Assessing the environmental impacts of construction
The context for environmental assessment in the construction sector is undergoing considerable change. This is largely due to the publication of a suite of standards from CEN TC 350, which interlink with those from the International Standards Organisation (ISO) relating to life cycle assessment (LCA) and Type III environmental labelling.
Experts have written a paper, funded by the BRE Trust, to provide an aid to understanding the implications of CEN TC 350’s emerging standards for assessing the environmental performance of construction products (materials) and buildings.
The document presents an overview of the TC 350 standards relating to the environmental performance of materials and buildings and identifies the key aspects of the standards and their implications for modelling the environmental impacts of construction.
The paper will be of interest to manufacturers of construction products and services, architects and specifiers using these products and services, and LCA practitioners engaged in assessing them. It will help readers develop an understanding of the standards emerging in Europe and the challenges in implementing them.
You can download the full briefing paper here.
--BRE Buzz
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Guide to ISO 19650 for Architecture Firms (2026)
A user gives their low down.
A UK training and membership provider for mould remediation professionals.
Building Safety recap April, 2026
A short and longer run-through of the month, with links to further information and sources.
CIAT May 2026 briefing.
Independent NSI and BAFE study exploring how organisations are changing the way they buy fire safety services.
From medieval scribes to modern word art.
ECA welcomes crackdown on late payment and push for clean energy, whilst CIOB seek fixed cladding removal timeframes.
Cyber Security in the Built Environment
Protecting projects, data, and digital assets: A CIOB Academy TIS.
Managing competence in the built environment
ITFG publishes new industry guide on how to meet the ICC principles.
The UK's campaign to reduce noise pollution: Mythbusting, articles and topic guides.
Setting Expectations on Competence Management
Industry Competence Committee.
New Scottish and Welsh governments
CIOB stresses importance of construction after new parliament elections.
The sad story of Derby Hippodrome
An historic building left to decay.
ECA, JIB and JTL back Fabian Society call to invest in skills for a stronger built environment workforce.