**London**: A recent study reveals that choosing lower carbon-emitting building materials could reduce emissions by over a third. Conducted by One Click LCA, the report highlights the critical role of Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) and Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) in the construction industry.
A recent study highlights that selecting lower carbon-emitting products within a building’s material portfolio could lead to a decrease in emissions of more than one-third. This finding is part of the 2025 Carbon Experts Report from One Click LCA, a sustainability software platform that surveyed 150 architects, engineers, and construction (AEC) professionals internationally, with a significant concentration from Europe, the UK and Ireland, and a 10 per cent representation from North America.
The report indicates a notable carbon reduction potential, with over 60 per cent of AEC respondents projecting at least a 10 per cent reduction in embodied carbon through the application of Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs). A third of these professionals anticipate reductions exceeding 20 per cent. Moreover, 31 per cent of respondents have reportedly achieved carbon reductions of up to 20 per cent, while 23 per cent have realised reductions of up to 30 per cent through the implementation of LCA. The findings also suggest that Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) significantly influence material purchasing decisions, particularly in Europe and the UK and Ireland.
According to Matt Reading, Gensler’s European Sustainability Lead, “Builders, architects, and developers must understand the carbon profiles of materials to make informed decisions.” He emphasised that “EPDs offer reliable data to assess material impacts, allowing project teams to compare and select low-carbon options effectively.”
Despite the reported potential for emissions reduction, challenges remain in the form of inconsistent life cycle assessment practices and a shortage of manufacturer EPDs. The study reveals that variations in national and local regulations, along with a lack of coherent policies, hinder the establishment of consistent carbon reduction strategies across different projects and regions. While Europe progresses with initiatives such as the revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directive and the Construction Products Regulation, other regions face obstacles in policy development.
Panu Pasanen, founder and CEO of One Click LCA, pointed out that the current fragmentation presents significant hurdles for decarbonisation efforts, but also offers opportunities for industry collaboration and knowledge sharing. “We hope these findings serve as a call to action for the industry and regulators,” he stated, adding that the industry is at a pivotal point where technology, market demand, and regulatory frameworks are converging to foster sustainable practices in construction.
The report notes that many manufacturers view EPDs as critical for their competitive edge and long-term viability. However, over 80 per cent of these manufacturers face challenges related to the high costs, complexity, and technical requirements of producing EPD data and obtaining third-party verification. A lack of training further compounds these challenges, leading to fragmented data which complicates the adoption of LCA and EPD practices between suppliers and buyers.
AEC professionals highlighted that the absence and variable quality of EPDs create significant barriers to broader adoption within the industry; all respondents from North America identified this as a critical limitation. The report also indicates that manufacturers have cited data gaps in material categories such as cements and binders, which are essential for effective decision-making. Systems involving mixed materials, such as mechanical, electrical, and plumbing components, require comprehensive data to facilitate accurate life cycle assessments.
Thirty-six per cent of manufacturers reported a necessity for improved product data across various material categories, indicating widespread systemic issues that extend throughout the supply chain and are not just confined to isolated materials. It was suggested that addressing these data gaps collectively could lead to enhanced transparency and innovation within sustainable construction practices.
The regulatory landscape appears to be another significant impediment to both supply and demand. As manufacturers navigate compliance uncertainties, AEC professionals often lack a unified framework for mandating EPDs in procurement processes. Disparities in policy development across regions add to the challenge of standardisation, complicating the wider implementation of LCAs.
To advance municipal and regional initiatives, the report proposes leveraging public procurement strategies, such as those implemented in Vancouver and New York, which focus on prioritising low-embodied carbon materials. Moreover, it suggests expanding local benchmarks and embodied carbon targets to establish a more cohesive national policy framework.
To stimulate industry compliance and encourage innovation, the report recommends that building permits be linked to carbon reporting practices. Additionally, expanding financial incentives for manufacturers producing EPDs for verified low-carbon materials could alleviate some cost burdens. The promotion of digital tools and automation for EPD creation is highlighted as a potential measure to aid manufacturers in managing the complexities involved in these processes. Manufacturers have also identified LCA automation and software tools as significant time-savers, alongside improved knowledge-sharing opportunities and a better-trained workforce in LCA methodologies.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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