:
Canada
USA
Benchmarking Tools:
USA
1-05
Identify reduction opportunities
What:
Identify opportunities to reduce carbon and establish a tracker to evaluate each option’s viability prior to incorporation into the project design.
Why:
Maintaining a tracker of carbon reduction opportunities during each project stage ensures each proposal is given due consideration by the relevant members of the project team and, if appropriate, incorporated into the design.
It also provides a mechanism to revisit proposals that may require further study or funding prior to being incorporated into the design.
Continuous reviewing of opportunities also ensures that the project remains aligned with the latest advancements in sustainable practices, technologies, and design strategies. This allows for the incorporation of new insights and improvements over time.
Who:
Lead: Carbon manager + LCA specialist
Support: Architect + Structural eng. + Services eng. + Façade eng.
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owner[s] of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
Establish evaluation criteria: Develop criteria for evaluating proposals based on cost impact, carbon savings, and other technical considerations. Proposals should pass the criteria test and secure funding from the project budget or external funding sources before incorporation into the design. Refer to action 0.05 for more guidance on sustainable finance.
A template carbon opportunities tracker is available for download as part of the Carbon management toolkit.
Collaboration with stakeholders: Collaborate with stakeholders across the project value chain, including architects, engineers, contractors, and facility managers, and academic experts, to gather insights and perspectives on the effectiveness of adopted carbon reduction strategies and potential new opportunities.
Carbon opportunities workshop: Setup a carbon workshop to identify potential reduction opportunities, evaluate their merits and risks, and agree any follow up actions required prior to deciding on their inclusion in the design. The following opportunities could form the basis of an agenda:
Documentation and reporting: Document the findings of the review process and update the carbon reduction opportunities tracker accordingly. Clearly communicate updates to the project team and stakeholders.
International and regional guidance, case studies and downloadable templates to support this action are provided below.
Resources identified with an asterisk [*] are considered universally applicable.
Strategies Guidance
Australasian region
Australia
New Zealand (Aotearoa)
Materials Guidance
Australia
Strategies Guidance
Italy
United Kingdom
Materials Guidance
United Kingdom
Strategies Guidance
Canada
USA
Materials Guidance
USA
1-06
Update carbon management plan
What:
Update the carbon management plan [CMP] to capture any changes to the brief and subsequent decisions made in relation to the other actions completed during this stage.
Why:
This is a key document that's purpose is to set out, in clear terms, the client’s expectation in relation to managing and reducing whole life carbon. To effectively manage carbon across all work stages it is important that the CMP reflects the latest roles, responsibilities, targets, methodologies and reporting requirements. This will ensure that the wider project team understand what they are individually and collectively responsible for doing, why it needs to be done and how to go about it.
Who:
Lead: Carbon manager
Support: Client / owner + Project manager + Cost manager + Architect + Structural eng. + Services eng. + LCA specialist + Façade eng.
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owner[s] of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
Establishing the brief should be done through consensus following dialogue between the client and other relevant project stakeholders.
Agreeing the scope of carbon to be managed – whole life, embodied, operational etc. – and the framework / methodology the project team should adopt to organize and validate their efforts.
Once a brief has been agreed it should be recorded in the carbon management plan.
A template CMP is included in the carbon management toolkit downloadable from the menu above.
Ref to action 0-07 for more information on setting up a carbon management plan.
Stage 2 [Design]
Feasibility
Concepts / Schematic Design
Schematic Design
Concept & preliminary design
APS
PFTE
Concept & Preliminate Design
Proyecto básico
Concept Design
Optioneering
Schematic Design
2-01
Confirm energy use intensity targets
What:
Seek client sign-off of the recommended operational energy use intensity targets [EUI] established in the previous stage under action 1-03.
Why:
Setting defined EUI targets at the commencement of the design phase enables the design team to identify appropriate strategies and systems to achieve them. Without defined targets, it becomes difficult to quantify the scale of the challenge that needs to be met.
Who:
Lead: Carbon manager
Support: Client / owner + Building manager + Project manager + Architect + Services eng. + Façade eng.
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owner[s] of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
Target approval/sign-off: Meet with the client to discuss the findings and recommendations from the previous stage and any subsequent revisions to them resulting from subsequent updates to national/local regulation or regional guidelines that may be relevant to the project.
If the client is reluctant to set a project specific target, the design team should continue to track the design’s predicted performance against the recommended target and make every effort to future proof the design to allow for the incorporation of additional energy efficiency measures to meet the target at a later stage.
