Improving sustainablity of buildings
As the testing phase of Level(s), a voluntary reporting framework to improve the sustainability of buildings nearing its final phase, it is beneficial to take an overview of some of the key aspects shaping the future of Level(s) as a common EU approach in assessment of the environmental building performances of buildings.
A tool for designing and constructing sustainable buildings, Level(s) could be a crucial element in reaching the set out targets of the European Commission’s policy for circular economy. Focusing its attention on the most important aspects of buildings performance, Level(s) would provide building professionals and their clients with a higher understanding on how buildings impact the environment and health of population.
Level(s) testing phase
At the moment, Level(s) is being tested by stakeholders across the construction and real estate value chain, with a goal of reaching the final version of the Level(s) framework during the summer of 2020. The main findings, technical feedback and documentation on the Level(s) test phase are available on the website of Joint Research Centre of the European Commission.
Joint Research Centre on Level(s): https://bit.ly/3fkKzya
Policy adoption of Level(s)
A significant push for further recognition of Level(s) came with the European Commission’s publication of a Circular Economy Action Plan, proposing measures along the entire life cycle of products, putting the circular economy in the mainstream of economic activity to come closer to the goals of carbon neutrality by 2050.
Inclusion of the Level(s) framework into Circular Economy Action Plan, strengthened by a co-signed open letter between World Green Building Council and a coalition of over 60 organisations across the buildings and construction, provides and advantage with addressing lifecycle approach through the use of proven metrics for comparative progress and securing resource efficiency and sustainability benefits.
Circular Economy Action Plan: https://bit.ly/3dgvTOP
Moving Level(s) to practice with Life Level(s) project
Co-funded by LIFE Programme and led by eight GBC’s, project Life Level(s) looks to explore how key Level(s) components such as addressing whole life carbon, circularity and indoor air quality can be integrated nationally Europe-wide.
Along with a focus on implementation of Level(s) indicators in Europe’s leading green building certification schemes and alignment with public procurement standards through work with public authorities, the project seeks to incentivise the collection of data on the environmental and health impact of construction products and build capacities of all those stakeholders taking part in applying the Level(s) indicators.
Taking everything noted into account, it is visible that the future of directing policies to enable the building sector to deal with its environmental footprint through the use of Level(s) is bright, taking important steps in facing climate emergencies and reaching the goals of climate neutrality.
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