In 2024, WBCSD launched the Market Transformation Action Agenda, an ambitious project that brought together stakeholders from the built environment throughout the value chain to identify the key barriers preventing the achievement of a net-zero emissions built environment. The project identified radical, deep collaboration as the key driver in achieving transformation at scale.  

This report examines the challenges and opportunities in conducting whole life carbon (WLC) analysis to achieve net-zero goals in the building industry, related to Lever 1(Align behind whole life carbon) of Market Transformation Action Agenda. 

A proof of concept (PoC) initiative was undertaken, using the same building information model (BIM) to conduct in-depth embodied carbon assessments by six different architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) firms. The goal was to establish best practices for industry-wide adoption through identifying alignments and differences in carbon assessment practices. 

The significantly different results from the firms highlighted a critical need for industry-wide standardization and transparency across workflows. The variations were attributed to: 

• Variable workflows 
• Uncertainty about BIM and carbon data 
• Differences in measurement and material classifications 
• Constructability knowledge 
• Proprietary processes. 

The PoC uncovered three primary opportunities to advance industry alignment through BIM: 

• Configurable BIM data structures 
• Providing better capabilities for customized visualization 
• Facilitating improved quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) throughout the process. 

The findings of this initiative demonstrate a big step in understanding the technology challenges and opportunities to help the industry strive for greater alignment. 

For more information about this work, please contact Luca De Giovanetti