Refer to action 1-03 for international and regional guidance on identifying energy reduction/intensity targets.
2-02
Evaluate environmental strategies & systems
What:
Conduct a comprehensive evaluation of potential passive and active environmental design strategies to optimise the building's energy efficiency.
Why:
Considering a combination of passive and active strategies helps to optimise the building's environmental performance. Passive strategies, such as orientation, insulation, and natural ventilation, can reduce reliance on active systems, leading to long-term energy and cost savings. Active strategies, including advanced HVAC systems and renewable energy integration, can also contribute to operational efficiency.
This approach allows the design team to quickly compare sensitivity to changes in performance criteria, across multiple design options without the need to create detailed energy models.
In assessing both passive and active strategies it is important to recognise that the climate may change during the design life of the asset. Assessing design performance against different climate change scenarios over time is important to ensure the building is resilient to future climate change scenarios and thus able to ensure its energy consumption remains aligned with applicable energy use intensity targets.
Who:
Lead: Services eng.
Support: Client / owner + Project manager + Cost manager + Carbon manager + Architect + Façade eng.
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owner[s] of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
New buildings: The evaluation should considered the following:
Existing buildings: Where the project involves the retention of an existing building, an energy audit should be commissioned to establish the energy saving opportunities available. Refer to action 7-02 for more guidance on undertaking an energy audit.
Comparative analysis: The following should be undertaken to support the comparative analysis of different environmental strategies and energy saving measure being considered:
Consider local regulations: Ensure that the environmental strategies being considered confirm to local regulations and building codes.
Documentation and reporting: Document the findings of the evaluation process, including the chosen strategies and their rationale. Clearly communicate the selected strategies to the project team and stakeholders at the end of each project design work stage.
International and regional guidance, case studies and downloadable templates to support this action are provided below.
Resources identified with an asterisk [*] are considered universally applicable:
Strategies Assessment
Australia
New Zealand (Aotearoa)
Energy Modelling
New Zealand (Aotearoa)
Strategies Assessment
European region
France
Italy
United Kingdom
Energy Modelling
United Kingdom
Strategies Assessment
Canada
USA
Energy Modelling
Canada
USA
2-03
Commission energy demand response study
What:
Identify the energy demand response [EDR] scope and commission a specialist to undertake the study.
Why:
To analyse the building's capacity to adjust energy consumption in response to external signals, grid conditions, or price fluctuations. Demand response strategies can contribute to overall energy efficiency and resilience.
Understanding and implementing demand response strategies enhances the building's ability to adapt to dynamic energy conditions.
By actively managing energy usage during peak periods or in response to grid demands, the building can contribute to grid stability, reduce operational costs, and potentially earn incentives.
Who:
Lead: Services eng.
Support: Client / owner + Project manager
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owner[s] of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
The following step should be undertaken to complete this action:
International and regional guidance, case studies and downloadable templates to support this action are provided below.
Resources identified with an asterisk [*] are considered universally applicable:
Canada
USA
2-04
Set up an operational energy model [LCA module B6]
What:
Establish a dynamic operational energy model [OEM] simulate and analyse the building’s annualised energy consumption during its operation.
Why:
Creating an OEM is essential for predicting and optimising a building's energy consumption patterns, allowing the project team to make informed decisions and ensure the design aligns with the energy use intensity targets and wider sustainability goals during the design development and operational phases of the building’s life cycle.
Who:
Lead: Services eng.
Support: Architect + Façade eng.
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owner[s] of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
The following steps provide a general overview of the steps that should be followed when setting up an OEM.:
Adopt a modelling methodology: There are several methodologies available for setting up an OEM. Refer to the project’s carbon management plan for details of the agreed modelling methodology and technical requirements. If a method has yet to be agreed, links to some of the most common methodologies can be found in the resources section below.
Define parameters: Identify key parameters to be included in the OEM, such as heating ventilation and cooling [HVAC] system performance, lighting usage, occupancy patterns, and other relevant variables. The model should incorporate data on energy consumption, occupant behaviour, and other relevant factors to provide insights into real-world energy use.
Gather data: Collect accurate and up-to-date data on the building's systems, equipment, and historical energy usage from similar buildings. This may involve sensor data, utility bills, and occupancy patterns. Where all or part of an existing building forms part of the development, historical energy consumption data and as-built construction documentation should be sort to inform the model.
Select modelling software: Choose a suitable building energy modelling software that accommodates the identified parameters and allows for dynamic simulations.
