Comparative Analysis of Whole Life Carbon Assessments. Key GWP parameters identified by the Concrete Sector for the appropriate accounting methodology

The report provides a comparative analysis of Whole Life Carbon (WLC) assessment methodologies emerging across Europe, with a specific focus on the Global Warming Potential (GWP) accounting of concrete and concrete-based products. It reviews the evolving European legislative and technical framework, including the revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD IV), Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/52, and relevant EN standards, and compares their implementation across selected Member States. Particular attention is given to the definition of system boundaries, reference study period, functional unit, life-cycle modules, data quality, and reporting requirements. The analysis highlights significant differences between national approaches despite a common European framework, especially in the treatment of durability, service life, replacement, carbonation, biogenic carbon and Module D. The report identifies the need for greater methodological harmonisation, transparent and reliable data, and consistent treatment of durability and long-term performance to ensure robust and comparable WLC-GWP assessments. Concrete-specific methodological considerations are therefore discussed as a basis for future European assessment frameworks.