Embodied Carbon Verification Scheme was established to address the gap in reliable embodied carbon data associated with MEP products. The methodology behind the scheme (TM65) was created in close collaboration with manufacturers to ensure it was both practical and reliable.
Embodied Carbon Verification scheme is an initiative developed in consultation with CIBSE Certification, to advance environmentally friendly practices within the built environment. It covers MEP products used for heating, cooling, ventilation, lighting, electrical, and public health but does not cover non-standard equipment such as, solar panels. The TM65 publication and methodology for the UK are available from the CIBSE Knowledge Portal (CIBSE Knowledge Portal) and manufactures of MEP products can use tools supplied to do self-assessments of their products. The ECV scheme adds an additional layer of credibility, and participation allows manufacturers to have their embodied carbon claims independently verified and demonstrate their green credentials. Megan Frost, CIBSE Certification Marketing Executive, sat down with Pavlos Konstantinidis, Technical Manager of CIBSE Certification Ltd, to explore the Embodied Carbon Verification scheme that CIBSE Certification offers, and what the benefits are for manufacturers regarding MEP products.
Pavlos, can you start by explaining what the Embodied Carbon Verification (ECV) Scheme is and why it has become increasingly important when associated with MEP products?
Our Embodied Carbon Verification scheme was established to address the gap in reliable embodied carbon data associated with MEP products. The methodology behind the scheme was created in close collaboration with manufacturers to ensure it was both practical and reliable. The key goal was to give manufacturers assurance to their embodied carbon data. By using a standardised calculation method based on CIBSE TM65:2021, they now have greater confidence that the data they're working with is accurate and consistent.
ECV is an independent third-party review of the manufacturing process used to calculate the embodied carbon of products through TM65/TM65.2. It's about ensuring that the process is reliable, consistent and follows best practices when calculating the carbon impact of these products. CIBSE Certification is responsible for conducting on site audits and reviewing the entire process. They verify that the correct procedures are followed and assess the evidence supporting the input used for the carbon calculation. The goal is to ensure that the data is backed by reliable evidence and that it conforms to the ECV scheme requirements for verification. By having a third-party organisation, to review and oversee the process, it adds an extra layer of transparency and accountability. Manufacturers can be confident that their embodied carbon calculations for their products are accurate as well as independently verified.
The need for ECV has been created by the industry itself. Which has amplified the importance when associated with MEP products. The verification is critical to MEP products because it helps assess and reduce environmental impact of these products during their entire lifecycle. Manufactures use the TM65 methodology and tools to calculate the embodied carbon for their products, which supports sustainability and helps meet the growing demand for low-carbon building solutions.
The industry itself started to question if the TM65 methodology is being applied properly and is there enough robust evidence for selected data inputted into the tool. With the process’ aim to standardise how manufacturers and designers can access the environmental impact of their products, specifically MEP, across the entire lifecycle. Which has highlighted the importance of an independent third-party verifier, like CIBSE Certification, to audit, gather evidence, and confirm if the process is being followed correctly based on the methodology. It is an essential effort to reduce the environmental impact of construction and support the transition to a low-carbon economy.
Why do manufacturers choose CIBSE TM65:2021 Methodology to calculate embodied carbon associated with their MEP products?
We have received positive feedback from manufacturers who highlight that the methodology is specifically tailored to MEP products. Unlike other embodied carbon verification schemes that have a broader scope, our one focuses exclusively on MEP products, which clients really appreciate. They feel it’s more relevant and precise to their needs. The main benefit is that it creates consistency across the industry. By having a standardised methodology and tool that everyone uses in the same way, results become comparable. This uniformity makes it easier to evaluate data across different manufacturers as well as products. The methodology balances simplicity and robustness. It's detailed enough to accurately calculate the embodied carbon for MEP products, but it’s also simpler than other tools like EPDs. Manufacturers can achieve the necessary accuracy as a first step to a longer carbon management journey.
How does the TM65 publication support the ECV scheme? Does the methodology cover all variations of TM65 e.g. TM65.2?
