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EXTERNAL ENVELOPE
Simply comparing ‘cradle to gate’ embodied carbon is insuffi cient
standards or specifi cations is real if these aspects are not also prioritised. There is a risk of a deterioration in such performance aspects, where robust products and materials are at risk of being replaced by alternative materials purely on the basis of ‘embodied carbon’ alone, and where little to no consideration is given to the full life cycle assessment of the product. This includes its guaranteed performance, remediation or maintenance requirements, certifi cation and classifi cation in regard to fi re, long term durability or the end of life benefi ts when it comes to deconstruction, recovery and recycling. Ironically, scrutiny is often directed to the recycled content within new construction materials, with little focus on how these products are then fed back into the recycling stream at the end of their operational life. Selecting products with ‘face value’ lower embodied but with reduced guarantees and serviceable life, and limited recycling options, actually creates a far worse ‘whole life picture.’ The market is looking for its next quick win, a ‘silver bullet’ to differentiate products, and for architects and specifi ers to emphasise their commitment to the environmental agenda with easy to communicate metrics. Construction of buildings in the UK has become so complex, with ever changing requirements for fi re,
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sustainability, use of renewable energy solutions and long term fi nancial viability underwritten by guarantees, the prospect of balancing all of these intertwined considerations means that considering just one aspect of performance in isolation is likely to lead to signifi cant unintended detrimental consequences. In the short term, the UK construction industry cannot be solely focusing on the carbon emissions associated with one specifi c area of a product’s Environmental Product Declaration (i.e. manufacture alone, ignoring installation, maintenance or end of life), with the risk that environmental benefi ts of primary material production are outweighed by the burdens of a product’s unsuitability for reuse or recycling processes in later life. These aspects are key elements of circularity, with the 2022 updates to EN 15804+A2 – focusing on mandatory reporting of end of life (Module C) and benefi ts beyond the life cycle (Module D) for this reason. For example, if the use of currently available EAF steel leads to a reduction in guarantee (and therefore reduces the effective product life), this factor needs to be considered in the overall assessment of that product. If a building needs major refurbishment after 35 years compared to 40 years, this is a signifi cant uplift in the life cycle carbon emissions. If a guarantee is compromised or its period reduced by the inclusion of rooftop solar PV modules, this must be considered. In summary, simply comparing ‘cradle to gate’ embodied carbon is insuffi cient, and could yield incorrect conclusions when selecting products or solutions. It is essential to consider whole life factors, including using materials with established recycling routes to reclaim the embodied carbon at their end of life. Everyone has to contribute if we as an industry are going to achieve truly sustainable construction solutions. How to measure our achievements is a critical element. Being taken in by marketing slogans does not yield genuine results, therefore don’t just consider embodied carbon up until Module A (product manufacture).
Consider the whole life cycle and look at the big picture. The evolution of cladding systems is underway, but it requires intelligent application of the solutions.
Reyan Clarey is sustainability offi cer at CA Group
ADF SEPTEMBER 2025
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