Sustainability

Embodied Carbon Calculation, Assessment & Guidance

Sustainability, ESG & Social Value Consultancy

Embodied Carbon Calculation, Assessment & Guidance

Buildings are the source of 39% of global carbon emissions and are therefore a key focus of efforts to limit global warming to 1.5ºC and achieve net zero goals. The drive for decarbonisation in the built environment will increasingly need to focus on embodied carbon emissions as these are expected to account for 50% of all emissions in new construction up until 2050.

In response to this growing demand, we have developed an embodied carbon calculation service. Through clear, actionable guidance based on robust data, we will help you to meet carbon reduction targets, deliver on your sustainability responsibilities, and address reporting and risk requirements to achieve compliance and financial benefits.



Cut embodied carbon, cut costs

Low-carbon materials can reduce energy consumption and operational and maintenance costs, improving the viability of new construction projects. By integrating embodied carbon assessments into the selection of building materials, our consultants can help you to make better decisions that balance environmental impact with budgetary constraints but without compromising design aesthetics or structural integrity. We can also incorporate embodied carbon analysis into whole life costing and carbon assessments, providing you with insights into the long-term sustainability and environmental performance of a building, and allowing you to make informed decisions on maintenance, renovation and demolition.

Achieve compliance and reduce risk

You may need to report embodied carbon to comply with local/national regulation and standards and avoid penalties or legal repercussions. Equipped with our guidance and our trusted and independent global data, project managers can set specific targets for carbon reduction and monitor progress and performance to keep projects on track. The consideration of embodied carbon early in projects will reduce risk by future-proofing projects against potential regulatory changes, market shifts, and supply chain disruptions relating to carbon emissions.

Improve competitive advantage

The reporting of embodied carbon data can provide competitive advantage by attracting environmentally-conscious investors and customers. It also demonstrates a firm commitment to sustainability and corporate social responsibility, enhancing an organisation’s reputation in the marketplace. Embodied carbon reporting can also help to achieve credits for green building accreditations, such as BREEAM, which will improve a developer’s public image, increase a property’s value and rent prices, and reduce operational and maintenance costs.

Implement an integrated net zero strategy

Our approach to calculating embodied carbon follows global methodologies, and is applicable to all regions, sectors and projects. Our carbon calculations follow the RICS WLCA V2 methodology, ensuring robust standardised approach across our global regions. The service complements and strengthens our existing carbon quantification and decarbonisation services, as well as our world-class expertise in cost management, project management and built asset consultancy. This gives us the capability to develop and implement an integrated net zero strategy that is tailor-made to meet the bespoke requirements of your organisation.

Value & Impact

How we’ve helped others meet their challenges

UNITED KINGDOM

NET ZERO RETAIL FIT-OUT

Guiding NatWest towards net zero


We developed a strategic roadmap for achieving net zero carbon across the retail estate of NatWest, one of the UK’s biggest banks. Our approach, which embedded sustainability into NatWest’s branch refurbishment programme, has already delivered significant carbon reductions, setting a new standard for sustainability in the retail banking sector.

“The RLB sustainability team showed us what holistic good practice looks like when it came to a roadmap towards target net zero. Their knowledge of sustainability within the built environment is very strong, and their innovative approaches have set the bar for our sustainable fit-out practices going forward.”

Andrew Taylor

Design Manager, Retail Design, People and Transformation, NatWest Group

SUSTAINABILITY

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FURTHER INFORMATION

Heather Evans
Heather Evans

Partner – National Head of Sustainability