KJ Tait

Upon the implementation of the latest London Plan with its stipulation to calculate the Whole Life Cycle Carbon emissions for Referable Schemes, we were early exponents of completing these assessments using guidance contained within RICS Whole Life Cycle Carbon Assessment for the Built Environment and using OneClick LCA for 81-103 Kings Road. Although the building is still to receive planning approval, we did incorporate a number of measures that would reduce the environmental impacts if and when the building does get planning approval. This included a reduction in carbon emissions from using 60% GGBS concrete, using recycled steel and sizing HVAC systems appropriately through our thermal modelling results.

The requirement to complete a Whole Life Cycle Carbon assessment is not confined to the early stages of projects, we are now instructed to assess a scheme post construction to verify that the scheme has achieved the required standard. This will mean assessing all of the Contractor’s documentation to as to where materials were actually resourced from.

BREEAM is also becoming a significant driver for calculating and reducing carbon emissions with additional credits available for calculating this out and looking at alternatives. BREEAM New Construction 2018 really delves into the alternatives for construction with requirements to look at timber framed via steel framed for example. This requirement really helps the design team to focus on producing a low carbon design.