Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) with SOCOTEC
Transform sustainability into competitive advantage
In a construction sector in the midst of a transformation towards decarbonisation, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) has become an essential strategic tool for assessing the embodied carbon in building materials.
Why is it crucial to act now?
Regulatory change is here
Spain has updated the Technical Building Code with binding requirements:
- From 1 January 2028: It will be mandatory to declare the Global Warming Potential (GWP) for new buildings over 1,000 m²
- From 1 January 2030: The declaration of the GWP will be mandatory for all new buildings
Don't wait until 2028 to act. Companies that prepare now will be able to incorporate LCA into their operations, will not encounter unexpected costs and will offer a competitive advantage when the regulations come into force.
Talk to our experts
Comprehensive LCA approach aligned with project stages
Lapses | Actions |
|---|---|
Preliminary project Basic Project Execution project As built – post executive Building Operation | Initial baseline assessments and establishment of sustainability objectives Quick Benchmarking for Material Selection and Design Optimization Detailed LCA of the entire building to inform decisions on technical specifications Verification of the life cycle of the building as built and analysis of performance differences Monitoring and Verification of Operational Carbon Against Design Predictions |
Why choose SOCOTEC for your Life Cycle Assessment?
As a world leader in Testing, Inspection and Certification (ICT), SOCOTEC offers you comprehensive Sustainability services in the built environment with more than 200,000 clients in 26 countries, bringing global experience and specialized local knowledge.
✓ LCA aligned with each stage of the project — from early-stage baseline assessments to as-built carbon verification and operational monitoring
✓ Identification of hotspots to prioritize the most cost- and time-effective embedded carbon reduction measures
✓ Material optimization studies with comparative analyses of structural systems, facades and MEP, quantifying emission reduction (kgCO₂/m²) and associated investment (€)
✓ Recognized methodology and tools — OneClick LCA, Simapro and TCQ-GMA (ITeC), conforming to EN 15978 and using verified EPD/DAP
✓ Double lifecycle value — LCA feeds into LEED and BREEAM credits and integrates with Life Cycle Cost (LCC) for long-term investment decisions
1. Strategic Sustainability Consulting
We help you make informed decisions from the start
Our consulting services provide clients with the information needed to:
- Comparative analysis of structural systems, façade options and MEP configurations
- Material substitution studies to identify alternatives with a lower environmental impact
- Scenario modeling to evaluate different design approaches
- Cost-benefit analysis of carbon reduction strategies
- Identifying critical points to prioritize improvement efforts
Key deliverable: Qualitative and quantitative recommendations report (QUAN-QUAL) to ensure the sustainability and reduction of the carbon footprint of your proposal
2. LCA in the Basic Project and Preliminary Project Phase
Initial evaluation to guide strategic design decisions
In this early phase (3-week period), we develop:
- Baseline initial project assessments
- Setting achievable sustainability goals
- Identification of opportunities to maximize environmental impact reduction
- Qualitative recommendations adapted to the specific characteristics of your project
Key Deliverable: Sustainability Recommendations Report with Strategic Guidance for the Next Phases
3. Detailed LCA in the Executive Project Phase
Exhaustive analysis of the environmental impact of your building in a critical design phase (2 to 8 weeks).
Our technical approach:
- Full LCA development based on the Execution Project
- Identification of materials with the highest environmental impact and strategies to reduce this impact efficiently
- Analysis of structural systems, façades and partitions according to RICS methodology
- Incorporation of specific EPDs/EPDs and validation of sustainable materials
Key deliverables:
- Detailed project embedded carbon report
- Identification of materials with the highest environmental impact
- Support to the technical team in specialized workshops
4. Post-Construction LCA (As-Built)
Verification of the real impact of the constructed building
Once the construction is finished, we carry out:
- Verification of the life cycle of the building as it was built
- Analysis of performance differences from design predictions
- Calculations based on materials and products actually used by the contractor
- Evaluation of at least 80% of the final materials (subject to availability of information)
Key Deliverable: Post-construction LCA report with actual project impacts, comparison with design predictions and information on higher impact materials
5. Complementary Sustainability Services
Additional analytics to maximize the value of your project
- Operational Carbon Monitoring (Stage 7): Verification of Energy Performance Against Design Predictions
- Continuous monitoring of energy performance during operation and identification of consumption reduction strategies.
- Work sessions and workshops: Coordination with design and construction teams for adaptation to climate change.
We comprehensively assess all the environmental impacts of the project, quantify its total carbon footprint and identify the points of greatest impact to implement truly effective reduction strategies.
Advantages of Life Cycle Assessment
Long-Term Cost Reduction
Minimization of operating costs over the life of the building.
Quantified Environmental Impact
Accurate carbon footprint measurement for data-driven decisions.
Regulatory Compliance Guaranteed
Advance preparation for CTE requirements (mandatory from 2028/2030).
Informed Decisions
Cost-benefit analysis to prioritize carbon-efficient investments.
Design for Reuse
Identification of design opportunities based on reused materials or components.
Material Optimization
Lower impact alternatives without compromising technical performance.
Circular Economy
Evaluation of recycling and reuse for circular practices.
SOCOTEC'S INTEGRATED APPROACH
Combined Certification Strategies
Looking for combined ACV + LEED, ACV + BREEAM or ACV + WELL certifications?
Our specialists offer expert advice to:
- Maximize points across multiple certification systems
- Minimize duplication of documentation and effort
- Create cost-effective pathways that optimize resources
- Improve environmental performance and market value simultaneously
Net Zero Commitment
Our comprehensive sustainability services:
- Ensure optimal environmental performance based on quantifiable data
- Creating healthier spaces for people and planet
- They support you on your path to a net-zero future
- Transform sustainability commitments into tangible and measurable value
Looking for combined ACV + LEED, ACV + BREEAM or ACV + WELL certifications?
Our specialists offer expert advice to:
- Maximize points across multiple certification systems
- Minimize duplication of documentation and effort
- Create cost-effective pathways that optimize resources
- Improve environmental performance and market value simultaneously
Net Zero Commitment
Our comprehensive sustainability services:
- Ensure optimal environmental performance based on quantifiable data
- Creating healthier spaces for people and planet
- They support you on your path to a net-zero future
- Transform sustainability commitments into tangible and measurable value
Start your LCA project with SOCOTEC
Do you want to quantify and reduce the environmental impact of your building?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
