Operational Carbon Assessment
Model the in-use energy and carbon performance of your building across its lifespan.
What this is
Operational carbon represents the emissions from a building's energy use over its lifetime. We model operational energy demand, carbon intensity of supply, and changes in grid decarbonisation over time, helping you understand the trade-offs between embodied and operational carbon and make informed design decisions.
Why operational carbon matters
Whole-life view
Combine operational and embodied carbon to make balanced design decisions rather than optimising one in isolation.
Grid-aware modelling
We project emissions against future UK grid decarbonisation so today's choices reflect tomorrow's energy mix.
Planning and disclosure
Operational carbon data feeds GLA planning submissions and corporate disclosure requirements.
Lower running costs
Energy reductions identified during design pay back across decades of operation.
Who this is for
Design teams
- Architects comparing fabric and servicing strategies
- M&E engineers modelling heating, cooling, and ventilation
- Sustainability consultants supporting planning submissions
Operators and reporters
- Asset managers tracking in-use performance
- Sustainability officers reporting Scope 1 and 2 emissions
- Developers targeting net zero operational carbon
What you get
- Operational energy demand modelling
- Carbon projections over 60-year building lifespan
- Grid decarbonisation scenario analysis
- Embodied vs operational carbon trade-off report
Standards we work to
Related insights
15 October 2026
Refurb vs New Build Carbon Comparisons Are Mostly a Waste of Time
Planners increasingly ask for a carbon comparison of refurbishment against new build. As someone who runs these assessments, I think the exercise is close to pointless, and easy to game.
15 July 2025
Embodied Carbon Strategies. How to Reduce Carbon in Construction
Practical strategies for reducing embodied carbon in construction projects, from material selection to design optimisation.