This report, led by KU Leuven under the INDICATE LIFE project, explores how whole life carbon (WLC) benchmarks can support more consistent and comparable assessments across Europe. It examines existing approaches, data gaps and methodological challenges, and outlines key considerations for developing robust, policy-relevant WLC benchmarks. The findings can provide an important foundation for future regulation and market uptake.

In Austria, whole life carbon (WLC) assessments are starting to influence how buildings are designed. This sub-report, developed under the INDICATE LIFE project and led by ÖGNI, draws on real building projects to explore the environmental and economic value of WLC assessments. The report highlights where WLC delivers clear benefits, where challenges persist, and what is needed to scale implementation ahead of EPBD requirements.

This infographic provides a summary of the main objectives of the INDICATE LIFE project.

This Infographic provides details on the data collection challenges faced in the INDICATE LIFE project, and how INDICATE LIFE is providing solutions to these.

This report by BPIE presents the INDICATE LIFE project's recommendations on the design principles for an effective EU whole life cycle (WLC) assessment framework for buildings.

This map shows the geographical coverage of the INDICATE project.

This map shows the geographical coverage of the INDICATE Life project.

The INDICATE programme explores how to reduce emissions across the whole life cycle of buildings — from construction materials and energy use to renovation and demolition. 

Watch the explainer video here.