The EU has taken a decisive step towards integrating embodied carbon into building regulation. A new common framework seeks to harmonise the calculation of climate impact throughout the entire life cycle of new buildings.
The European Commission has adopted a delegated regulation establishing the common framework for calculating the life-cycle global warming potential of new buildings, developing one of the most innovative elements of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD). The aim is to ensure that Member States use comparable and transparent methodologies to assess emissions associated not only with the use of buildings, but also with materials, construction processes, maintenance, replacements and end-of-life stages.
The regulation is based on recognised international standards and defines common criteria for data quality, the reference study period, the boundaries of the assessment, and the presentation of results in energy performance certificates. It also establishes a hierarchy of data sources and a minimum scope of building elements and technical systems that must be included in the calculations.
Beyond its methodological dimension, the regulation represents a strategic advance in incorporating embodied carbon into decision-making across the construction sector. By facilitating comparability between projects and products, the new framework lays the foundations for promoting lower-carbon materials and supporting the transition towards buildings aligned with Europe’s climate neutrality objectives.
