DT1: Embodied Carbon Targets

Maximum Score

Not scored

Input Method

Assessment Portal

Prefill

Not eligible

Scoring method

Not scored

Validation

Evidence not required

2026 Updates

None

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Has the entity set a target for the upfront embodied carbon emissions of its development projects?

Assessment Instructions

Intent: What is the purpose of this indicator?

This indicator assesses the entity’s existence of a credible upfront embodied carbon target for its development projects, and if the target is aligned with an external target-setting framework. It does not assess the ambition level of this target.

Upfront embodied carbon targets guide the entity towards measurable improvements and are key determinants to integrate material performance and alternative construction methods into construction work to reduce the total upfront embodied carbon footprint.

Input: How do I complete this indicator?

Select yes or no. If yes, select all applicable sub-options.

Terminology

Upfront embodied carbon

The emissions caused in the materials production and construction phases (A1-5) of the lifecycle before the building beings to be used. In contrast to other categories of emissions, these emissions have already been released into the atmosphere before the building is occupied.

WorldGBC

The Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment (the Commitment) challenges companies, cities, states and regions to reach Net Zero operating emissions in their portfolios by 2030, and to advocate for all buildings to be Net Zero in operation by 2050.

Carbon Leadership Forum (US)

Project-level embodied carbon targets to be set before the project begins and communicated in the owner’s project requirements. There are two primary approach to setting project-level targets: (1) a carbon intensity limit and (2) percent reduction goals.

American Institute of Architects 2030

The AIA 2030 Commitment is an actionable climate strategy that gives a set of standards and goals for reaching net zero emissions in the built environment.

BR18 (Denmark)

The Bygningsreglementet (BR18) regulation, enforced as of 2025, requires annual life cycle assessments to be conducted over a 50-year evaluation period in accordance with the DS/EN 15978:2012 standard.

GreenMark

The GM 2021 Whole life Carbon section (Cn) has been created leveraging leading international movements such as the World Green Building Council’s Net Zero Carbon Buildings commitment, and professional standards such as the RICS Whole life carbon assessments for the built environment.

Green Star

Green Star projects must meet minimum carbon reduction requirements to be certified, which includes reducing upfront carbon emissions and embodied carbon:

• Upfront carbon emissions: Projects must reduce their upfront carbon emissions by at least 10% compared to a reference building. As of January 1, 2024, the minimum reduction is 15% for 5 Star projects and 20% for 6 Star projects.

• Embodied carbon: Projects must demonstrate a reduction in embodied carbon.

• Life cycle assessment (LCA): LCA is an integral part of Green Star Buildings Rating tools.

Validation: What evidence is required?

No evidence required.

Scoring

This indicator is not scored.

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References

World Green Building Council, 2019, Bringing Embodied Carbon Upfront Report

Carbon Leadership Forum - Targeting Net-Zero Embodied Carbon

American Institute of Architects 2030 – AIA 2030 Commitment

The Bygningsreglementet (BR18)

Green Mark 2021 – Whole Life Carbon

Green Star

Get Support: Solution Providers

GRESB Solution Providers are independent, third-party organizations within the GRESB Partner network that offer specialized products, tools, and services to support sustainability performance outside the GRESB Assessment process.

Currently, there are no GRESB Solution Providers associated with this indicator.

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