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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.
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.
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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
⚠ 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 v0.6 · fastlca.com · hello@fastlca.com