Saturday, 15 March 2025
Calculating the carbon footprint in the real estate sector presents significant challenges due to the complexity of data collection and the lack of standardized methodologies. Companies often struggle to determine which data to consider, particularly across the entire construction lifecycle. “We lack standardization, and a single accepted model for calculation is missing,” notes Marcin Kosieniak, MEP specialist and co-owner of PM Projekt.
The carbon footprint of a building is influenced by multiple factors, including data comprehensiveness, emission sources, usage patterns, and technical constraints. Precise calculations require an extensive dataset covering the entire lifecycle of a building—from material production and transportation to construction, operation, and eventual demolition. However, obtaining complete and reliable data remains a major challenge.
Multiple Emission Sources and Methodological Gaps
Real estate emissions stem from various sources, including energy consumption for heating, cooling, lighting, elevator operations, and waste and water management. Each source requires a separate calculation methodology, adding to the complexity of assessing total emissions.
Changes in building usage over time also affect carbon footprint calculations. The number of occupants, operational hours, technological upgrades, and renovations all impact energy consumption and emissions, necessitating continuous updates to assessments.
Despite growing awareness of the importance of carbon footprint tracking, no universally accepted standards exist in the real estate sector. Different countries and organizations use varying methodologies, making it difficult to compare results and leading to inconsistencies in reporting.
Technical and Financial Barriers
Accurate carbon footprint calculations require advanced monitoring systems and infrastructure to measure energy and resource consumption. Older buildings, which often lack such technologies, face additional challenges in obtaining precise data.
The process is also resource-intensive, requiring both specialist knowledge and significant financial investment. “Accurately measuring emissions requires expertise in both the technical aspects of buildings and the methodology for emissions calculation,” says Kosieniak.
Forecasting Future Emissions and Verification Issues
Estimating future emissions over a building’s lifecycle involves multiple variables, including technological advancements, shifts in the energy mix, regulatory changes, and evolving building usage patterns. The complexity of these factors makes long-term forecasting difficult.
Verification of carbon footprint assessments is another challenge. The absence of independent institutions to validate results raises concerns about data reliability. A unified standard could improve transparency and consistency in reporting.
Opportunities for Precise Carbon Footprint Measurement
Despite these challenges, real estate projects that incorporate carbon footprint assessments from the outset can achieve more accurate tracking and better environmental outcomes. Kosieniak highlights that in new developments, emissions can be precisely calculated by integrating sustainable solutions into architectural designs, increasing long-term investment value.
Even in modernization projects or developments in post-industrial areas, strategies can be implemented to support decarbonization efforts and minimize climate impact. “By integrating sustainability measures, both new and existing buildings can contribute to reducing emissions and meeting environmental targets,” Kosieniak concludes.
As the industry moves toward greater environmental accountability, addressing standardization, verification, and technical challenges will be essential for accurate and reliable carbon footprint measurement in real estate.
Author: Marcin Kosieniak, MEP specialist and co-owner of PM Projekt
