Current projects
Embodied and whole-life carbon
ROADMAP GOAL
Production and construction that achieves net zero embodied carbon
Purpose
Develop an industry-led proposal for reducing embodied and whole-life carbon in new homes.
Context
Government is considering a regulated approach to embodied and whole-life carbon, and will publish a consultation in 2023. The Hub has brought together stakeholders from across the industry to determine how mainstream measurement and reduction of whole life carbon could be achieved and to propose a roadmap for its implementation.
By collaborating with developers, designers, the supply chain and policy makers, the Hub can support the uptake of whole life carbon measures and disclosure by developers, while identifying and addressing challenges on supply chain, skills, design and construction.
Phase 1
Supported by Verco, a first phase of work during 2022 was to agree an industry led implementation plan for embodied and whole life carbon.
- Establish an initial baseline for whole life carbon in new homes based on existing assessments carried out
- Evaluate the potential to reduce embodied and whole life carbon based on comparative assessment of options for a typical house
- Propose the framework of measurement suitable for new build housing developments and associated site-level infrastructure
- Develop a roadmap and implementation plan to support industry-wide reduction in whole life carbon.
The implementation plan is available to read here.
Phase 2 - Planned projects and outputs
The Hub is now bringing all key partners together to help coordinate delivery of the implementation plan. The priorities are:
- Develop a simplified measurement approach and tool for new homes; and any supporting datasets that will be required.
- Encourage voluntary measurement and disclosure of upfront and whole life carbon assessments from developers – at both an individual home design level and whole development project site level.
- Share benchmarks for current practice and identify the pathway to setting industry supported targets for voluntary uptake prior to potential introduction of regulation.
- Continued research into options to reduce whole life carbon, including the operational vs. embodied carbon balance for improved fabric and services options likely to be required to meet Future Homes Standard.
- Engage with manufacturers and the supply chain to ensure that EPDs and relevant default assumptions are increasingly available to support mainstream disclosure.
Priority for 2023-4: Development of a simple tool and method
Why are we doing this?
• Provide a simple to use, accessible, free of charge tool for homebuilders to calculate WLC and consider options for improving, particularly at early design stages.
• Drive consistency of WLC assessment outputs by agreeing the assumptions and conventions relevant for new homes sector.
• Moving towards mainstream measurement and disclosure – building awareness and engaging the mass market.
Supported by Elliot Wood and FCB Studios, the Hub has consulted with SME home builders, medium and large homebuilders and manufacturers / supply chain partners to agree the scope and priorities for the tool and method. The briefing note is available to read here.
Working groups comprised of developers, manufacturers and whole life carbon experts have been convened to identify the background data sources and tables needed to feed into the tool and method and identify the assumptions and conventions for new homes. Thanks to all those who volunteer their time.
Supported by WSP, the Hub will be developing the first version of the simple tool to be launched to members by March 2024. Further versions will follow, adding more functionality over time.
Timescales
Participants
The Whole Life Carbon Steering Group, chaired by Brian Johnson of Cala Homes, meets every three months to share progress and take input.
Working groups comprised of developers, manufacturers and whole life carbon experts have been convened to identify the background data sources and tables needed to feed into the tool and method and identify the assumptions and conventions for new homes.
Thanks to all those who volunteer their time in the working groups:
Homebuilders:
Barratt Developments
Bellway Homes
Berkeley Homes
C G Fry and Son
Cala Group
Churchill Retirement
Crest Nicholson
Latimer (Clarion)
Places for People
Taylor Wimpey
VerdeGO
For participants in Phase 1, please see the implementation plan linked in Phase 1 section above.
Wider industry and suppliers:
AES
Arup
BLP Technical Services (UK)
BRE
Building Alliance
Cerclos
Construction Carbon
Elmhurst
FCB Studios
GCP Architects
H+H
Ibstock
Insulation Manufacturers Association
IStructE
Lifecycle Sustainability
Mineral Products Association
P+HS
RICS (BECD)
Ridge
Solar Energy UK
Travis Perkins
UKGBC
University of Lincoln
Verco
How do I find out more?
Please email us at admin@futurehomes.org.uk if you would like to get involved.