Towards Low-Carbon Building Sector: National Challanges and European Goals in the Field of Buildings Whole Life Carbon

Abstract Achieving a sustainable built environment requires a strategic shift toward Whole Life Carbon (WLC) assessment and regulation. This paper presents key recommendations for integrating WLC into national policies across EU member states, based on insights from the INDICATE project and the EPBD IV directive. It highlights the need for transparent, harmonized methodologies aligned with European standards (e.g. EN 15978, Level(s)), national LCA databases, and robust benchmarks grounded in statistical case studies. Practical measures include developing user-friendly calculation tools, simplifying procedures for small projects, and embedding WLC assessments into legislation with clear implementation timelines. The paper also emphasizes capacity-building through education, stakeholder engagement, and international collaboration. These steps are essential to decarbonize the construction sector and contribute meaningfully to climate neutrality goals, ensuring that sustainability is embedded throughout the entire lifecycle of buildings.