The Future Homes Hub has released its Whole Life Carbon (WLC) Benchmarking Study for 2025, a landmark report addressing a critical knowledge gap in the UK homebuilding industry.
For the first time, this study provides a vital, empirically grounded evidence base on the embodied carbon performance of new low-rise housing, guiding the sector’s collective transition to net zero.
The study’s core purpose is to create a robust snapshot of current carbon performance by analysing 48 detailed Whole Life Carbon assessments submitted by 17 industry partners.
To ensure consistency, credibility, and comparability across the dataset, all assessments adhere to the rigorous standards outlined in the WLC Conventions for New Homes and RICS Professional Standard 2nd edition.
This study is a testament to the power of industry collaboration. Its findings were made possible by the homebuilders and consultants who contributed their detailed project data and expert insights, demonstrating a shared commitment to transparency and progress.
Adam Graveley, Head of Technical and Innovation, Future Homes Hub, said: "This benchmark is a pivotal moment for the homebuilding sector. For the first time, we have a clear, data-driven picture of our collective starting point on whole life carbon.
“This isn't just about numbers; it's about providing the tools and transparency our industry needs to set ambitious targets, make smarter design choices, and track meaningful progress. We are immensely grateful to our members who contributed data, and we urge the entire sector to join us in building this evidence base for our shared net-zero future.
“This collaborative effort provides the essential foundation for the targeted actions needed to accelerate the sector's decarbonisation journey.”
This inaugural benchmark is not an endpoint but a critical foundation for future work. The Future Homes Hub will continue to gather data to refine these benchmarks and has identified several key opportunities for the sector to pursue collectively.
Key priorities for the industry include:
- Expand Scope: Develop robust methods to capture the significant carbon impacts of site preparation and infrastructure, which were excluded from this initial analysis.
- Improve Data Accuracy: Enhance the Hub’s component benchmarks, particularly for Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) systems and renewables, and champion the widespread adoption of product-specific EPDs.
- Integrate Uncertainty Factors: Improve understanding of WLC uncertainty factors and support integration of these into assessments (up to 15% at early stages) to ensure benchmarks reflect realistic, rather than purely theoretical scenarios.
- Catalyse the Supply Chain: Support manufacturers in developing EPDs and help homebuilders benefit from specifying verified low-carbon materials already on the market.
To spearhead this agenda, the forthcoming Embodied Carbon Implementation Board will convene stakeholders from across industry and government, providing the leadership needed to dismantle strategic barriers and capitalize on these opportunities.
