Through a series of categories, BREEAM looks to address the most impactful and influential factors of a building and its construction. ‘Materials’ in one such category, and the MAT01 assessment is typically one of the first assessments undertaken in the process.

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a crucial tool for assessing the environmental impact of buildings, materials and construction methods.

Melin Consultants have been supporting clients with their MAT01 LCA requirements since its inception in BREEAM 2018 methodology, leaving you safe in the knowledge our team of experts will produce an accurate, comprehensive bespoke report that satisfies the BREEAM Assessment criteria and the credits sought can be awarded in a smooth and timely manner.  

Additionally, we have also delivered Life Cycle assessments including early design stage modelling, as built and in use assessments for LEED, Greater London Authority and Net Zero purposes.

What is a MAT01 LCA?

A building life cycle assessment looks at a property’s environmental impact, considering its construction, use, and end-of-life phases. It involves measuring a building’s embodied and operational emissions by taking into account factors including energy use, materials, construction activity, and waste. By leaving no stone unturned, a comprehensive building LCA produced by ourselves unpacks emissions data, paves a visible path towards decarbonisation and is a crucial part of a BREEAM assessment.

The assessment primarily focuses on a products efficiency, environmental impact, responsible sourcing and product durability over the life cycle of the selected materials and building itself.

For business and public sector clients in the UK, LCA provides valuable insights into adopting sustainable building practices. It enables informed decision-making that reduces waste, optimises resource use, and lowers carbon emissions.  This supports both regulatory requirements and sustainability goals.

Differing slightly to the whole life approach which considers impacts from a materials manufacture, transport and installation during use and the end of its life.

When should MAT01 be undertaken?

LCA is now a mandatory part of BREEAM with over 10% of total available credits attributed to the LCA chapter!

MAT01 assessments should ideally take place at RIBA Stage 2 Concept Design, as the information at stage 2 can be limited, it is then typically updated at RIBA Stage 4 Technical Design Stage. 

It is vitally important to undertake the first LCA before the end of the RIBA Stage 2 and also prior to the detailed planning application being submitted.  Additionally, the evidence also needs to be submitted to the BRE before the planning application is submitted. 

Our Life Cycle Assessment Process

At Melin, we specialise in delivering comprehensive Life Cycle Assessments, particularly for BREEAM purposes.  Our team of in house specialists will guide you through the entire process. 

Using the most up-to-date approved software programs, we help clients secure the early credits during the concept design and pre-planning stages and revisit the LCA at the technical design stage.  We also use this time to liaise with the design teams to explore material substitutions that can aid the reduction of embodied carbon emissions.

BREEAM credits under the MAT01 section are awarded as below;

• Concept Design: Up to five credits and one exemplary credit are available

Life Cycle Assessment – Phases

Phase 1 - Goal and Scope Definition

Benefits of incorporating a Life Cycle Assessment in your development’s design;

• Sustainability and Environmental Responsibility;

Understanding the carbon footprint of your building allows you to take responsibility for its environmental impact.

• Regulatory Compliance:

Compliance with BREEEAM requirements and Planning Application climate agreements.

• Risk Management

Carbon emissions can pose financial and reputational risks to your organisation. By identifying and monitoring these emissions throughout the lifecycle of your project, you can better understand and manage these risks.

• Competitive Advantage

Improved public perception and enhanced reputation for your business.  Consumers, investors and other stakeholders are increasingly seeking developments that are environmentally friendly and socially responsibility.  Carrying out a WLCA enables you to differentiate your development from others.

• Reduced Costs

Identifying and implementing processes to reduce carbon emissions will often in turn identify opportunities to reduce costs.  Improving energy efficiency and reducing material waste can significantly reduce costs over the life cycle of your project.

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Incorporating Life Cycle Assessment into the BREEAM process ensures that buildings are not just optimised for short-term efficiency, but are designed with sustainability in mind for their entire lifespan. By using LCA, developers, architects, and engineers can make better choices about materials, construction methods, and operational strategies, ultimately reducing the building’s overall environmental impact and contributing to a healthier planet.

For more information on how BREEAM Life Cycle Assessment can benefit your project, or to schedule a consultation, contact us today. Together, we can create buildings that are truly sustainable from cradle to grave.