Representatives from the construction sector met in Brussels on 26 February 2026 to launch the Whole Life Carbon Forum, a new platform focused on applying whole‑life carbon principles in buildings.
On 26 February 2026, the European Builders Confederation (EBC) took part in the inaugural meeting of the Whole Life Carbon (WLC) Forum for Buildings in Brussels. The gathering was organised by the European Insulation Manufacturers Association (EURIMA) and brought together actors from across the construction value chain to discuss the practical implementation of whole‑life carbon approaches in buildings.
Discussions focused on the Forum’s structure, objectives, and work programme, with particular attention to the requirements introduced by the recast Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD). Participants examined coordination gaps, methodological challenges, and the risk of diverging national practices when applying WLC assessments. EBC highlighted the need for frameworks that can be applied by companies of different sizes, including micro‑enterprises.
The meeting also addressed how whole‑life carbon methods can support energy‑efficiency objectives by considering both operational and embodied emissions throughout a building’s lifespan. This approach aims to complement existing energy‑performance measures and contribute to more consistent carbon accounting across the sector.
The launch of the WLC Forum marks a step towards coordinated work on whole‑life carbon in buildings, linking energy‑efficiency goals with broader carbon‑reduction strategies and supporting the implementation of EPBD provisions across the construction value chain.
