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
Delivering for tenants; National Retrofit Hub
New report offers recommendations to strengthen energy efficiency standards to protect private renters.
Government consultations for the summer of 2025
A year of Labour, past and present consultations on the environment, the built environment, training and tax.
CMA competitiveness probe of major housing developers
100 million affordable housing contributions committed with further consultation published.
Homes England supports Greencore Homes
42 new build affordable sustainable homes in Oxfordshire.
Zero carbon social housing: unlocking brownfield potential
Seven ZEDpod strategies for brownfield housing success.
CIOB report; a blueprint for SDGs and the built environment
Pairing the Sustainable Development Goals with projects.
Types, tests, standards and fires relating to external cladding
Brief descriptions with an extensive list of fires for review.
Latest Build UK Building Safety Regime explainer published
Key elements in one short, now updated document.
UKGBC launch the UK Climate Resilience Roadmap
First guidance of its kind on direct climate impacts for the built environment and how it can adapt.
CLC Health, Safety and Wellbeing Strategy 2025
Launched by the Minister for Industry to look at fatalities on site, improving mental health and other issues.
One of the most impressive Victorian architects. Book review.
Common Assessment Standard now with building safety
New CAS update now includes mandatory building safety questions.
RTPI leader to become new CIOB Chief Executive Officer
Dr Victoria Hills MRTPI, FICE to take over after Caroline Gumble’s departure.
Social and affordable housing, a long term plan for delivery
The “Delivering a Decade of Renewal for Social and Affordable Housing” strategy sets out future path.
A change to adoptive architecture
Effects of global weather warming on architectural detailing, material choice and human interaction.
The proposed publicly owned and backed subsidiary of Homes England, to facilitate new homes.
How big is the problem and what can we do to mitigate the effects?
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
A number of cool guides to help with the heat.
The UK's Modern Industrial Strategy: A 10 year plan
Previous consultation criticism, current key elements and general support with some persisting reservations.
Building Safety Regulator reforms
New roles, new staff and a new fast track service pave the way for a single construction regulator.