Establish baseline: Set up a baseline design within the operational energy model to represent the expected energy performance of the building under standard conditions. A baseline is useful as a reference for carrying out sensitivity analysis to understand the impact of different operational strategies and climate change resilience scenarios.
Simulate operational scenarios: Simulate various operational scenarios to understand how different factors impact energy consumption. Explore scenarios related to occupancy variations, equipment usage, climate conditions, and the effectiveness of energy-efficient features.
Carry out sensitivity analysis: Calibrate the model using actual performance data to ensure that the simulated results align with observed energy consumption.
Predictive analysis: Conduct scenario analyses to explore the impact of potential changes, improvements, or alternative strategies on the building's operational energy performance to test and validate the opportunities identify in the carbon reduction opportunities tracker.
Continuous monitoring and updating: Implement a process for continuous monitoring and updating of the operational energy model as the building design is developed and new data becomes available.
International and regional guidance, case studies and downloadable templates to support this action are provided below.
Resources identified with an asterisk [*] are considered universally applicable:
Guidance for setting up a whole building operational carbon model
Australia
New Zealand (Aotearoa)
France
Italy
United Kingdom
North American Region
Canada
USA
2-05
Identify energy use hotspots
What:
Based on the results of the operational energy model [OEM] undertaken in action 2-04, identify where energy consumption is concentrated – referred to as “hotspots” – and potential measures to negate them.
Why:
Hotspots can be physical elements or environmental systems that make a significant contribution to building’s overall energy consumption. Identifying hotspots is essential for targeted interventions to improve the buildings overall energy performance to ensure alignment with its energy use intensity target[s].
Who:
Lead: Services eng.
Support: Architect + Façade eng.
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owner[s] of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
The following steps should be undertaken to identify and address hotspots:
Review: Analysis the result of the OEM to pinpoint specific components or systems that make the largest contribution to energy consumption.
Prioritise: Rank the items according to the magnitude of their contribution and potential for introducing energy efficiency measures.
Mitigate: When identifying mitigation measures the following considerations in relation to exclusively new-build developments and those incorporating existing buildings – or parts thereof:
Report: Include any strategies to reduce these hotspots in the carbon reduction opportunities tracker. Refer to action 1-05 for guidance on setting up a carbon opportunities tracker and action 2-12 for guidance on how and when to update it.
International and regional guidance, case studies and downloadable templates to support this action are provided below.
Resources identified with an asterisk [*] are considered universally applicable:
Australia
New Zealand (Aotearoa)
Germany
United Kingdom
USA
2-06
Establish commissioning framework
What:
Establish an extended commissioning and handover process – sometimes referred to as a seasonal commissioning schedule – to ensure that building’s mechanical and electrical systems operate within the performance parameters required to meet the building's targeted energy usage intensity.
Why:
Often there is a gap between a building’s predicted energy consumption and real-world performance. This can be addressed in part by undertaking operational energy modelling during the design stage, however, better modelling alone is not sufficient to fully close this gap.
An extended commissioning and handover schedule, based on an appropriate framework, can ensure a building’s environmental strategies and systems are fully calibrated to reduce any potential performance gap to a minimum.
Unlike conventional commissioning processes, an extended commissioning phase goes beyond the handover phase, encompassing ongoing monitoring, adjustments, and maintenance to optimise a building’s performance across all seasons. The commissioning will identify and address issues promptly to ensure that the building continues to meet energy efficiency and sustainability goals during operation.
Support provided by a commissioning team during the first year reduces operation and maintenance costs and maximised the longevity of the systems installed as defects will be identified and rectified earlier. Comprehensive commissioning frameworks also provide training to help building occupants and facilities managers understand how the building works, supports efficient use and allow users to raise issues and provide valuable feedback to further improve their overall experience.
Who:
Lead: Services eng.
Support: Client / owner + Project manager + Cost manager + Façade eng.
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owner[s] of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
Develop a comprehensive testing and commissioning schedule that outlines procedures for initial commissioning as well as ongoing monitoring and adjustments. Align the commissioning scope with energy performance goals and sustainability objectives as well as with the project timeline to integrate commissioning activities seamlessly.
The schedule should monitor building services when they are run at full load (E.g. heating equipment used in winter and cooling/ventilation during summer), and part load conditions and ensure they perform as they are designed to.
The schedule should identify a suitable timescale for commissioning and re-commissioning of all complex and non-complex building services and control systems and for testing and inspecting building fabric. This should be in accordance with appropriate standards such as local building regulations/codes, guidelines published by governing bodies and other appropriate standards as applicable – E.g. BS EN 13187, BS EN ISO 9972.
