Tracking carbon through construction: translating policy into outcomes
Construction decisions made now will shape climate trajectories. Attention is shifting from grid decarbonisation and building operations to the choices made before and during delivery. With increasing scrutiny from planning, procurement and finance, projects need clear embodied carbon measurement. The most reliable route is to make carbon visible at the start and keep it visible through delivery.
“Carbon is a design, procurement and finance question. Treat it like cost and time. Set a clear budget early, give each package owner accountability, place evidence at the point of decision and carry requirements into contracts. With systematic parameters we are helping clients navigate policy signals and reach best practice.”
– Younha Rhee, Director, Sustainability and Environmental Design
Translating policy into outcomes
Atelier Ten has developed a methodology to help clients test options early and select a direction with clear evidence. A pre redevelopment audit compares retention options against new build on a like for like basis. Scenarios test different levels of retention and interventions to structure, facade, services and
finishes, then compare whole life trajectories.
A common outcome is that full retention is not always the lowest carbon option over the asset life. Often, targeted renewal of facade and services outperforms a light refresh that leaves poor fabric and plant in place. Crucially, our analysis happens before design so clients can make an informed choice about the degree of retention.
Once a direction is set, the approach shifts to accountability and visibility. Embodied carbon often falls between the cracks because ownership is unclear. Assigning transparent targets to the superstructure, substructure, façade, MEP and site works brings accountability to the people making day-to-day decisions.
A baseline is established, and a roadmap is built using an interactive optimisation waterfall. Measures are organised in one place and can be sorted by cost band, by whether they are design, specification or construction moves, by responsible party, by package, by programme effect and by design stage. The tool makes priorities clear and shows which decisions must be taken when. A combined view brings carbon impact together with cost and programme so clients and teams can see trade-offs in a single glance and approve budgets for higher effort items with confidence.
Assigning a carbon budget
Procurement mirrors the plan. Specifications call for product specific EPDs so the budget is reflected in real products rather than generic assumptions. During tender, the team weighs carbon, cost, availability and programme in one view. This creates a feedback loop with suppliers and encourages innovation.
During construction, site teams understand targets and their role. Change control shows how substitutions affect outcomes. Designers, contractors and clients see the same dashboard so decisions are clear and timely.
Snapshot of global regulatory landscape
In the United Kingdom, planning authorities ask major projects to submit whole life carbon assessments and to show a credible path to reduction. A national standard for net zero buildings is in pilot and already shaping briefs, lender conversations and due diligence. These steps create a common language and an expectation that numbers are measured and verified.
Advocacy is reinforcing these moves. For the UK, organizations like LETI and RIBA provide reference points for what good looks like. Industry commitments such as SE 2050 and MEP 2040 have tasked structural and services teams to set targets, request product data and report progress. These frameworks shape expectations in briefs, contracts and finance.
Across North America, progress is led by states and cities. California has embodied carbon requirements in code for large non-residential projects and state procurement sets limits for key materials. New York, Colorado and Washington are moving in the same direction for public works through buy clean policies and EPDs. City specifications and private portfolio standards are following.
In Australia, the Sustainable Buildings State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) puts embodied emissions on the table for major projects and signals tighter rules ahead. NABERS and Green Star support tracking and earlier lower carbon material choices.
Carbon tracking in practice
- Space House, London: A complex listed retrofit with an all-electric strategy, operable windows for mixed mode, high performance glazing, exposed slabs for thermal mass and efficient air handling with heat recovery. A reuse first approach retained most structure and finishes, and independent certifications confirm outcomes.
- Belgrove House, London: Life sciences facility with whole life carbon assessment embedded across the project lifecycle.
- 300 Kansas Street, San Francisco: Embodied carbon reductions through concrete and steel choices, with residuals addressed to pursue Zero Carbon certification.
What this means for clients
The best outcomes are achieved when all parties are aligned. The tracking tool provides a place to measure options and attach credible figures. Client appetite is growing, driven by developer commitments and tenant expectations, but many still need a clear route from ambition to delivery. If you would like help to apply this approach, we can run a short diagnostic that maps your targets to the most relevant rules and benchmarks and sets the package budgets that will guide design and procurement.