New Build or Refurbishment – The Essential Role of Carbon Assessments in Construction Decisions
When we collaborate with clients on projects, one of the first discussions is whether they choose to invest in a new build or determine if refurbishment is a more viable, cost-effective option. There are cost and operational efficiency factors to consider alongside sustainability goals and carbon impact. Our mechanical and electrical engineers employ a sustainable, systematic, data-driven approach to carbon assessment to help our clients make informed, responsible decisions that align with their needs.
How Whole Life-Cycle Carbon Assessments help
Whole life-cycle carbon (WLC) assessments provide comprehensive insight into the total carbon emissions associated with a building project—from material extraction, manufacturing, and transportation to construction, operation, and eventual decommissioning. By quantifying emissions across each phase, WLC assessments empower project teams to identify opportunities for carbon reduction, compare alternatives, and support clients in setting and achieving ambitious sustainability goals.
New Build vs. Refurbishment
Often, it is assumed that new builds automatically offer the best route to lower carbon footprints through efficient materials and modern techniques. However, WLC data is essential for stakeholders to gain better insights into options that still meet their goals. Reusing existing structures can significantly decrease embodied carbon by tapping into the value already inherent in a building’s fabric. Our experience shows that, when supported by comprehensive carbon assessments, refurbishment can often surpass new build in sustainability, provided the project aligns with functional and operational requirements.
Communicating Carbon Assessment Data to Clients
Translating complex carbon data into practical insights is essential for effective collaboration with our clients. We work closely with a variety of stakeholders, from architects to design teams, to ensure that WLC assessment findings are presented clearly and meaningfully. Through concise reports, visual dashboards, and modelling, we help everyone involved in a project understand the implications of their decisions. The data in our carbon assessments support informed choices to forge the most sustainable path forward.
Strict regulations in the built environment and construction rules govern construction in the UK. This might lead to the assumption that a new build will always be the lower-carbon option, but that is not always the case. By analysing both embodied and operational carbon emissions, our sustainability team helps our clients make decisions that effectively balance meeting net-zero targets with innovative approaches. Each project is unique, and a comprehensive assessment ensures that sustainability remains central to strategic planning.
Contribute to the Discussion Next Week
To explore further how carbon assessments can influence the debate between new-build and refurbishment, the Cudd Bentley Consulting team will collaborate with colleagues from One Click LCA to provide an online session with carbon experts. The session will cover:
- Utilising carbon data to guide critical project decisions
- Best practices for communicating carbon findings to stakeholders
- Real-world examples where refurbishment outperformed new build in carbon savings
Join us for this webinar on Thursday, 21 August 2025, at 10:00 AM BST to explore how WLC assessments can help you make the right call for your next construction project. Secure your spot by clicking here.