New framework to help reduce and manage carbon emissions launched by UKGBC

Learn more about our latest report on whole life carbon minimisation in the built environment.

The Whole Life Carbon (WLC) Framework aims to support low-carbon decision-making across a building’s life cycle, while also helping to guide projects toward net-zero aligned outcomes.

The free resource outlines practical approaches and options to minimising whole life carbon- the sum of all greenhouse gas emissions associated with a building, from material extraction and construction, through its use, to demolition and disposal – from early design through to operation and end-of-life.

It also promotes clearer accountability, improved whole life carbon assessment and disclosure across projects and portfolios.

Building on the Net Zero Carbon Framework Definition, which was launched by UKGBC in 2019, the updated WLC Framework sets out update provides guiding principles and actions to help organisations minimise whole life carbon and manage residual emissions.

Designed to be approachable and accessible, the WLC Framework consists of four overarching principles and four delivery principles, supported by sub-principles and life-cycle based actions to implement at each stage of a building project.

Industry bodies previously used UKGBC’s the 2019 framework, and related other tools, to support development of the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard (NZCBS), which was launched in February and sets out a science-led methodology for defining and demonstrating net zero carbon alignment.

The new and updated WLCF can be used alongside the UK NZCBS and other industry methods and standards, acting as a practical serving as a reference tool for built environment professionals, including; developers, owners and operators, designers, consultants, contractors, supply Property and facilities managers, product manufacturers and local planning authorities.

Yetunde Abdul, Director of Industry Transformation at UKGBC, said:

Reducing whole life carbon emissions is essential to creating a more resilient and future-ready built environment. As expectations around sustainability and carbon performance continue to grow, organisations need practical tools that support consistent and informed decision-making across the full life cycle of buildings.

This updated framework is designed to help drive industry-wide action by supporting better design making, strengthening accountability and embedding whole life carbon thinking into projects from the outset.”

Philippa Birch-Wood, Head of Climate Action at UKGBC, said:

Whole life carbon must become a core consideration in every building project if the sector is serious about delivering net zero. This updated framework provides practical guidance to help organisations reduce emissions, strengthen accountability and make better carbon decisions from the earliest stages of development.

Designed to complement initiatives such as the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard, the framework will help organisations improve assessment, reporting and disclosure practices while supporting the transition to net-zero aligned buildings.”

Download the framework here

Advancing Net Zero

Created in 2018 as part of a World Green Building Council former global Advancing Net Zero programme, UKGBC’s Advancing Net Zero programme has a mission to lead the UK’s transition to a net zero built environment. It has produced leading guidance such as the Net Zero Carbon Buildings Framework and the Net Zero Whole Life Carbon Roadmap, whilst working with organisations and experts across the industry.