The following should be covered in the commissioning schedule:
International and regional guidance, case studies and downloadable templates to support this action are provided below.
Resources identified with an asterisk [*] are considered universally applicable:
Australia and New Zealand (Aotearoa)
Australia
New Zealand (Aotearoa)
United Kingdom
Canada
USA
2-07
Confirm embodied carbon targets
What:
Seek client sign-off of the recommended embodied carbon reduction/intensity targets established in the previous stage under action 1-04.
Why:
Establishing embodied carbon targets is essential for reducing the environmental impact of the building's construction. It aligns with sustainability objectives and helps drive the selection of low-carbon materials and construction methods.
Who:
Lead: Carbon manager + LCA specialist
Support: Client / owner + Project manager + Cost manager + Architect + Façade eng. + services eng.
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owner[s] of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
Target approval/sign-off: Meet with the client to discuss the findings and recommendations from the previous stage and any subsequent revisions to them resulting from subsequent updates to national/local regulation or regional guidelines that may be relevant to the project.
If the client isn’t willing to set project specific targets, the design team should continue to track the design’s predicted performance against the recommended target and make every effort to future proof the design to allow for the incorporation of additional energy efficiency measures to meet the target at a later stage.
Refer to action 1-04 for guidance on identifying embodied carbon reduction/intensity targets.
2-08
Evaluate systems, components & materials
What:
Evaluate different options for key building elements – such as foundations, structure, envelope and heating, ventilation and cooling [HVAC] systems – using established 'rules-of-thumb' guidance and comparative life-cycle carbon analysis techniques.
Why:
Material manufacturing sectors such as cement and steel have recently outlined sector-specific decarbonisation pathways. These pathways facilitate the application of science-based targets for companies responsible for producing construction materials and products. Nevertheless, reducing the upfront embodied carbon emissions of buildings must go beyond the decarbonisation of carbon-intensive materials. Strategies to decrease upfront embodied carbon also include:
Carbon hierarchy
Evaluating the life cycle carbon impact of different systems, components, and materials is therefore crucial to enable design teams to make informed decisions that reduce upfront embodied carbon in line with a project’s science-based carbon intensity targets.
Who:
Lead: Architect + Structural eng. + Services eng. + Façade eng.
Support: LCA specialist
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owner[s] of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
Prior to conducting a whole building upfront embodied carbon study – refer to action 2-09 –conduct an embodied carbon life-cycle assessment of key building systems, components, and materials to ensure the lowest carbon options are selected. Evaluate the environmental impact across extraction, manufacturing, transportation phases. Assess the long-term environmental impact and cost-effectiveness of selected strategies, considering embodied carbon and operational energy. Consider the sustainability of materials used in implementing environmental strategies, evaluating their embodied carbon, recyclability, and overall environmental impact.
Scope of analysis: Each element of a building’s design is open to analysis to inform the selection of appropriate systems, components and materials. Arranging the physical and performative characteristics of the building into the following categories can assist in identifying which elements of the buildings design are open to being met by multiple solutions. Items placed in the first two categories are considered constraints on the design, and therefore not variable to be considered in the pursuit reducing embodied carbon. Those identified as semi-subjective, or objective are open to further optioneering and comparative analysis to find the lowest carbon strategy.
The following list provides an overview of the different buildings elements that typically fall under the semi-subjective form of comparative analysis and some of the strategies that can be adopted to minimise their upfront embodied carbon impact: -
Early concept design phase considerations:
Schematic design phase considerations:
Detailed design considerations:
The following performance criteria are often considered alongside embodied and whole-life carbon:
Documentation and reporting: Document the findings of the evaluation process, including the chosen materials, products and their rationale. Clearly communicate the selected strategies to the project team and stakeholders at the end of each project design work stage.
International and regional guidance, case studies and downloadable templates to support this action are provided below.
Resources identified with an asterisk [*] are considered universally applicable:
Carbon Analysis Tools
Guidance
Databases [EPDs / Benchmarking]:
Australia
New Zealand (Aotearoa)
Italy
United Kingdom
Canada
USA
2-09
Set up embodied carbon model [A1-5]
What:
When the design is sufficiently developed, establish a whole building upfront embodied carbon LCA model to quantify the emissions associated with form efficiencies, material choices, products selection and construction operations.
