By analysing and comparing the Nordic countries respective approaches to mandatory national life-cycle regulation, this report draws from the Nordic countries’ experience to provide recommendations for the harmonisation of decarbonisation policies, and the implementation of such policies in other countries.
Reading guide
This report is structured into four chapters, each focusing on a different aspect of decarbonisation in the building sector within the EU and specifically the Nordic countries.
- Chapter 1: Introduction
- Chapter 2: Decarbonisation policies and current state of carbon declaration and limit values for buildings in EU and the Nordic countries
- Chapter 3: Monitoring building stock carbon emissions
- Chapter 4: Development of carbon limit values
The primary purpose of this report is to exhibit the experiences and insights gathered from the Nordic countries in their journey towards decarbonisation, with the intention of serving as a blueprint for other nations. This report serves to highlight the opportunities and challenges related to harmonisation of approaches across borders. The collected information exhibits examples of how Nordic countries have specified Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methods, carbon declarations and limit values, and different approaches for monitoring decarbonisation of the building. These examples can serve as inspiration for other countries and regions when developing and defining how to conduct assessments of carbon emissions from buildings and the building stock.
Current Insights on National Whole-Life Carbon Limits: June 2024 Analysis
As this subject is a moving target and that policies at national and international level can develop and change quickly, this report is based on the information gathered up until June 2024. Focus has solely been on the policy instrument of national whole-life carbon limits for new buildings. It is however critical to acknowledge that numerous instruments are necessary for cutting construction carbon emissions. These include strategies such as building less, utilising buildings better, increasing operational energy efficiency in the existing stock and decarbonising energy supply systems, among others.
Read the report "Decarbonisation of the building stock" here