When I sat down with Megan Foster, a prominent figure in sustainable architecture, I knew the conversation would be both enlightening and thought-provoking. Megan has been at the forefront of implementing the Whole Life Carbon Assessment for the Built Environment, a standard outlined by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) in their 2nd edition of the Professional Standard. Our meeting took place in a cosy corner of her eco-friendly office, where natural light flooded through large windows, and every piece of furniture seemed to tell a story of sustainability.
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“The importance of Whole Life Carbon Assessment can’t be overstated,” Megan began, her eyes lighting up with passion. “It’s about understanding and mitigating the carbon impact of buildings throughout their entire lifecycle—from the extraction of raw materials to demolition and waste processing. The 2nd edition by RICS has really set the stage for more comprehensive and accessible guidelines.”
As Megan explained, the construction industry has historically been a significant contributor to global carbon emissions. “Buildings account for nearly 40% of global carbon emissions,” she pointed out. “It’s crucial that we address this if we are to meet our climate goals.”
One of the key aspects of the Whole Life Carbon Assessment is its holistic approach. “Previously, we focused primarily on the operational carbon emissions—things like heating, cooling, and electricity use,” Megan said. “But the new standard urges us to consider embodied carbon too. That’s the carbon emitted during the production of materials, construction processes, and even the end-of-life phase of a building.”
I asked Megan about the challenges and opportunities that come with this comprehensive assessment. She took a moment to reflect before answering. “One of the main challenges is data collection. You need accurate data on every material and process involved, which can be daunting. However, the opportunities it presents are immense. By understanding the full carbon impact, we can make more informed decisions and innovate in ways that significantly reduce emissions.”
Megan shared an example from a recent project—a commercial office building in central London. “We used the Whole Life Carbon Assessment right from the design phase,” she recounted. “It was fascinating to see how small changes in material choice and construction methods could lead to substantial carbon savings. For instance, opting for recycled steel instead of new steel reduced the embodied carbon by nearly 30%.”
“But it’s not just about materials,” she continued. “We also looked at the building’s design to maximise natural light and ventilation, reducing the need for artificial lighting and air conditioning. The result was a building that not only had a lower carbon footprint but was also more pleasant to work in.”
Megan’s enthusiasm was palpable as she described the collaborative nature of these projects. “It’s a team effort,” she said. “Architects, engineers, contractors, and clients all need to be on the same page. The RICS standard provides a common framework that everyone can follow, which is incredibly helpful.”
I was curious about how the assessment is being received by clients and the broader industry. Megan smiled, a hint of optimism in her expression. “There’s definitely a growing awareness and demand for sustainable buildings,” she noted. “Clients are increasingly looking for ways to reduce their environmental impact, and the Whole Life Carbon Assessment gives them a clear, quantifiable way to do that. Of course, there’s still a lot of education and advocacy needed, but we’re moving in the right direction.”
She paused, then added, “One of the great things about the RICS standard is that it’s not just for new buildings. It can also be applied to existing structures, which is crucial because a significant portion of our building stock is already in place. Retrofitting and refurbishing these buildings to reduce their carbon footprint is just as important.”
As our conversation drew to a close, I asked Megan what she saw as the future of sustainable construction. Her answer was both hopeful and pragmatic. “I think we’re going to see a lot more integration of technology and data analytics in the construction process,” she predicted. “Things like Building Information Modelling (BIM) and digital twins can provide real-time insights into a building’s performance and carbon impact. This will help us make smarter, more sustainable choices.”
“But beyond technology, it’s about a shift in mindset,” Megan concluded. “We need to start seeing buildings not just as static structures but as dynamic entities that interact with their environment. The Whole Life Carbon Assessment is a step in that direction. It encourages us to think long-term and consider the broader implications of our design and construction choices. Ultimately, it’s about building a sustainable future for everyone.”
As I left Megan’s office, I couldn’t help but feel inspired by her vision and dedication. The Whole Life Carbon Assessment for the Built Environment may be a complex and challenging undertaking, but with passionate advocates like Megan leading the way, the construction industry is well on its way to a more sustainable future.
Kenneth George
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