Why:
This is crucial to understand the carbon emissions associated with strategic design decisions, material and product selection and highlight any issues in meeting the project upfront embodied carbon targets and any relevant legislative compliance standards. This in turn allows the design team to make informed decisions during subsequent design and construction work stages.
Who:
Lead: LCA specialist
Support: Architect + Façade eng. + Structural eng. + Services eng.
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owner[s] of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
The following should be considered when setting up an LCA model covering life cycle modules A1-5, as defined under the BS/EN standard 15978:2011 Sustainability of construction works – Assessment of environmental performance of buildings – Calculation method:
BAU baseline design considerations:
International and regional guidance, case studies and downloadable templates to support this action are provided below.
Resources identified with an asterisk [*] are considered universally applicable:
Guidance for setting up a whole building embodied carbon LCA
Databases [EPDs / Benchmarking]:
Australia and New Zealand (Aotearoa)
Australia
New Zealand (Aotearoa)
European Region
Italy
United Kingdom
Canada
USA
2-10
Identify embodied carbon hotspots
What:
Based on the results of the modelling carried out in action 2-09, conduct an assessment to identify specific elements, materials, or processes within the building's design that contribute significantly to embodied carbon emissions – referred to as “hotspots” – and potential measures to negate them.
Why:
Identifying hotspots is essential for prioritising interventions and focusing design team efforts on areas with the most significant impact. This in turn allows for targeted strategies to reduce upfront embodied carbon emissions.
Who:
Lead: LCA specialist
Support: Architect + Façade eng. + Structural eng. + Services eng.
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owner[s] of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
The following steps should be undertaken to identify and mitigate hotspots:
Review: Analysis the result of the upfront embodied carbon life cycle assessment to pinpoint specific components or systems that make the largest contribution.
Prioritise: Rank the items according to the magnitude of their contribution and potential for introducing lower embodied carbon alternatives.
Mitigation strategies: When identifying mitigation measures the following considerations in relation to exclusively new-build developments and those incorporating existing buildings – or parts thereof:
Communication & reporting: Clearly communicate embodied carbon hotspot findings to the project team and stakeholders. Develop a plan for addressing and mitigating these hotspots. Include any strategies to reduce these hotspots in the carbon reduction opportunities tracker. Refer to action 1-05 for guidance on setting up a carbon opportunities tracker and action 2-12 for guidance on how and when to update it.
International and regional guidance, case studies and downloadable templates to support this action are provided below.
Resources identified with an asterisk [*] are considered universally applicable:
Australia and New Zealand (Aotearoa)
Australia
New Zealand (Aotearoa)
United Kingdom
Canada
USA
2-11
Set up whole life carbon assessment [LCA module A-C]
What:
Establish a comprehensive whole-life carbon assessment for the building, considering not only embodied carbon but also operational carbon and end-of-life considerations.
Why:
This holistic approach allows for a thorough understanding of the building's overall carbon impact throughout its life cycle. A whole-life carbon assessment provides a complete picture of a building's carbon impact, allowing for informed decision-making to minimize carbon emissions across all life cycle stages. It aligns with sustainability goals and supports the achievement of carbon reduction targets.
Who:
Lead: LCA Specialist
Support: Architect + Structural eng. + Services eng. + Façade eng.
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owner[s] of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
To expand on the whole building embodied carbon LCA model - completed under action 2-09 - into a whole life carbon [WLC] assessment, encompassing life-cycle stages B, C and D, the following will need to be incorporated:
Stage B [In-use] Modules B1-B5:
Stage C [End-of-Life] Modules C1-C4:
Stage D [Circular and other considerations] Modules D1-2]
Additional Considerations:
International and regional guidance, case studies and downloadable templates to support this action are provided below.
Resources identified with an asterisk [*] are considered universally applicable:
Guidance
Software
Australia and New Zealand (Aotearoa)
Australia
New Zealand (Aotearoa)
European Region
France
Italy
United Kingdom
Canada
USA
2-12
Update reduction opportunities
What:
Review and update the carbon opportunities tracker capturing any new proposals raised along with any associated risks, mitigation measures and follow up studies to be undertaken.
Why:
Maintaining a register of carbon reduction opportunities during each project stage ensures each proposal is given due consideration by the relevant members of the project team and, if appropriate, incorporated into the design.
It also provides a mechanism to revisit proposals that may require further study or funding prior to being incorporated into the design.
Regularly reviewing opportunities also ensures the project remains aligned with the latest advancements in sustainable practices, technologies, and design strategies allowing for the incorporation of new insights and improvements over time.
