Spain unveils its first whole-life carbon baseline for buildings, combining synthetic and real data to guide future decarbonisation policies. The INDICATE project offers a flexible methodology to support regulation, innovation, and sustainable construction.
Spain has taken a significant step towards decarbonising its construction sector with the publication of its first whole-life carbon baseline for buildings. The INDICATE-Spain project, led by the Green Building Council España and the University of Seville, combines synthetic and real data to establish reference values for carbon emissions across the entire life cycle of residential and office buildings. This initiative aligns with the European Energy Performance of Buildings Directive and anticipates its early implementation in Spain by 2026.
The methodology developed is both transparent and adaptable, allowing for future refinement as official standards evolve. Synthetic cases, based on parametric BIM models and validated assumptions, offer harmonised data across various building typologies, seismic zones, and climate conditions. Real cases, contributed by industry collaborators, provide a diverse sample of existing practices. Together, these datasets reveal the impact of design choices, construction methods, and material selection on carbon emissions, with particular emphasis on the product and replacement stages.
The report highlights the urgent need for a harmonised national LCA methodology and a default environmental data repository. It recommends the use of multiple indicators—per square metre, per capita, and per heated area—to better reflect building performance. It also calls for the integration of life cycle assessment into early design stages, the promotion of Environmental Product Declarations, and the adoption of circular economy principles to retain resource value and reduce embodied carbon.
Ultimately, the INDICATE-Spain project serves as both a baseline and a flexible testing tool for future decarbonisation policies. It encourages collaboration across the value chain and positions Spain as a proactive leader in sustainable construction. The findings underscore the importance of data-driven decision-making, public sector leadership, and sector-wide training to meet climate targets while addressing housing needs within planetary boundaries.