While the variants of TM65 do establish benchmarks for products within specific sectors, the core calculation methodology for embodied carbon remain unchanged. The only differences between variations typically relate to the specific products, such as lighting, and certain assumptions that might apply to those categories. The scheme itself is designed to cover everything within the TM65 scope, and there is a clear list of products that are included within the methodology. The ECV scheme provides valuable assurance on the use of the TM65:2021 methodology. It ensures that the correct inputs are selected and applied properly to generate accurate embodied carbon values. This independent verification gives both manufacturers and clients confidence that the results are reliable and consistent with the standards set by TM65.
What are the benefits to manufacturers choosing the ECV scheme to report embodied carbon associated with their products?
The main benefit of our Embodied Carbon Verification Scheme is the reassurance it provides to manufacturers. They can be confident that they’re using the tool correctly and that their processes for collecting data and inputting it are aligned with best practices. Additionally, the third-party endorsement from CIBSE Certification adds significant value. Manufacturers not only receive a certificate confirming their approach is approved, but the certificate also includes an appendix listing all the products we have verified, along with their embodied carbon value. This adds transparency and credibility to their sustainability efforts, as well as provides the end users, (designers, or consultants) with their desired value, as well as reassurance that the embodied carbon values has been calculated correctly.
How does the ECV scheme provide assurance that embodied carbon associated with products is accurate?
The scheme is designed around initial verification of selected data, and annual audits of the manufacturer's system at their location. This helps us check their processes, the way they collect data for the methodology, and how they monitor and control both the design and manufacturing of their products, which is crucial at any given time. The audits allow us to gain a full understanding of their processes. Once we’ve gained insight into their processes, we can then verify the embodied carbon calculations, including all the input and output data for each product.
The scheme ensures that all the evidence is collated, and the calculations are run to verify that all values are accurate and correct. After this, the manufacturer is issued their certificate. This approach ensures a robust process that aligns with industry best practices and the ECV scheme requirements.
CIBSE Certification Ltd is known for its expertise in technical certifications and commitment to improving the built environment. How does the ECV Scheme align with CIBSE Certification’s mission to create safer, net zero, and better-performing buildings?
Embodied carbon plays a significant role in the overall carbon impact of buildings. When we consider carbon from a holistic perspective, it’s clear that the amount of carbon embedded in the products used in a building is substantial. That’s why it’s so important to account for these values throughout the process. TM65 allows manufacturers and designers to establish these values, while our ECV offers an independent, third-party review. This adds a level of reassurance to the industry that the values are accurate and that there’s no greenwashing, ultimately promoting transparency and trust.
How do you see the future of embodied carbon verification evolving, and what role do you think initiatives like the ECV Scheme will play in shaping the built environment’s carbon footprint?
We believe the EVC scheme will be a key driver in reducing embodied carbon across the built environment. In the past, embodied carbon wasn’t given much attention; the focus was largely on operational carbon, driven by regulations and initiatives. However, the industry's recent shift to a more holistic approach, considering the embodied carbon of buildings and MEP products, will significantly lower the overall embodied carbon from start to finish. As more companies focus on their embodied carbon calculations, it will enable the industry to make better informed decisions about the buildings they design and operate. Embodied carbon will become a factor in the design process, and with more data available, there will be more options for selecting sustainable MEP products. This will empower designers to make more sustainable, conscious decisions that reduce the carbon impact.
The ECV scheme will play a crucial role in pushing the manufacturing sector to reduce embodied carbon in MEP products. It will drive ongoing efforts to make these products more efficient and less carbon-intensive by encouraging manufacturers to rethink their processes and materials they use. The more accurate and verified data we have, the more the market will be able to make informed, sustainable choices. Over time, this will guide the industry toward a future focused on minimising carbon emissions.
Finally, with CIBSE Certification’s profits reinvested into CIBSE to enhance the built environment, how do you think this model contributes to the long-term sustainability of the industry?
CIBSE Certification’s model of contributing profits from its operations into CIBSE plays a crucial role in the long-term sustainability of the industry. By directing revenue back into training, publications, and industry guidance, CIBSE can continuously advance knowledge and awareness across the built environment. This helps equip professionals with the tools and insights they need to make informed decisions, particularly around sustainability. Ultimately, the contribution helps ensure that the industry evolves in a way that supports sustainable practices, drives innovation, and promotes the adoption of solutions that will have a lasting positive impact on the built environment.
Learn more about the ECV Scheme