EU: publication of the harmonised framework for calculating the Global Warming Potential of buildings

The delegated regulation amending the European Union framework for the lifecycle Global Warming Potential (GWP) assessment of new buildings was published in the Official Journal of the EU on 04/05/2026.

This harmonised framework, based on a European calculation standard (EN 15978), "promotes the comparability of greenhouse gas emissions throughout the life cycle across the EU, thereby facilitating the assessment of the climate impact of different building-related products and activities".

The GWP is calculated over a reference period of 50 years, must reflect the "as-built" condition of the building and is expressed in kg CO2eq/m² of floor space.

The calculation covers, in particular, the production of materials, transport, construction, use, maintenance, replacement, operational energy, deconstruction, waste treatment, as well as the benefits or costs associated with reuse, recycling or exported energy.

These common rules should enable Member States to carry out this calculation "in a consistent and transparent manner, with a view to publishing the results in the energy performance…