Training Course

Global Certificate in Whole Life Carbon Assessment (2026 Edition)

140 hours structured CPD

Continuing Professional Development for RICS members

Upcoming Start Dates

10 April 2026
07 August 2026
04 December 2026

Online

From £1982 + VAT

Course overview

This training programme provides a comprehensive introduction to the principles and practical application of the RICS Whole Life Carbon Assessment (WLCA) professional standard, 2nd edition, which covers all aspects of the international standards [ISO] for assessing whole life carbon across the built environment.

This course is designed for built environment professionals involved in, or supporting, the assessment, management or interpretation of whole life carbon, including surveyors, engineers, consultants, project managers, cost professionals, and sustainability specialists. It is aimed at professionals seeking a robust and applied understanding of whole life carbon assessment and covers core methodology, terminology, and the step-by-step process for assessing carbon impacts across the full life cycle of built assets.

Throughout the programme, learners engage with non-graded case studies to consolidate learning and develop practical capability in applying WLCA principles. The End-Point Assessment (EPA) consists of an online multiple-choice assessment. On successful completion, delegates receive a Certificate of Course Completion, recognising their training in whole life carbon assessment.

Course structure

The course consists of eight modules:

Introduction to the WLCA standard
Framework for conducting WLCAs
Product stages (A1 to A3)
End-of-life stage (C1 to C4)
Pre-construction (A0) and construction stage (A4 to A5)
In-use stage (B1 to B8)
Beyond the asset (D1 to D2)
Production of the WLCA report

In each module, you have access to eLearning, reading, case study and a quiz. You also have access to a discussion forum and live online consolidation sessions, where a tutor will take you through the module, case study and any elements of learning which require further understanding.

Each module is designed to take approximately one month to complete and is released monthly so that all participants progress together. Learners are then given an additional two months to complete the final end-point assessment and any outstanding work. After this period, access to course materials will end.

Your tutor

The tutor for the course is an experienced whole life carbon assessor who has applied the RICS WLCA professional standard (2nd edition) in practice and contributed to the development of the course. They have also contributed to the professional standard itself, either as a working group member or reviewer. The tutor provides practical insight, answers applied questions and supports learners in developing professional competence as carbon assessors.

Learners who complete the course receive a Certificate of Completion in Whole Life Carbon Assessment Training, confirming successful completion of structured training aligned with the RICS WLCA professional standard (2nd edition).

The course supports professionals who are involved in, or intend to support, the delivery of whole life carbon assessments, and helps build the knowledge and practical understanding required to engage confidently with WLCA projects.

Where future registration or formal recognition of carbon assessors is introduced, this course provides relevant learning and practical insight that may support progression towards such requirements, subject to the applicable regulatory framework.

**Legislative and registration requirements vary by jurisdiction. Completion of this course does not confer certification, registration, or licence to practise as a carbon assessor.

Course tutor

Alan Northen FRICS MCIArb

Founder and Managing Director, Northen Surveying Services and Northen Quantum

Alan is the Founder and Managing Director of Northen Surveying Services and Northen Quantum, and a RICS Registered Expert Witness. With more than 30 years’ experience in the quantification, measurement and valuation of construction work, he is widely recognised for his expertise and for helping shape professional standards. He was Lead Author of the RICS New Rules of Measurement Volume 2 (NRM2), 2nd Edition, and a key contributor to the RICS Whole Life Carbon Assessment Standard (2nd Edition). More recently, Alan is the lead author of and now delivers the RICS Certificate in Whole Life Carbon Assessment (WLCA) V2 training programme. He believes the training helps professionals deliver robust, high-quality carbon assessments by providing the knowledge, methods and consistency needed to measure carbon accurately across the full lifecycle of a built asset. With demand for low-carbon, sustainable buildings being driven by climate policies, planning regulations and investor ESG expectations, Alan maintains that credible, standardised whole-life carbon assessments are a vital tool for accelerating meaningful decarbonisation across projects, moving beyond aspiration to deliver measurable, lasting impact.

Learning outcomes

Advise clients on the practical implementation of whole life carbon assessments.
Understand the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in WLCA delivery.
Apply the WLCA methodology consistently across project stages.
Prepare for anticipated future legislative and regulatory developments.

Course prerequisites and recommendations

Quantum measurement skills are not required. However, learners must be comfortable interpreting fully-developed quantum documentation, such as cost plans and bills of quantities. This includes familiarity with resources such as NRM 2: Detailed measurement for building works, and NRM 2 Appendices B-E.

An enhanced understanding of construction systems and technologies is advantageous. This includes the design lifecycle, regulatory compliance, integration of building systems, post-construction operation and maintenance, and modern methods such as prefabrication and solutions tailored to different building types and functional requirements.

Learners should have at least intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Excel, or equivalent software, including the routine use of logical functions such as IF and OR.

Learners do not need access to, or experience with, OneClick LCA or similar tools. However, access to the ICE carbon database is required. This is free to download.

A multi-monitor workstation is recommended, and access to a PDF utility for merging files, such as Adobe, Bluebeam, or equivalent tools, is desirable.

Download the course guide

Certificate in WLCA - Training Programme (PDF 0.73MB)

Published date: 20 January 2026

file_download

See what previous attendees said

“Completing the course provides a clear understanding of how to apply the standard, as well as how to use the supplementary documentation (e.g NRM, TM65 etc.) needed to complete an assessment.”

“I loved how much detail the course went into over the months. The explanations and learning was really good, and the support structure throughout the course was fantastic. I have taken away so much learning and understanding from this course.”

“The course is very detailed, wholistic and very comprehensive as it covers many areas related to estimating the whole life carbon impact. I also got exposed to a lot of information and many things were new to me. Things like reinstatement, material and grid decarbonisation, carbonation, the impact of vegetation etc., were interesting aspects of the course.”

Price Summary

RICS Member

GBP £1982 + VAT

Non-RICS Member

GBP £2675 + VAT

Please be aware that this is a professional training course designed to provide you with the practical knowledge you need to succeed in your career. It is not an accreditation and does not lead directly to RICS membership. If you are interested in becoming RICS qualified, please visit this page to find out more.