carbon
Reduce whole-life carbon emissions
By calculating carbon early and tracking progress, we set realistic carbon targets, make better-informed decisions, and stay ahead of regulations. We use carbon as a design parameter, not just a reporting obligation. This approach enables us to lower the total carbon emissions of our project while increasing transparency and future-proofing.
Why carbon matters
Reducing emissions is becoming a requirement, not a value-add. Clients, cities (like Amsterdam), and investors increasingly require carbon transparency. EU Taxonomy regulations and the EPBD recast demand life cycle emissions tracking. This has a direct impact on real estate finance, permits, and future asset value. Architects who understand and apply whole-life carbon thinking early in projects can lead decision-making rather than responding to it. It supports agency in conversations with developers, municipalities, and engineers, and allows architects to make data-driven design decisions.
What carbon track is about
This track focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions throughout a building’s entire life cycle, including material production, transport, construction, use, maintenance, and end-of-life (Stages A–D, EN 15978). Whole-Life Carbon assessments connect operational and embodied emissions, offering a realistic picture of a project’s total impact over time. In practice, this means treating CO₂ as a design parameter: setting clear carbon ambitions at the beginning of the project, and continuously assessing design choices using calculation tools throughout the design process. This approach turns carbon into a design driver, guiding material selection, structural strategy, form, and system integration.
In design practice
Carbon calculation tools such as BIM-integrated LCA calculators (e.g., BIMpact, OneClick) allow us to iterate and compare alternatives across options. Carbon calculations at WRK are part of the design feedback loop, not something added at the end to confirm compliance.