Updated framework for managing carbon emissions from the built environment
The UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) has outlined practical approaches.
The Whole Life Carbon Framework (WLCF) aims to support low-carbon decision-making while helping to guide projects towards net-zero-aligned outcomes.
The free resource outlines practical approaches to minimising whole-life carbon, defined as the sum of all greenhouse gas emissions associated with a building, from material extraction and construction, through operation, demolition and disposal.
It also encourages clearer accountability, as well as improved whole-life carbon assessments and disclosure across projects and portfolios.
The WLCF builds on UKGBC’s Net Zero Carbon Framework Definition (NZCFD) launched in 2019.
Designed to be approachable and accessible, it consists of four overarching principles and four delivery principles, supported by sub-principles and lifecycle-based actions to implement at each stage of a building project.
The UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard (NZCBS), launched in February is based on the NZCFD and other related tools, setting out a science-led methodology for defining and demonstrating net-zero carbon alignment.
Now, the updated WLCF joins the NZCFD, NZCBS and other industry standards as a reference tool for built environment professionals.
