Applying whole life carbon assessment to renewable energy infrastructure : Lessons from Lancaster University’s Net Zero Energy Project

Whole life carbon assessment (WLCA) is a critical methodology for quantifying and mitigating the carbon emissions associated with buildings and infrastructure throughout their life cycle. This includes emissions from material extraction, manufacturing, construction, operation, maintenance and end-of-life disposal or reuse. As the drive towards net zero intensifies, WLCA is increasingly essential for ensuring projects meet stringent carbon reduction targets. The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has provided guidance on WLCA, aimed at establishing consistency in carbon reporting across the built environment. The application of this guidance to energy infrastructure projects remains challenging, however, particularly in the renewable energy sector where the mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) plant being installed to reduce operational energy consumption forms a significant proportion of the overall embodied carbon of the project. This paper presents the authors’ experience of applying WLCA to the Lancaster University Solar Farm and associated Energy Centre/District Heat Network (the Net Zero Energy Project). It examines the alignment of this approach with the RICS Whole Life Carbon guidance, the challenges encountered and the lessons learned that may help inform future application of WLCA in similar infrastructure projects. This article is also included in The Business & Management Collection which can be accessed at https://hstalks.com/business/.