What Is Carbon Reporting?
Carbon reporting in construction refers to measuring and disclosing the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with a project. This includes both operational carbon (emissions from energy used once the building is in use) and embodied carbon (emissions from materials and construction processes).
Who Needs to Report?
For public sector projects, carbon assessments are increasingly mandated. The UK Government’s Construction Playbook and Net Zero Estate Plan both require carbon reporting at design and delivery stages. Local authorities and major clients like HS2 and Network Rail also enforce reporting in line with PAS 2080 — the key carbon management standard in infrastructure.
In the private sector, reporting is becoming standard practice, especially for developers seeking planning permission in cities like London, where embodied carbon assessments are now part of the Greater London Authority’s planning policy.
What Needs to Be Reported?
Typically, reports must include:
- A Whole Life Carbon Assessment (WLCA), covering all project stages (A1–C4 under the RICS methodology).
- A baseline comparison, to show how the proposed design reduces carbon relative to a “business as usual” scenario.
- Evidence of carbon reduction strategies, such as using low-carbon materials, improving design efficiency, or adopting modern methods of construction.
Tools and Frameworks
Key standards and tools include:
- RICS Whole Life Carbon Assessment methodology (2nd edition, 2023)
- PAS 2080:2023 for infrastructure projects
- OneClick LCA, IES, and other modeling software for assessment
Final Word
If you’re involved in UK construction — whether as a client, contractor, designer, or consultant — carbon reporting is becoming part of the job. It’s not just about compliance; it’s about staying competitive in a market that’s shifting fast toward sustainability.