Even though the EPBD of 2024 introduces the obligation to calculate and disclose the life cycle GWP in energy performance certificates for new buildings with an area of over 1,000 sq m from 2028, and for all new buildings from 2030, the industry remains unprepared.
– The biggest problem is the lack of a coherent national methodology for calculating the carbon footprint and a central database on the emission intensity of construction products – explains Dr. Eng. Dorota Bartosz, director of sustainable construction at PLGBC. — While countries such as Denmark, France and the Netherlands have been developing their systems for years, Poland is just starting this path. Developers do not have access to tools that would allow them to easily calculate the carbon footprint of their investments – he adds.
The PLGBC report shows that the effective implementation of GWP requirements requires the creation of comprehensive infrastructure. A national database is needed containing specific emission factors for construction products, devices and technical systems, as well as data on the transport of materials and emissions related to the construction process. Meanwhile, there are practically no such resources in Poland.
— Manufacturers are developing EPD environmental declarations and innovative materials, but these are not met with interest from investors because there are not enough incentives and legal requirements to justify the higher costs of using ecological solutions – notes Wiktor Kowalski, Associate Director at Buro Happold and member of the PLGBC management board. — Without this data, it is impossible to accurately calculate a building's carbon footprint. Developers are therefore dependent on the availability of information, which they have no influence on, explains the expert.
Administrative costs and burdens as the main barrier
Conducting a comprehensive carbon footprint assessment over the entire life cycle of a building is a task that requires specialized knowledge and resources. Due to the huge number of components used to construct modern buildings, conducting an LCA carbon footprint analysis is essential a serious challenge both financially and organizationally.
— For most developers, especially smaller ones, the cost of conducting a full LCA analysis can be significant – emphasizes Dorota Bartosz. — It is not only a matter of the calculation itself, but also the need to employ experts, invest in appropriate software and devote time to collecting data. Many companies fear that these expenditures will not translate into measurable economic benefits, he adds.
Lack of awareness of added value
Another problem is limited awareness of the benefits of calculating and optimizing carbon footprint among investors and users. Unlike operational actions such as improving energy efficiency, which provide immediate savings, the reduction of embedded emissions does not translate directly into benefits for users.
— End customers often do not understand what a low carbon footprint of a building means why should they incur the costs of analysis and optimization because of this? – explains Dorota Bartosz. – While energy certificates are already known and associated with lower heating bills, the concept of total carbon footprint remains abstract. Therefore, developers do not see any market motivation to make additional efforts, the expert emphasizes.
However, the PLGBC report shows that this perspective may change quickly. Increasing ESG reporting requirements, regulations such as the CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive) and the EU Taxonomy mean that banks and investors increasingly require detailed data on emissions related to the projects they finance.
– We still do not see that in Poland access to more favorable financing depends on meeting environmental criteria – notes Wiktor Kowalski. — Buildings with a documented low carbon footprint may, however, be more attractive to future tenants or investors in certain market sectors. The approach of investors and developers is still pragmatic and environmental benefits must be accompanied by measurable financial benefits. – he adds.
Gaps in industry education and competencies
Effective implementation of GWP requirements throughout the life cycle requires not only infrastructure and data, but above all competent specialists. Meanwhile, in Poland there is a lack of qualified experts who can conduct a reliable LCA analysis for buildings.
— Education for both industry entities and regulatory authorities is crucial, emphasizes Dorota Bartosz. — We need upskilling programs covering various aspects of the construction value chain, from designers to contractors to property managers. Without this, even the best regulations will remain a dead letter of the law, he adds.
The report shows examples of countries such as France and Sweden, where the introduction of carbon footprint requirements was preceded by extensive educational campaigns and the provision of free calculation tools. There are practically no such activities in Poland, and the deadline for transposition of the EPBD directive is May 2026.
– There is little time left to prepare the industry – warns Wiktor Kowalski. — If we do not start intensive implementation activities now, we will face chaos in 2028. There is a risk that GWP calculations under mandatory LCA without easily accessible databases and verification tools and mechanisms will suffer the fate of Energy Performance Certificates – will be developed en masse by people without appropriate qualifications and at the lowest possible cost, which will translate into results completely different from reality – he adds.
Opportunity or threat?
The PLGBC report indicates that potential benefits, such as the development of innovation, increased design awareness and long-term cost savings, will remain largely theoretical unless effective regulatory and financial tools are implemented. In the current conditions, the transformation towards low-emission construction is progressing slowly, and the sector is still faced with limited access to data, lack of standardization and insufficient system support.
— Developers who invest in competences and tools now will gain a competitive advantage – convinces Dorota Bartosz. — In a few years, low-emission construction will be the standard, not the exception. Those who are prepared for this will dominate the market. The rest will have to chase or they will be out of the game.
However, it is crucial that the sector is not left alone with these challenges. We need decisive state support, access to financing, clear regulations and time for preparation. Without this, the Polish development industry will not be ready for the revolution that is inevitably coming.
— Decarbonization of construction is not only a responsible approach to climate protection, but also a matter of energy security and competitiveness of our economy, concludes Wiktor Kowalski. — We cannot afford for the Polish industry to be left behind. We have known about the challenges that await us for years and it is high time to take action – he adds.
