Challenges to quantify the life cycle carbon footprint of buildings in Chile

Abstract

This study identifies key challenges to measure the carbon footprint (CF) over the whole life cycle of buildings in Chile, although its findings are also applicable to other countries. This paper presents four of the said challenges that emerge from the analysis of certification programs, design guides, databases, CF/LCA calculators, standards, and Measurement, Reporting and Verification (MRV) programs worldwide. The four challenges are: (i) a sustainable governance for the carbon footprint system which ensures CF quality, enables regular updates of the data, and has guaranteed funding, (ii) adoption of the system by industry, (iii) standardization of reporting, and (iv) standardization of measurements over the full life cycle. An MRV appears as the best option to coordinate multiple actors and data needs; however, it requires a sustainable governance model as well as widespread adoption. Such an MRV would need a common reporting system. However, comparability may be compromised due to a lack of consensus on which standard to follow in the industry and on definitions for basic building measurements, such as area. The reporting system must be based on a standardized tool, i.e., a CF calculator for buildings. Many of these exist; however, they differ in a fundamental aspect: whether they are used to guide low carbon design or to certify carbon emissions by buildings. Finally, the calculator will need an agreed upon methodology. Although several standards exist, one must be chosen, updated and deployed. Some countries may be more advanced than others on these challenges, but none have solved them completely. A concerted effort would be best to reduce the CF of the construction sector globally.