FastLCA is a free, browser-based life cycle assessment calculator for construction materials. Estimate GWP for A1–A3, A4–A5 and C1–C4, with Module D reported separately and B1–B7 excluded — using the EPiC Database 2024 or your own verified EPDs. Nothing to install, no account required.
Calculate embodied carbon for any construction material or assembly. Results in seconds.
Open the calculator →FastLCA performs a streamlined life cycle assessment focused on Global Warming Potential (GWP), expressed in kg CO₂e. It uses selected EN 15804+A2:2019 module labels. Use-stage modules B1–B7 and environmental indicators other than GWP are excluded:
⚠ FastLCA provides indicative estimates for early-stage design decisions — not a certified LCA or EPD. Generic end-of-life values are scenario estimates; missing EPD modules are not assessed. For formal compliance reporting, engage a certified LCA practitioner.
| Feature | FastLCA | Most free tools |
|---|---|---|
| No login required | ✓ | Often required |
| Works in browser — nothing to install | ✓ | Often Excel or desktop |
| A1–A3, A4–A5, C1–C4 estimates; separate Module D | ✓ | Usually A1–A3 only |
| Add your own EPD products | ✓ | Rarely |
| Shows full calculation for verification | ✓ | Black box results |
| Assembly calculator (kg CO₂e/m²) | ✓ | Uncommon |
| Scope 3 calculator included | ✓ | Separate tool |
| Dark mode | ✓ | No |
39 generic construction materials using the hybrid LCI approach from the University of Melbourne. Covers concrete, steel, timber, insulation, masonry, glass, and more.
Add product-specific EPD values from any EN 15804 EPD. The EPD Extractor tool reads values directly from PDF documents.
Build wall, floor, and roof assemblies layer by layer. Get kg CO₂e/m² results — the standard metric for RICS and RIBA reporting.
Every result shows the complete calculation chain — quantity × factor = result — so you can verify every number independently.
Turn your Bill of Materials into a Scope 3 Category 1–6 inventory using DESNZ 2025 factors. GHG Protocol aligned.
Download a formatted PDF report with full methodology disclosure, data sources, and calculation breakdown.
Generic material factors come from the Environmental Performance in Construction (EPiC) Database 2024, published by Crawford, Stephan and Prideaux at the University of Melbourne (DOI: 10.26188/10257728.v11). EPiC uses a hybrid life cycle inventory (LCI) approach combining process and input-output data. Its generic Australian values are not directly comparable with EN 15804 product EPDs and may be higher or lower depending on material, product, geography, system boundary and data.
Licence: CC BY-NC-ND 4.0. Selected factors are used as calculation inputs; no separate EPiC database download is offered.
FastLCA follows the modular structure of EN 15804+A2:2019. Module D is always reported separately and never added to the A1–C4 total, per clause 6.4.3.4.
The Scope 3 calculator uses UK Government DESNZ 2025 GHG conversion factors for fuel WTT, transport, waste disposal, and business travel. Open Government Licence v3.0.
FastLCA is designed for sustainability professionals, architects, engineers, and contractors who need a quick, transparent embodied carbon estimate at early design stage — without the cost or complexity of certified LCA software. It is also useful for:
FastLCA is a screening tool, not a certified LCA platform. Key limitations: