EC3 is a free online tool for comparing construction materials using digital Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) data and assessing embodied carbon impacts. In EXEL4Housing 4.0, it is relevant for supporting low-carbon housing design and construction by helping users identify materials with lower upfront carbon, improve material specification and procurement decisions, and understand how product-level environmental data can contribute to reducing the carbon footprint of residential projects.
Keywords
Main theme addressed by the tool
Digitalization; Circular economy
Objectives
EC3 is used to assess, benchmark, and reduce embodied carbon in construction materials during the planning and design stage. Its main purpose is to help project teams use digital EPD data and material quantities from BIM models or cost estimates to compare products, identify lower-carbon alternatives, and support low-carbon material specification and procurement decisions in construction projects.
Target audience
Architects, engineers, contractors, developers, sustainability consultants, and procurement teams involved in material selection, embodied carbon assessment, and low-carbon specification. EC3 is particularly useful for project teams aiming to make carbon-informed material choices and improve sustainable procurement decisions during the planning and design stage.
Benefits
EC3 helps users make carbon-informed material choices by comparing construction products using digital EPD data. By using the tool, project teams can identify high-carbon materials, find lower-carbon alternatives, benchmark embodied carbon impacts, and support low-carbon specification and procurement. It can contribute to reducing upfront carbon impacts in housing and construction projects while improving transparency in material selection.
Data requirements
EC3 requires construction material quantities, usually obtained from BIM models, construction estimates, cost plans, or as-built data. Users also need basic project information and the material or product categories to be assessed. The tool links these quantities with digital, third-party verified EPD data to compare products and calculate embodied carbon impacts.
Learning Profiles addressed
- BIM for Energy & Lifecycle Specialist
- Green Construction Strategy Leader
- Lifecycle Carbon & Climate Compliance Specialist
- Sustainable Construction Project Manager
Examples of application
How to use the tool – Tutorials
EC3 Tool PDF
Learning materials
Language
English
Cost
Free
Other information
EC3 is particularly relevant for EXCEL4Housing 4.0 because it supports carbon-conscious material selection and procurement in housing construction. It can help partners connect BIM or quantity data, EPD information, and embodied carbon targets, creating a practical link between digital construction workflows and low-carbon decision-making during the planning and design stage.
