Government-commissioned research highlights need for embodied carbon regulation
The UK government’s recent report on embodied carbon in new buildings marks a significant step forward in recognising the urgent need for national regulation. The real estate and construction sectors have long called for consistent, centralised action to address the emissions associated with the production and use of materials – emissions that account for at least 10% of the UK’s built environment footprint.
The report – Consideration of embodied carbon in new buildings – outlines several key areas where progress is needed:
Clear definitions and consistent metrics to support reliable and comparable measurement.
Improved data quality and transparency, particularly in early design stages where decisions have the greatest impact.
Upskilling across the sector, ensuring professionals are equipped to deliver low-carbon solutions.
Policy alignment, to avoid duplication and confusion across local and national levels.
The report outlines the steps needed to be taken to unlock solutions in each of these areas. Across all of them, regulation would accelerate progress. The need for national policy is not just implied; it’s now evidenced.
One of the clearest examples of this need comes from local planning authorities. A recent study by the University of Sheffield reviewed over 4,000 planning documents and found inconsistent approaches to embodied carbon. While a unified framework exists through the RICS Professional Standard Whole life carbon assessment (WLCA) for the built environment, built on by the publication of the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard (NZCBS), currently the scopes, definitions, and reporting requirements applied vary between projects – creating confusion and inefficiency across the industry. Regulations would bring clear national consistency, reducing this burden, saving time and money while improving outcomes. It would also avoid the risk of “gaming” between Local Planning Authorities that could lead to widespread unforeseen consequences.
Meanwhile, industry momentum continues to build. The widespread support for Part Z demonstrates a clear appetite for regulation. The RICS Professional Standard provides the detailed methodology and structure for WLC assessments, the NZCBS offers a practical, industry-led framework for measuring and reducing both operational and embodied carbon. A study by the Part Z team on the NZCBS demonstrates the magnitude of the embodied carbon problem in a best-practice building built today. These initiatives all demonstrate that the sector needs – and is ready for – embodied carbon regulation.
This readiness is echoed by homebuilders. The Future Homes Conference 2024 survey found that the majority of respondents identified government regulation of embodied carbon as a priority. With the government’s target of 1.5 million new homes, this insight is particularly timely.
Embodied carbon is responsible for around 10% of the UK’s consumption-based carbon footprint, and half of the lifetime emissions of a new home. Without regulation, these figures will rise as operational carbon continues to decline with technological developments, efficiency gains and grid decarbonisation.
When Part L was introduced, comparable conditions existed in terms of the measurement, data availability, skills and policy alignment for measuring and limiting energy consumption in buildings. This did not stop its introduction into legislation and the further required progress being made. Introducing embodied carbon regulation will enable the UK to unify decarbonisation efforts, anchor them in consistent standards, and accelerate progress toward net zero.
This latest government research makes the case for regulation clearer than ever. The challenges are known. The solutions are ready. What’s needed now is policy – to turn momentum into measurable impact.
