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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 boundaryICE Database v3.0Stages A1–C4 + Module DNo login requiredFree forever
Methodology & data sources — how FastLCA works
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FastLCA calculates Global Warming Potential (GWP) in kg CO₂e, following the module structure of EN 15804+A2:2019 and the general methodology of ISO 14040/14044. Results are indicative estimates — not a certified LCA or EPD.
A1–A3 — Generic materials
ICE Database v3.0 (University of Bath, 2019). Widely used, peer-reviewed generic values representing UK/European industry averages. Open database ↗
A1–A3 — EPD products
Product-specific values entered from verified manufacturer EPDs. FastLCA does not pre-load values to avoid outdated data — users verify against the current EPD document.
A4 — Transport to site
ECTA (2011) transport emission factors per vehicle type and distance (kg CO₂e per tonne·km). User-specified.
A5 — Construction process
IEA 2023 grid intensities (user-selectable) + waste factor (%) applied to A1–A3, representing material off-cuts and over-ordering.
C1–C4 — End of life
Generic per-kg factors estimated from published EPD ranges by material category and EOL scenario. For EPD products with declared C1–C4, those are used directly.
Module D — Beyond boundary
Net benefit from material recovery. Always reported separately — never added to A1–C4 total per EN 15804+A2:2019 clause 6.4.3.4.
⚠ Limitations: ICE v3.0 values are UK/European averages from 2019. Generic C1–C4 and Module D values are estimated — not from a single verified source. For project-specific accuracy, use product EPDs. FastLCA is not a substitute for a certified LCA or EPD.
Life cycle boundary — hover each stage
PRODUCT STAGE (A1–A3)
A1Raw mat.
Extraction and processing of raw materials. Usually the largest share for construction products.
A2Transport
Transport of raw materials to the manufacturing plant.
A3Manufacture
Energy and process emissions at the factory where the product is made.
CONSTRUCTION (A4–A5)
A4To site
Transport from factory gate to construction site. Set distance and vehicle in A4–A5 tab.
A5On site
Site energy use and material waste during installation.
USE PHASE — NOT INCLUDED
B1–5Use & maint.
Not included. Requires project-specific service life data.
B6–7Energy/water
Operational energy and water. Not included.
END OF LIFE (C1–C4)
C1Demolition
Energy for deconstruction at end of life.
C2Transport
Waste transport to processing or disposal facility.
C3Processing
Sorting, shredding and reprocessing of waste material.
C4Disposal
Final landfill or incineration without energy recovery.
BEYOND
DNet benefit
Recycling/reuse credit. Reported separately — NEVER added to A1–C4 total per EN 15804+A2:2019.
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
Generic emission factors from ICE Database v3.0 (University of Bath, 2019). Use when no product-specific EPD is available. Open ICE database ↗
⚠ Products below come from your Google Sheet database or are added manually. Always verify current EPD before formal use. Use "Report wrong data" to flag outdated entries.
Waste factor adds % of A1–A3 GWP for 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 — leave blank otherwise.
GWP values (kg CO₂e per declared unit) — leave blank for undeclared modules
Only enter 0 if EPD explicitly states zero. Empty = not declared ≠ zero.
🟡 Can't find a material or product you need?
Results — GWP by life cycle stage
Material contribution to A1–A3
Data sources used
⚠ Disclaimer: FastLCA provides indicative estimates only. Not a certified LCA, EPD or regulatory declaration. Generic A1–A3: ICE Database v3.0 (University of Bath, 2019). Transport: ECTA (2011). Generic C1–C4 and Module D: estimated from published EPD ranges — not a single verified source. User-entered 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 v0.5 · fastlca.com · hello@fastlca.com