Source · Select Committees · Environmental Audit Committee
Recommendation 2
2
Acknowledged
Paragraph: 70
A broad cross-section of the construction industry is willing and able to undertake whole-life carbon...
Conclusion
A broad cross-section of the construction industry is willing and able to undertake whole-life carbon assessments. In the absence of an approved UK national methodology, the RICS Professional Statement on WLC is used as the accepted industry methodology for WLC assessments. Alongside this, various further guidance and software tools have been developed. As a result of the lack of an approved national methodology, the variety of assessment tools and interpretations for WLC that have developed appear to have created inconsistency, have unnecessarily increased the cost of WLC assessments and have led to an uneven playing field in conducting assessments.
Government Response Summary
The government agrees that a standardized method of calculation is required to consistently assess embodied carbon, and will look at whether Government endorsement of specific standards, methodologies or tools for assessing whole life carbon is appropriate.
Paragraph Reference:
70
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The Government agrees with the Committee that to consistently assess embodied carbon at a building-level, a standardised method of calculation is required, supported by a robust evidence base and underpinned by widely adopted product standards. The where they have the right expertise and experience to do so. In that spirit we commend the leadership shown by industry in developing and building confidence around the BS EN 15978 standard, PAS2080 and the RICS Professional Statement for assessing whole life carbon in the built environment. We also recognise calls from stakeholders that WLCA in the built environment will benefit from the creation of a level playing-field and we will look at whether Government endorsement of specific standards, methodologies or tools for assessing whole life carbon is appropriate.