Sums the assessed carbon of every life-cycle module into upfront, embodied, operational and whole-life carbon with per-m² intensities: per the RICS Whole Life Carbon Assessment, 2nd ed. / BS EN 15978 module framework.
Enter the kgCOâ‚‚e you have assessed for each module group. Module D is reported separately and excluded from the total.
For design guidance only. Always verify with a qualified assessor.
About this whole-life carbon calculator
This free whole-life carbon calculator takes the carbon you have assessed for each life-cycle module. A1–A3 product, A4 transport, A5 construction, B1–B5 use-stage embodied, B6 operational energy, B7 operational water and C1–C4 end of life, and groups them into upfront, embodied, operational and whole-life carbon (WLC), each reported as a total in kgCO₂e and as an intensity per square metre of gross internal area. It is aimed at UK building-services engineers, sustainability consultants and quantity surveyors preparing or sense-checking a whole-life carbon assessment at design or tender stage. Module D, benefits and loads beyond the system boundary. Is captured but reported separately. Everything is computed in your browser; nothing is uploaded.
How whole-life carbon is calculated
The grouping follows the RICS Whole Life Carbon Assessment for the Built Environment, 2nd edition (Sept 2023, in full effect from 1 July 2024), built on the BS EN 15978:2011 module framework. Upfront carbon = A1–A3 + A4 + A5; operational carbon = B6 + B7; embodied carbon = A1–A5 + B1–B5 + C1–C4; and whole-life carbon = embodied + operational = A + B + C. Each group total is divided by the gross internal area to give a kgCO₂e/m² intensity for comparison against LETI, RIBA 2030 or GLA benchmarks. Module D, reuse, recovery, recycling potential and exported energy. Is reported separately and is excluded from the whole-life total; it may be negative, representing a credit. The RICS standard defines the assessment method and module boundaries, not a pass or fail threshold, so the calculator reports figures rather than a verdict.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between embodied and whole-life carbon?
Embodied carbon covers the non-operational modules. A1–A5 (product and construction), B1–B5 (use-stage embodied) and C1–C4 (end of life). Whole-life carbon adds the operational modules B6 (energy) and B7 (water) on top, so it is embodied plus operational carbon over the study period.
Why is Module D excluded from the total?
Module D reports benefits and loads beyond the system boundary, such as the recycling or energy-recovery potential of materials at end of life. Under RICS WLCA 2nd edition and EN 15978 it is reported separately so it cannot inflate or offset the headline whole-life figure; it can be negative, indicating a net credit.
What counts as upfront carbon?
Upfront carbon is the emissions released before the building is handed over, modules A1–A3 (product stage), A4 (transport to site) and A5 (construction and installation, including any demolition and waste). It is the part of embodied carbon that is locked in by practical completion, which is why it is reported as its own group.