Whole-Life Carbon Network Event

Nordic Sustainable Construction Joined a Whole-Life Carbon Event in Brussels

Publiceret 06-08-2026

June 10th, 2026, Nordic Sustainable Construction joined the Whole-Life Carbon (WLC) Network event in Brussels together with INDICATE LIFE, European WLC Forum for Buildings and key stakeholders from across Europe. The event was organised to learn from frontrunners and the INDICATE project, explore the future of WLC regulation, connect with European WLC stakeholders and participate in interactive roundtable discussions.

The WLC Network event was a joint effort between INDICATE LIFE, the European WLC Forum for Buildings and Nordic Sustainable Construction.

INDICATE LIFE

INDICATE LIFE is co-funded by the European Union and is working to enhance WLC data and support industry and policy action. By improving the quality and availability of national WLC data, the project aims to set benchmarks, define target limit values, shape policy, and support the implementation of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) in Austria, Croatia, Italy, Luxembourg and Hungary (Hungary is following the project and generating insights into the status quo in Hungary). The consortium brings together leading European experts and national consortia with representatives from industry, academia, data providers, and policy communities.

Learn more about INDICATE LIFE here

The EU Whole-Life Carbon Forum for Buildings

The EU WLC Forum for Buildings is an informal platform launched in February 2026 that brings together stakeholders from across the European construction and building value chain. The purpose is to identify real-world challenges, inform effective implementation, and support the coherent, cost effective, and robust rollout of national WLC policies. The Forum also aims to coordinate EU and national actions to foster cross-sector convergence, promote harmonisation, and ensure policy alignment.

Presentations

The event featured three presentations followed by roundtable discussions covering three different aspects of WLC.

Nordic

Áróra Árnadóttir from the Housing, Planning and Building Authority in Iceland, who works within the Climate Work Package of the Nordic Sustainable Construction Programme, presented the latest developments in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) across the Nordic countries. Her presentation focused on efforts to harmonise methodologies and expand the scope of LCA. Stay updated on the work carried out within the Climate Work Package here and download the slides from the event here.

Ireland

Giorgio Garino from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland presented Ireland’s progress on life cycle carbon regulations. He highlighted experiences from the INDICATE pilot project, including the development of national methodologies aligned with the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) and approaches to addressing critical data gaps.

Data view

Christian Donath from ECO Platform presented key factors for making WLC work in practice. He shared industry insights and feedback on how WLC policies are being translated into innovation and market advantage, alongside reflections on the evolving regulatory landscape and the interaction between product- and building-level policies.

Discussions

The roundtable discussions focused on three key topics:

What are the benefits of setting meaningful limit values and what is the best practice approach (target limit values, material neutrality, etc.)?
What is the best practice approach to practical implementation, the use of assessment tools, managing data gaps, political alignment, etc.)?
Looking to the future: what should be the focus when the EPBD is fully implemented (renovation, impact beyond GWP e.g., biodiversity and circularity, and how to improve the use of existing buildings)?

Key Takeaways from the Discussions

The discussions highlighted that while harmonisation of WLC methodologies is progressing across Europe, differences in scope, assumptions and reporting practices remain. Greater alignment could improve comparability between assessments and support more effective action of WLC. Participants also emphasised that reliable databases and more detailed information of materials, design assumptions and real-world building performance are essential for informed policy making.

Another key theme was the need for practical implementation support. Successful EPBD implementation will require clear methodologies, accessible assessment tools and increased expertise in areas such as LCAs, EPDs and WLC calculations. Collaboration between public authorities, industry actors and knowledge organisations were identified as crucial.

Finally, participants agreed that future efforts should expand beyond GWP and new construction projects. Greater attention should be given to renovation, circularity, biodiversity, the better use of existing buildings, durable materials and long-term adaptability as part of a broader sustainable built environment agenda.