What was the SBUF project’s initial purpose, and why did Plant participate?

“The project will develop a coordinated methodology for whole-life climate calculations of buildings, helping organisations carry out more comprehensive calculations and enabling comparisons. Skanska and Malmö Stadsfastigheter asked us to support their case-study calculation. We naturally agreed because this is an important project. Our involvement has since expanded to another case study and working meetings on calculation methodology.”

“The project will develop a coordinated methodology for whole-life climate calculations of buildings, helping organisations carry out more comprehensive calculations and enabling comparisons.”

What is your role in the project team, and what have you contributed?

“Having another tool developer represented through us helps achieve a transparent, tool-neutral methodology. I have also explored these issues in depth while developing Plant’s methodology, so I hope I have been a useful discussion partner on detailed questions too.”

What have been the greatest challenges?

“A significant challenge is the many assumptions about the future that must be made. Some greatly affect results, so it is positive that the project tested many alternative assumptions in its case studies to justify the recommended methodology and understand its effect. Another challenge is that installations and fittings are usually calculated using standard values, so detailed data needed to calculate their use stage more accurately is missing. Two other SBUF projects involving Plant address this.”

How does this methodology differ from previous methods?

“It is fundamentally very similar to the one we have implemented, but some assumptions and data-source choices differ and affect results. It is harder to comment on others’ methodologies because we often lack insight into every methodological choice. That is another reason this project matters: it contributes greater transparency and consistent calculations across the industry.”

How has the Taxonomy affected interest from your partners?

“Taxonomy requirements have increased demand for whole-life climate calculations, alongside uncertainty about their interpretation. A starting point for the project is alignment with the EU Taxonomy’s climate requirements. We hope it will give the industry a better understanding and consistent interpretation.”

How have you met customers’ needs before common guidelines exist?

“Where standards and the Taxonomy leave room for interpretation, we have tried to base our methodology on public sources that have taken a position on particular questions. We are clear that it is under development and will adapt to common industry guidelines when available. We also aim to be transparent about assumptions to facilitate comparisons with others’ calculations.”

What insights have you gained from the working meetings?

“They have been valuable opportunities to share knowledge, improving my understanding of everything from interpreting future scenarios to the strengths and weaknesses of data sources for energy carriers. They have also shown that many of us face the same questions and difficulties.”

How does the new methodology fit Plant’s current tools?

“The calculation structure is very similar to our current method, making necessary adjustments easier to implement. Plant also has a very flexible tool, providing strong support for customers who want to go beyond the proposed basic methodology and test other scenarios and assumptions.”

Life cycle assessment stages B and C have previously lacked clear guidance. How will the new methodology change this?

“I believe the project’s guidance will provide useful support for both those carrying out calculations and those commissioning them. Existing construction-stage guidance helps create more consistent requirements and comparable calculations. I hope for the same development in whole-life calculations.”

What roles do IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute and other partners play?

“IVL brings important insight into EU-level standards and directives and Nordic harmonisation. It also has specialist expertise in relevant areas and experience developing methodologies and guidance. Other partners have contributed valuable experience from specific projects and local conditions, highlighting different perspectives, including the client’s viewpoint and the broader environmental and climate work into which these building calculations must fit.”