Note: This project was undertaken when Below280 was part of Decerna
Below280 delivered a bespoke LCA training programme for architects across six companies, covering the theory, methodology and software tools needed to assess and reduce the embodied carbon of buildings.
The Challenge
As the construction industry moves towards zero-carbon buildings, architects are under growing pressure to understand and quantify embodied carbon. Life cycle assessment is the recognised methodology for doing this, yet most architectural practices have limited in-house LCA knowledge and no structured route to build it. Regulatory direction is tightening too: embodied carbon reporting is increasingly expected on major projects, and whole-life carbon assessments are becoming standard practice on BREEAM and LEED-certified schemes.
The Training Programme
Below280 designed and delivered a one-day LCA training course tailored specifically for architectural professionals. The programme covered LCA theory and methodology in line with ISO 14040 and ISO 14044, an overview of key environmental impact categories relevant to the built environment, an introduction to LCA databases and software tools, and practical application to material and specification decisions architects make on live projects.
The course was designed to be immediately applicable, using construction-specific examples throughout rather than generic case studies.
Outcomes
Architects from six companies completed the programme, leaving with a stronger working knowledge of LCA and the ability to apply it to embodied carbon decisions in their practice. This work was funded via the European Regional Development Fund.
LCA Training for the Built Environment
Below280 delivers LCA and embodied carbon training for architectural practices, engineering firms and built environment professionals. Programmes can be tailored to your team’s existing knowledge level and the project types you work on.
Contact us to discuss a custom training programme.
Need LCA training for your team?
Below280 delivers custom LCA and embodied carbon training for architects, engineers and built environment professionals across the UK and internationally. Talk to our team.
Global commercial consultancy • Horizon Europe, UKRI & Innovate UK research partner. Specialists in openLCA, and UK openLCA partner for GreenDelta.