RICS response to EU framework for calculating the global warming potential of new buildings

The European Commission has recently concluded its public consultation on the establishment of an EU framework for calculating the whole life-cycle global warming potential (GWP) of new buildings. This initiative stems from Article 7(3) of the revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), which mandates a standardized approach for assessing the whole life-cycle global warming potential of buildings throughout their entire life cycle.

The framework is designed to ensure comparability of national values for life-cycle GWP, supporting the EU’s wider decarbonisation goals. Under the proposed rules:

• Large new buildings will be required to calculate life-cycle GWP from 2028
• All new buildings will be subject to the requirement from 2030
   

Our position emphasises the importance of a clear and practical framework that supports consistent life-cycle assessments and promotes transparency across EU member states, aligned with the RICS WLCA. We also advocate that the delegated act be aligned with existing international standards, such as IPMS and ICMS, to ensure consistency and comparability across borders.

Our response to the consultation is attached.