Accessible Text Alternative for Graphic Showing Building and Infrastructure Life Cycle Stages

Accessible text version of Figure CAR 1, showing building and infrastructure life cycle stages and information modules (adapted from EN 15978, EN 17472 and EN 15643, with additions to illustrate biogenic carbon). Source: RICS, 2023.

A red rectangle labelled Whole life carbon assessment information includes all sections.

A blue rectangle labelled Whole life carbon - system boundary includes sections 1 and 2, but not 3.

A rectangle with a dotted black line labelled Embodied carbon/life cycle embodied carbon includes section 1 only.

Section 1

Upfront carbon

Pre-construction

  • A0: Nonphysical process before construction, preliminary studies, tests and design

Product

  • A1: Raw material supply
  • A2: Transport
  • A3: Manufacturing

Construction

  • A4: Transport
  • A5: Construction and installation

A grey box beneath labels the above as "Biogenic carbon".

In use

  • B1: Use
  • B2: Maintenance
  • B3: Repair
  • B4: Replacement
  • B5: Refurbishment

A grey box beneath labels the above as "Biogenic carbon".

End of life

  • C1: Deconstruction and demolition
  • C2: Transport
  • C3: Water processing
  • C4: Disposal

A grey box beneath labels the above as "Biogenic carbon".

Section 2

Operational carbon

  • B6: Operational energy
  • B7: Operational water

User carbon

  • B8: User activities not covered in B1-B7

Section 3

Information beyond the construction works life cycle

  • Benefits and loads beyond the system boundary
  • D1: Net output flows from reuse; recycling; energy recovery; other recovery
  • D2: Exported utilities, e.g. electric energy; thermal energy; potable water

A grey box beneath labels the above as "Biogenic carbon".