Who:
Lead: Carbon manager
Support: Architect + Structural eng. + Services eng. + Façade eng. + Cost manager + Project manager.
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owner[s] of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
Evaluation: The tracker should be periodically reviewed by the project team to identify potential reduction opportunities to address any remaining hotspots documented in the updated WLCA. For each new opportunity identified, evaluate their merits, risks and agree any follow up actions prior to deciding on their incorporation into the design.
Future proofing: The design team should make every attempt to future-proof the design to accommodate opportunities during subsequent project stages that could not be incorporated within the current scheme for economic or programmatic reasons.
Reporting requirements: Refer to the project’s carbon management plan for the associated technical and reporting requirements for this work stage.
Refer to action 1-05 for detailed guidance on setting up and maintaining a carbon opportunities tracker.
2-13
Update carbon management plan
What:
Update the carbon management plan [CMP], capturing any changes to the brief and subsequent decisions made in relation to the other actions completed during this stage.
Why:
This is a key document that's purpose is to set out, in clear terms, the client’s expectation in relation to managing and reducing whole life carbon.
To effectively manage carbon across all work stages it is important that the CMP reflects the latest roles, responsibilities, targets, methodologies and reporting requirements. This will ensure that the wider project team understand what they are individually and collectively responsible for doing, why it needs to be done and how to go about it.
Who:
Lead: Carbon manager
Support: Architect + Structural eng. + Services eng. + Façade eng. + Cost manager + Project manager + Client.
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owner[s] of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
At start of this stage the carbon reduction targets should be signed off by the client, methodologies established for operational energy modelling, upfront embodied and whole life carbon assessments.
Hotspots and associated reduction opportunities should also be recorded in the relevant section of the CMP.
Issue the updated CMP to the client for review and sign off.
A template CMP is included in the carbon management toolkit downloadable from the menu above.
Refer to action 0-07 for guidance on setting up and maintaining the CMP.
Stage 3 [Design]
Concept design
Design Development
Construction Documents
Developed Design
ADP & DPC
PFTE
Developed Design
Proyecto Básico
Spatial Coordination
Design
Developed Design
3-01
Review carbon reduction targets
What:
Review and update the carbon reduction targets with the preferred contractor as required.
Why:
Carbon reduction targets should continue to be updated to reflect the latest data, standards, and legislation. National and regional legislation related to whole life carbon are continually being introduced and performance requirements improved over time.
Who:
Lead: Carbon manager + LCA specialist
Support: Architect + Structural eng. + Services eng. + Façade eng.
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owners of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
Review: Discuss the impact of revising the project’s targets resulting from subsequent updates to national and local building/planning code or regional guidelines relevant to the project.
Approval: Relevant project team stakeholder should meet to discuss the impacts of any proposed updated and seek sign-off from the relevant project leads.
Refer to actions 0-06, 1-03 and 1-04 for guidance on setting embodied carbon and energy use intensity targets.
3-02
Refine environmental strategies & systems
What:
Undertake further analysis and discreet simulation modelling to refine the buildings environmental strategies and systems.
Why:
Refinement of the design ensures compliance with the environmental performance specification established to meet the project energy use intensity/reduction target and any relevant legislative compliance standards.
Compliance with the performance specification requires robust envelope detailing and deployment of appropriate HVAC systems to support low energy, thermal and airtightness performance characteristics.
Who:
Lead: Services eng.
Support: Architect + Facade eng.
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owners of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
Refer to action 2-02 for general guidance on scoping out methodologies and criteria to evaluate environmental strategies and systems.
3-03
Mitigate impacts of extreme weather
What:
Assess the risk of weather extremes and identify active and passive mitigation strategies.
Why:
As planetary warming increases, extreme temperature fluctuations and weather events will occur more frequently. This will in turn increase the burden on buildings to provide a pleasant environment for their occupants.
Understanding the site-specific risks, under different climate change scenarios, will enable building designers to develop project specific climate change adaptation and resilience strategies.
Buildings that are optimised for climate change adaptation and resilience will consume less energy and avoid additional embodied carbon emissions associated with increased maintenance, repairs and retrofitting.
Who:
Lead: Services eng.
Support: Architect + Structural eng. + Façade eng.
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owners of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
Adapting to a changing climate necessitates buildings that can transform and endure. The following outlines the main principles for crafting a building that is both adaptable and resilient to climate change:
These principles are interconnected and most effective when applied cohesively. Continuously monitor and evaluate building performance to identify areas for improvement and adaptation as the climate landscape evolves.
