Project review

SUSTAINOVATE is a research project developing innovative digital solutions to support sustainable and low-carbon construction. The project responds to the new requirements of the recast Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD 2024/1275), which mandates whole-life Global Warming Potential (GWP) calculations for new buildings across the European Union.

By integrating Building Information Modelling (BIM), Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and harmonised GWP indicators into a single Decision Support System (DSS), SUSTAINOVATE aims to support policymakers, designers and public authorities in implementing EU climate and building policies in practice.

The project focuses on the Baltic region, where harmonised methodologies, data and digital tools for whole-life carbon assessment are currently limited or missing.

Project context

The construction and building sector remains one of the most resource- and carbon-intensive sectors in Europe. As operational emissions decrease due to energy efficiency measures and renewable energy integration, embodied carbon from construction materials and processes becomes a dominant source of emissions.

Recent EU studies show that in high-performance buildings, embodied emissions can account for more than half of total life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions. This makes life-cycle assessment and early-stage decision-making increasingly important.

However, in many regions, particularly in the Baltic States there is:

  • Limited availability of region-specific data,
  • Fragmented use of BIM and LCA tools,
  • Low integration between policy requirements and design workflows.

SUSTAINOVATE aims to close this gap by combining scientific research, digital innovation and civic engagement.

Expected impact

SUSTAINOVATE will deliver

  • Practical tools for designers, regulators and municipalities.
  • Evidence-based input for national and EU-level policy making.
  • Increased transparency and understanding of building carbon impacts.
  • Open-access datasets, reports and scientific publications.
  • Long-term contribution to climate-neutral and circular construction.

Who is this project for

  • Policymakers and public authorities.
  • Architects, engineers and planners.
  • Municipalities and housing agencies.
  • Researchers and students.
  • Civil society organisations.
  • Citizens interested in sustainable buildings.