ABSTRACT
A simple whole carbon footprint methodology could be useful to inform decision making for both new and existing buildings. Taking occupancy density into account is clearly important for whole carbon footprint ratings otherwise the rating would penalise more densely occupied buildings. This also shows that, by using the same data, one building can be shown to be better or worse than another, depending on which approach is adopted. An indicative whole carbon benchmark of around 200 kgCO2e/m2 of GIA per annum has been suggested as typical for a UK office building based on a 60-year assessment period. The benchmark for an existing building by area excludes the embodied carbon due to initial construction.
