This new resource offers a step-by-step for investors to consider whole life carbon emissions in net zero portfolios and decarbonisation strategies. It supports the popular Net Zero Investment Framework (NZIF) as well as other target-setting methodologies.
The first section outlines detailed methodologies and guidelines for assessing whole life carbon (WLC) emissions in the property lifecycle, including at production, construction, in-use and end-of-life stages, drawing on industry standards and an evolving regulatory landscape.
The second section provides guidance on the internal processes investors can implement at different elements within the lifecycle to embed and standardise a WLC approach, including seven challenges to watch out for and rules to overcome them.
The real estate sector has one of the largest sectoral energy and carbon footprints, representing 37% of energy and process-related CO2 emissions and more than 34% of energy demand globally. Construction is also set to increase in the coming years to accommodate rising populations and improved living standards, particularly in developing economies.
This means that a more sustainable approach across the life cycle of a building, from construction materials to the in-life and end-of-life, is vital to achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement.