RICS publishes second edition of standard on whole-life carbon assessment for the built environment

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has published the second edition of its whole-life carbon assessment (WCLA) standard for the built environment.

The standard allows assessors to estimate carbon emissions and can assist decision-making by a range of interested parties, including consultants, contractors, developers, and funders.

The second edition builds on the success of the first edition, which was published in 2017.

Changes include:

• Extending the standard to cover all buildings and infrastructure globally, throughout the built environment life cycle.
• Revisions that reflect changes in professional practice and updates to legislation and regulatory requirements.

RICS commented that “The RICS whole life carbon assessment (WLCA) standard is set to become the world-leading standard for consistent and accurate carbon measurement in the built environment.

This 2nd edition builds upon the success of the existing RICS WLCA standard, having been extended to cover all buildings and infrastructure throughout the built environment life cycle.

Supported by the Department for Transport UK and Zero Waste Scotland, the standard was updated by RICS and an author group of decarbonisation experts following feedback from over 1,300 comments collected through public consultation.

The 2nd edition provides continuity and reliability while encouraging long-term thinking through reuse, recycling, and redevelopment.”

Read more here – Whole life carbon assessment (WLCA) for the built environment (rics.org)

To find out more, speak to our Commercial Property Solicitors or call Wilson Browne on 0800 088 6004