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Embodied carbon calculator for construction
Calculate the GWP (kg CO₂e) of construction materials and assemblies across all life cycle stages. Free, transparent, and based on verified data sources.
✓ EN 15804+A2:2019✓ ISO 14040/14044 boundaryEPiC Database 2024Stages A1–C4 + Module DNo login required
Methodology & data sources — click to expand
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FastLCA calculates Global Warming Potential (GWP) in kg CO₂e following the module structure of EN 15804+A2:2019 and methodology of ISO 14040/14044. Results are indicative estimates — not a certified LCA or EPD.
⚠ Important — EPiC is an Australian database. Generic values use Australian input-output data and manufacturing conditions. The hybrid method (process + input-output) gives higher values than European EPDs because it captures indirect supply chain processes that process-only methods miss. For European/UK projects: use values as upper-bound estimates and replace with local EPDs (EPD Norway, IBU, Environdec) for formal reporting. EPD Database license: CC0 Public Domain (freely redistributable) · Cite as: Crawford, R.H., Stephan, A. & Prideaux, F. (2024), University of Melbourne · DOI: 10.26188/10257728.v11
A1–A3 Generic materials
EPiC Database 2024 (Crawford, Stephan & Prideaux, University of Melbourne). Hybrid LCI — Australian supply chain data, CC0 licensed. Values are higher than EU EPDs due to full supply chain coverage. Open EPiC Database ↗
A1–A3 EPD products
Product-specific values from verified manufacturer EPDs, entered by the user from the original document.
A4 Transport
ECTA (2011) factors per vehicle type × distance (kg CO₂e/t·km), applied to total material mass.
A5 Construction
IEA 2023 grid intensity × site energy + waste factor (%) × A1–A3 GWP.
C1–C4 End of life
Generic per-kg factors estimated from published EPD ranges by material and EOL scenario. EPD-declared values used where available.
Module D
Net recovery benefit. Always reported separately — never added to A1–C4 total per EN 15804+A2:2019 clause 6.4.3.4.
⚠ Limitations: EPiC uses Australian input-output data — values are systematically higher than European EPDs because the hybrid method captures full supply chain emissions including indirect processes. For European/UK projects these are indicative only. Generic C1–C4 and Module D values are estimated — not from a single verified source. Always prefer product-specific EPDs for formal reporting.
Life cycle boundary — hover each stage for details
PRODUCT STAGE (A1–A3)
A1Raw mat.
A2Transport
A3Manufacture
CONSTRUCTION (A4–A5)
A4To site
A5On site
USE PHASE — NOT INCLUDED
B1–5Use & maint.
B6–7Energy/water
END OF LIFE (C1–C4)
C1Demolition
C2Transport
C3Processing
C4Disposal
BEYOND
DNet benefit
A1–A3 includedA4–A5 (optional)C1–C4 (per EOL)B1–B7 not includedD separate
ⓘ Module D = 0 for landfill is correct — no material or energy is recovered. For timber and plastics, landfill also causes long-term methane not captured in generic C4 factors.
Project
Project saved automatically to your browser✓ Saved
Generic GHG emission factors from the EPiC Database 2024 (Crawford, Stephan & Prideaux, University of Melbourne). Hybrid LCI approach — covers full supply chain. Values are higher than process-only EPDs. Open EPiC Database ↗ · License: CC0 Public Domain
⚠ Products shown come from your Google Sheet database and any manually added EPDs. Always verify the current EPD before formal use.
Waste factor adds % of A1–A3 GWP for material cut-offs, breakage and over-ordering. Typical: 2–10%.
⚠ For inert materials (concrete, glass) landfill C4 is low. For timber/plastics, landfill causes long-term methane not captured in generic C4. Module D = 0 for landfill is correct. Module D is ALWAYS reported separately per EN 15804+A2:2019.
Add materials first.
🏗 Assembly calculator
Build a complete wall, floor, roof or façade layer by layer. Specify each material by thickness — FastLCA calculates mass from density automatically. Enter the total area to get kg CO₂e/m² — the standard metric for RICS and RIBA reporting.
m²Leave blank to see only kg CO₂e/m²
Add layers
Enter either thickness or mass per m² — not both. Thickness requires the material to have a known density. For items without a standard thickness (glazing, doors), use mass (kg/m²) directly.
No layers yet — add materials above to build your assembly.
Assembly results
ⓘ "Add to project" creates a single line item in the Materials tab representing this whole assembly — useful when combining multiple assemblies into one project total.
Enter GWP values exactly as declared in a verified EPD. The declared unit must match the quantity you enter. Module D: Only enter if your EPD explicitly declares it.
GWP values (kg CO₂e per declared unit) — leave blank for undeclared modules
Only enter 0 if EPD explicitly states zero. Empty = not declared ≠ zero.
Compare two assemblies side by side. Each column is independent — add materials to each using the main Materials tab, then switch here to compare. Currently comparing Project A (your main project) against a second scenario.
Build two scenarios using the Materials tab, then set each as Scenario A and B.
🟡 Can't find a material or product you need?
Results — GWP by life cycle stage
m² GFA—kg CO₂e/m²
Material contribution to A1–A3
🔍 Show full calculation breakdown (verify the maths)▼
Material
Quantity (input unit)
Quantity in kg
EF (kg CO₂e/kg or /unit)
A1–A3 GWP (kg CO₂e)
Data sources used
Shareable result card — screenshot or copy text below
FastLCA
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kg CO₂e · A1–C4 total
⚠ Disclaimer: FastLCA provides indicative estimates only. Not a certified LCA, EPD or regulatory declaration. Generic A1–A3: EPiC Database 2024 (Crawford, Stephan & Prideaux, University of Melbourne; CC0 licence). Hybrid values — systematically higher than process-only EPDs. Transport: ECTA (2011). Generic C1–C4 and Module D: estimated from published EPD ranges. User EPD values not independently verified. Module D excluded from totals per EN 15804+A2:2019. B1–B7 not included. For compliance, commission a certified LCA practitioner. · FastLCA v0.7 · fastlca.com · hello@fastlca.com · Methodology ·
FastLCA is designed to collect as little data as possible.
Project data you enter is stored only in your browser (localStorage). It never leaves your device.
Feedback submissions — if you use the feedback button, your message and optional email are sent to Formspree (formspree.io) for delivery to our inbox.
Server logs — our hosting provider (Vercel) may log standard HTTP request data as part of normal infrastructure operation.
Cookies and tracking
FastLCA does not use advertising cookies, tracking pixels, or analytics scripts. No Google Analytics, no Facebook Pixel. The only browser storage used is localStorage for your saved project, which you can clear anytime using "Clear saved project".
Third-party services
Vercel — hosting (vercel.com)
Formspree — feedback processing (formspree.io)
Google Sheets — EPD product database (read-only, no personal data sent)
allorigins.win — CORS proxy for Google Sheets fetch (no personal data)
Your rights (GDPR)
If you are in the EEA, you have the right to access, correct, or delete any personal data we hold. Since we hold essentially none beyond feedback submissions, email hello@fastlca.com and we will respond within 30 days.
Data retention
Feedback submissions are deleted within 12 months. Your project data in localStorage is under your sole control.