The carbon-cutting heroes of construction: how specifiers are driving the green manufacturing revolution
In the fight against climate change, specifiers—architects, engineers, and designers—are stepping up as unsung heroes, cutting carbon one building at a time. As pressure mounts, they’re turning to one of the fastest, most affordable and scalable tools available: verified Product Carbon Footprints (PCFs).
“Every decision we make at the specification stage has long-term consequences,” says Dr Caroline Noller, Quantity Surveyor. “PCFs let us act quickly without sacrificing rigour.”
Specifiers hold the key to carbon reduction
Buildings generate roughly 40% of global carbon emissions, and the materials chosen early in a project have a lasting impact.
That’s why organisations like Architects Declare, Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors, Engineers Australia, Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors and others are stepping so actively into this materials conversation.
By requiring products with verified PCFs, specifiers can cut upfront carbon—the emissions embedded from manufacture to installation—and push manufacturers towards net zero.
Why PCFs are a game-changer
PCFs are aligned with LCA and ISO standards, but faster and more cost-effective than Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs). They offer high-quality, actionable data and scale easily across projects—ideal for busy professionals looking to reduce emissions quickly.
“It’s about accessibility,” says Esther Bailey, Chief Operating Officer at Rebuilt. “With PCFs, specifiers get solid carbon data upfront—so they can choose low-impact products before the design is locked in.”
As regulations expand to include smaller projects—like residential builds, commercial fit-outs and building services—the speed and affordability of PCFs will be crucial. Lowering the cost of participation in carbon reporting supports innovation, increases competition, and accelerates emissions reduction across the supply chain.
How PCFs work alongside other labels
Manufacturers have historically used EPDs to demonstrate environmental performance across areas like energy, water, waste and resource use. But environmental assessment is evolving. Today, specifiers and clients also care about ethics, social impact, governance, design for circularity, and nature-positive or wellness outcomes.
PCFs complement—not replace—other claims. For broader sustainability goals, specifiers can cost-effectively pair PCFs with tools like GECA or Global Green Tag (ethical manufacturing and reduced impact), the Living Product Challenge (toxicity and human health), or supply chain standards like FSC or Responsible Steel.
Together, PCFs, EPDs and other certifications give specifiers a flexible toolkit, adaptable to any project’s priorities, timelines, or sustainability ambitions.
Why carbon data matters
Embodied carbon disclosure is being mandated under planning regulations because construction is such a major carbon emitter. And as Daniel Hogan from John Holland reminded us recently at Sydney Build, “Australia’s net zero 2050 targets are fast approaching—just one to two procurement cycles.”
Choosing low-carbon products—especially those with verified PCFs or EPDs—directly reduces a building’s footprint. These choices also support ratings like Green Star and NABERS, boosting project value and appeal. And with NABERS ratings now required for development applications, embodied carbon evaluation is no longer optional—it’s expected.
The pace of change is accelerating
Tracking reductions against baselines, annual targets or previous builds requires regularly updated, comparison-ready data.
Traditional PCFs and EPDs are valid for five years, useful for long project timelines, but less helpful for annual corporate reporting or product development. To hit targets, specifiers need up-to-date data and tools that make performance comparisons easy.
That’s why Rebuilt offers a subscription platform to support low-carbon product planning and a public marketplace that publishes PCFs and EPDs, enabling easy comparison of the latest product data.
Manufacturers are responding with low-carbon concrete, recycled steel and responsibly sourced timber—materials that lower emissions without compromising performance. These products often come with verified carbon data, helping specifiers weigh environmental impact and cost at the same time.
“It’s not just about cutting carbon—it’s about future-proofing,” adds Noller. “Clients want low-impact options that still meet performance and certification needs.”
A flexible path forward
As more manufacturers publish verified PCFs and EPDs, specifiers are better equipped to make smart, carbon-conscious choices—on everything from high-rises to housing.
Manufacturers want to do the right thing—we just need to build their access to verified but simplified calculation processes and carbon literacy.
“We don’t have time to wait for perfect data, we just need to start now and keep improving over time,” says Bailey. “With global carbon accounting standards already in place, we can act now. When both PCFs and EPDs are available and affordable, everyone can participate—not just the few.”
In the race to decarbonise construction, PCFs are an essential tool. Used together with other environmental labels, they empower specifiers to lead the industry into a more sustainable, low-carbon future.