WLC Benchmarking Report 2025 launched

The Future Homes Hub is supporting the sector to start measuring embodied and whole life carbon to the Conventions for New Homes – by building a shared dataset of whole life carbon assessments from new homes projects to enable us to benchmark the current performance of new homes more accurately.

Thanks to all the homebuilders who have contributed so far. The Hub has published its 2025 WLC Benchmarking Report – see our knowledge portal to download this.

This landmark report is a first step, but the Hub is continuing to accept submissions. Together, we need to build a database with enough examples to give confidence that the benchmark average is representative. If you would like to share an example from your business, please see further details below on how to take part.

Share your data for the next report

We need data from across different archetypes of homes. Please submit data from projects that are typical for your business.

Consider picking an example of a dwelling type you have already built, which will enable you to draw on as much ‘as built’ product data as possible.

Ensure that each assessment is compliant with RICS Professional Statement 2^nd edition and the WLC Conventions for New Homes.

What’s the difference between ‘early stage’ and ‘as built’ assessments?

Step 1 – Complete an assessment for an upcoming scheme in ‘early stage’ design phase. At this point, the geometry and buildups are likely to be well understood, but specific products are not known. This gives you your ‘early stage’ assessment, where all materials reference the Default Material and Carbon Data from the Conventions for New Homes.

Step 2 – During the detail design and procurement phases, when specific products are decided, you should try to obtain the product-specific carbon impact data (e.g. EPDs) where available – and substitute this into the buildups within the LCA tool for as many products as possible. Alongside this you would update geometry for any later stage design or buildup changes. This gives you your ‘as built’ assessment.

Note that many homebuilders will have group house / apartment types, which are each constructed on many sites around the country. These are typically fully detail designed and have group procurement deals covering many of the building components. In this sense, they could be considered close to ‘as built’.

Which tools should be used to carry out the Whole Life Carbon Assessment (WLCA)?

We recommend 2050 Materials, One Click LCA or the Hub's Future Homes Carbon Assessment Tool v2, which have the Default Materials and Carbon Data from the Conventions for New Homes already built in. We can accept assessment data from other commercial tools if it has been calculated following the Conventions for New Homes.

How should data be submitted?

We need the following two files. Please submit them via email to Adam Graveley.

How will we use your data?

We will validate and load your data into our database for comparison with similar projects. This will be compiled in an updated WLC Benchmarking Report in 2026.

Data from individual projects will not be identifiable outside the Hub except with express permission.

Any data submitted will be managed according to our privacy policy

Can we ask questions?

Yes, please contact our team if you have any questions.