International and regional guidance, case studies and downloadable templates to support this action are provided below.
Resources identified with an asterisk [*] are considered universally applicable.
Australia
New Zealand (Aotearoa)
United Kingdom
Canada
USA
3-04
Update operational energy model [B6]
What:
Update the operational energy model [OEM] using the latest documentation to capture any significant design developments.
Why:
Updating the OEM during each work stage is important to increase the accuracy of the predicted annual energy use intensity [EUI] and to ensure the project remains on track to meet its EUI target.
Who:
Lead: Services eng.
Support: Architect + Façade eng.
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owners of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
Establish the requirements for the current project work stage in relation to updating the OEM and reporting findings to the wider project team.
The specific technical requirements should be outlined in the project’s carbon management plan published at the end of the previous work stage.
Refer to action 2-04 for guidance on setting up and maintaining the OEM.
3-05
Update energy use hotspots
What:
Based on the results of the modelling carried out in action 3-04, identify significant energy use hotspots and potential energy efficiency measures to negate them.
Why:
Energy use hotspots are key areas that, when optimized, can contribute significantly to overall energy efficiency. Identifying hotspots allows the design team to focus their efforts on specific areas of the design when developing carbon reduction opportunities.
Who:
Lead: Services eng.
Support: Architect + Façade eng.
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owners of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
Refer to action 2-05 for guidance on identifying operational/in-use energy hotspots.
3-06
Refine systems, components & materials
What:
Undertake further analysis and discrete LCA modelling to refine the selected building systems, components and materials.
Why:
Evaluating the life cycle carbon impact of different systems, components, and materials is crucial for making informed decisions that contribute to lowering the project's environmental impact, embodied carbon targets and any relevant legislative compliance standards.
Who:
Lead: Architect + Structural eng. + Services eng. + Façade eng.
Support: LCA specialist
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owners of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
Refer to action 2-08
for general guidance on scoping out methodologies and criteria to evaluate environmental strategies and systems.
3-07
Update embodied carbon model [A1-5]
What:
Update the upfront embodied carbon LCA model using the latest design documentation to incorporate update quantity estimates, material and product specifications.
Why:
Updating the upfront embodied carbon estimate as the design develops is an important step to ensure its accuracy and measure its performance against the agreed reduction targets.
Each successive update should attempt to reduce the number of assumptions made, increase the accuracy of the material quantities being measured and fill any holes in the product and material data used.
Who:
Lead: LCA specialist
Support: Architect + Structural eng. + Services eng. + Façade eng.
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owners of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
Establish the requirements for the current project work stage in relation to updating the upfront embodied carbon estimate and reporting findings to the wider project team.
Specific requirements should be outlined in the project’s carbon management plan published at the end of the previous work stage.
Refer to action 2-09
for detailed guidance on setting up an upfront embodied carbon model.
3-08
Update embodied carbon hotspots
What:
Based on the results of the modelling carried out in action 3-07, identify significant embodied carbon hotspots and potential measures to negate them.
Why:
Identifying hotspots allows the design team to focus their efforts on specific areas of the design when developing carbon reduction opportunities.
Who:
Lead: LCA specialist
Support: Architect + Structural eng. +Façade eng.
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owners of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
Refer to action 2-10 for guidance on identifying embodied carbon hotspots.
3-09
Update whole-life carbon assessment [A-C]
What:
Update the whole-life carbon assessment [WLCA] using the updated operational [Life-cycle modules B6] and embodied estimates [Life-cycle modules A1-5] and revised assumptions for life-cycle modules B-C.
Why:
An accurate WLCA is important for calculating carbon offsets for the project and publishing to open access databases.
Who:
Lead: LCA specialist
Support: Architect + Structural eng. + Façade eng.
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owners of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
Establish the requirements for the current project work stage in relation to updating the WLCA and reporting findings to the wider project team.
Specific requirements should be outlined in the project’s carbon management plan published at the end of the previous work stage.
Refer to action 2-11
for guidance on selecting a measurement methodology and setting up a WLCA.
3-10
Update reduction opportunities
What:
Review and update the carbon opportunities tracker capturing any new proposals raised along with any associated risks, mitigation measures and follow up studies to be undertaken.
Why:
Maintaining a register of carbon reduction opportunities during each project stage ensures each proposal is given due consideration by the relevant members of the project team and, if appropriate, incorporated into the design.
It also provides a mechanism to revisit proposals that may require further investigation or funding prior to being into the design.
