Why are climate calculations important?

Climate calculations provide a clear picture of a construction project’s climate impact throughout its life cycle. Analysing materials, transport, energy and waste gives a more detailed understanding of where emissions are greatest. This is essential for taking action and making better choices that reduce climate impact. Alongside meeting legal requirements, it offers an opportunity to drive positive change and lead the way in sustainable construction.

1. Start simply: a pilot project is your friend

If your organisation is new to climate calculations, avoid trying to take too large a step straight away. A good starting point is a pilot project, preferably one at a later stage of construction. This lets you carry out a climate calculation under relatively straightforward conditions and with low risk. Starting small helps you learn how the process works and develop a sense of what constitutes a “high” or “low” climate impact.

A pilot project also provides an opportunity to become familiar with climate declaration legislation and understand how your organisation can meet these requirements smoothly.

2. Typical projects: establish a baseline

Once you have completed a climate calculation for a pilot project, the next step is to apply that experience to a more typical project. This helps you establish a baseline, a reference point for measuring performance. Once you understand your current position, you can go further by planning more ambitious projects that consider climate impact from the early planning stages.

3. Higher ambitions: develop a strategic vision

Once you understand your climate impact and have established a baseline, those with higher ambitions can consider more strategic goals. What climate impact do you want to reduce over the long term? Which areas can you improve to reach those goals? With a clear picture of where you stand today, you can plan ahead and work more proactively to reduce impact.
For organisations already working strategically on climate issues, carrying out climate calculations at every construction stage is important. It reveals where measures can be introduced at low cost and with the greatest possible effect.

Not every municipality or public housing company has the same ambitions, and that is fine! If your organisation has not yet set higher climate targets or certification requirements, an important first step is to stay informed about legislation and the basic requirements in place or being introduced in Europe, such as climate declarations. Ensure you comply and begin building an internal process to meet them efficiently in terms of time and cost.

Why use Plant for climate calculations?

If this is your first climate calculation, Plant can be an invaluable resource. There are several reasons our tool can make the process smoother and more cost-effective:

  • Compiling existing data
    Climate calculations require a complete understanding of all material quantities in a project. This can take time and considerable effort from the project team, but Plant can automatically collect existing documentation from different sources, saving both time and money.
  • 3D visualisation
    One of Plant’s greatest advantages is our ability to visualise climate impact in 3D. This makes it easier to understand what drives impact and test different materials and building systems.
  • Free expert advice
    We offer free tips from our leading sustainability specialists and LCA experts to help you get started quickly and make the right choices.

Ready to get started?

Getting started with climate calculations need not be complicated, even if it appears difficult at first. Beginning with a small pilot project and gradually building your knowledge gives you a solid foundation. Whatever your ambitions, tools such as Plant help you work strategically and efficiently to reduce your construction projects’ climate impact while saving time, money and resources.

Follow developments, understand your material quantities and start with small steps. You will be well on your way to more sustainable buildings and processes!