Operational Carbon
Project benchmarks need to be agreed upon at the earliest phase of the design project and monitored throughout the process, including post completion. Some projects will have project specific benchmarks that are included within the requirements. This includes the Department for Education, NHS and some councils such as the Greater London Authority. Targets should be set for elements in addition to Whole Life Carbon such as (but not limited to) recycled materials, water use and end of life. Benchmarks give a quantifiable way of measuring impact across projects and the industry.
At SPACE Architects, benchmarks form the foundation of our design process, allowing performance and impact to be measured consistently across projects. From Department for Education frameworks to council-specific sustainability targets, we establish and track benchmarks from the earliest concept stages through to post-occupancy evaluation. These metrics inform decisions on carbon reduction, material reuse, water efficiency, and long-term adaptability, ensuring that every design outcome can be assessed against clear, evidence-based criteria. By embedding benchmarking into our workflow, we create accountability and transparency.
