As we await the decision from the public inquiry around the proposed demolition of Marks & Spencer's Marble Arch store, this article from Architects' Journal merits a read - it raises some interesting questions on whole life carbon assessments (WLCAs).
There are two stand out points: (1) Surely consistent methodology on WLCA preparation is required? (2) If WLCAs are to have substance in relation to planning decision making, decision makers need the expertise to scrutinise their content and/ or there needs to be a regulatory framework in terms of preparation of WLCAs.
As the author suggests, it is currently "a foggy, CO2-filled battlefield".
Developers pay consultants to carry out WLCAs and there is widespread concern that he who pays the piper calls the tune.
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