Benchmarks

Currently, there is no comprehensive source of whole-life carbon benchmarking data, as embodied and operational emissions are often tracked and reported separately. Still, sources exist for understanding typical performance for both operational and embodied emissions. C.Scale’s data model makes use of benchmarking data as described below.

Embodied Carbon Benchmarks

C.Scale benchmarks the embodied emissions of a building against the Carbon Leadership Forum’s WBLCA Benchmark Study (2025), providing users with an easy-to-understand reference for whether their building is low-, average-, or high-carbon compared to other buildings of a similar use type.

The CLF WBLCA Benchmark Dataset includes cradle-to-grave WBLCA results for 292 buildings across North America. The CLF Embodied Carbon Benchmark Report establishes Embodied Carbon Intensities (ECI) in kgCO2e/m2 normalized by a project’s gross floor area (GFA) for six general use types: multifamily residential, education, office, public assembly, warehouse and storage, and other. CLF Benchmark models include structure, envelope, interiors, and construction activities, but exclude services (MEP), landscape/site, and operational emissions (energy use, refrigerants).

When calculating embodied carbon benchmark values, C.Scale aligns background data with the scope selected by the user and compares it to the relevant data in the CLF WBLCA Benchmark Study dataset. Benchmarks can be generated for A1-3, A1-A5, or A-C assessments. Percentile results displayed in the tool includes building materials and construction activities (SE or SEI) but always exclude services/MEP, landscape, demolition, and operational emissions (energy use, refrigerants).