Regularly reviewing and updating the register will ensure the project remains aligned with the latest advancements in sustainable practices, technologies, and design strategies allowing for the incorporation of new insights and improvements over time.
Who:
Lead: Carbon manager
Support: Cost manager + Architect + Structural eng. + Services eng. + LCA specialist + Façade eng.
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owners of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
Review: The tracker should be reviewed by the wider project team to identify potential reduction opportunities to address any remaining hotspots documented in the updated WLCA.
Evaluate: For each new opportunity identified, evaluate their merits, risks and agree any follow up actions prior to deciding on their incorporation into the design.
Future proofing: The design team should make every attempt to future-proof the design to accommodate opportunities during subsequent project stages that could not be incorporated within the current scheme for economic or programmatic reasons.
Reporting requirements: Refer to the project’s carbon management plan for the associated technical and reporting requirements for this work stage.
Refer to action 1-05 for detailed guidance on setting up and maintaining a carbon opportunities tracker.
3-11
Update carbon management plan
What:
Update the carbon management plan [CMP], capturing any changes to the brief and subsequent decisions made in relation to the other actions completed during this stage.
Why:
This is a key document that's purpose is to set out, in clear terms, the client’s expectation in relation to managing and reducing whole life carbon.
To effectively manage carbon across all work stages it is important that the CMP reflects the latest roles, responsibilities, targets, methodologies and reporting requirements. This will ensure that the wider project team understand what they are individually and collectively responsible for doing, why it needs to be done and how to go about it.
Who:
Lead: Carbon manager
Support: Project manager + Cost manager + Architect + Structural eng. + Services eng. + LCA specialist + Façade eng.
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owners of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
At start of this stage the implementation of the CMP should be well underway for the project’s design phase with progress being regularly discussed during design and project team meetings.
The CMP should be updated to provide clarity to tenderers bidding for the main contractor role during the procurement phase and issued to the client for review and sign off prior to the tender documentation being issued.
A template CMP is included in the carbon management toolkit downloadable from the menu above.
Refer to action 0-07 for guidance on setting up and maintaining the CMP.
3-12
Engage potential contractors
What:
Discuss the project scope and targets in relation to whole-life carbon with potential main/general contractors prior to inform the development of documentation to be included in the invitation to tender.
Note: Depending on the specific procurement route adopted for your project, procurement related action may occur earlier or later than work stage 3.
Why:
Evaluating the market’s understanding of the project’s whole life carbon aspirations, and it's capacity to deliver, will inform the development of the procurement strategy and tender documentation
To be able to deliver the project's objectives, it is essential to understand the capabilities and appetite of the market. This will inform the development of the procurement strategy, tender documentation and selection process in order to select a suitably qualified or capable general/main contractor.
Early engagement of contractors at this stage is highly beneficial in efforts to reduce whole life carbon, for example though:
Who:
Lead: Project manager
Support: Carbon manager + Architect + Structural eng. + Services eng. + LCA specialist + Façade eng.
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owners of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
The contractor's responsibilities may also differ from those indicated by the procurement filter. Ownership of action post tender should be outlined clearly in the tender documentation in the form of a carbon responsibilities matrix.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
Engagement with contractors should cover the following:
International and regional guidance, case studies and downloadable templates to support this action are provided below.
Resources identified with an asterisk [*] are considered universally applicable.
Australia
New Zealand (Aotearoa)
European Region
Italy
Spain
United Kingdom
3-13
Engage supply-chain
What:
Engage with potential suppliers to understand their commitments and strategies to decarbonise their operations and ability to provide environmental product declarations [EPDs] for their products and services.
Why:
To be able to deliver the project objectives it is essential to understand the capabilities and appetite of the market. This will inform the development of the procurement strategy, tender documentation and selection process.
Dialogue with suppliers at this stage or earlier will provide an understanding of the ability to meet the project’s performance specification in relation to embodied carbon emissions and identify preferred suppliers for future engagement with the appointed main contractor.
Who:
Lead: Architect + Structural eng. + Services eng. + LCA specialist + Façade eng.
Support: Carbon manager
Use the filters at the bottom of the screen to highlight typical owners of this action and how it relates to the broader carbon management activities that span multiple project work stages.
Those responsible for leading and supporting the completion of this action should be identified in a project specific carbon responsibility matrix. A template matrix is included in the carbon management toolkit.
How:
Key points to discuss with the supply chain:
International and regional guidance, case studies and downloadable templates to support this action are provided below.
Resources identified with an asterisk [*] are considered universally applicable.
Australia
New Zealand (Aotearoa)
