CBCA Label
Low Carbon Construction Site
The CBCA label — Low Carbon Construction Site — is operated by IRICE. Launching in 2026-2027, it aims to certify construction sites that control their carbon emissions. Efficarbone is the measurement tool that produces the data required by this label.
CBCA: the missing label for construction sites
The BBCA (Low Carbon Building) label covers the overall carbon footprint of a building — materials, energy, full life cycle. But the construction phase itself (transport, machinery, waste, site facilities, personnel travel) represents a significant carbon source that was until now neither measured nor recognised in a standardised way.
The CBCA label — Low Carbon Construction Site, operated by IRICE, fills this gap. Its objective: to provide a framework for measuring, reducing and recognising carbon performance specific to the construction phase.
CBCA at a glance
- Operator IRICE — independent certification body, Cofrac accredited under ISO/IEC 17065
- Launch 2026-2027 — pilot phase underway, methodology being finalised
- Scope Ic_construction site — items A4 to A9 per EN 15978 nomenclature
- Measurement tool Efficarbone is positioned as the tool that produces the data required by the label
Efficarbone: the measurement tool for CBCA
Efficarbone measures Ic_construction site — the carbon indicator for the construction phase — covering the 6 items defined by EN 15978:
| EN 15978 item | Content | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| A4 | Supplier deliveries | Material transport, distance, mode of transport |
| A5a | Site office / administration | Site facilities, lighting, heating, consumables |
| A5b | Personnel travel | Home-to-site commuting, modes of transport |
| A5c | Construction machinery | Cranes, excavators, compactors — fuel consumed |
| A5d | Waste and materials | Sorting, removal, treatment, recovery |
| A5e | Site facilities and equipment | Water, sanitation, temporary installations |
Each item is measured using emission factors from the Base Empreinte (ADEME). Efficarbone tracks the confidence level of each data point: actual measurement (invoice), documented estimate, or default value. This traceability is what enables the CBCA label to verify the results.
European BBCA via LCBI: the international window
The BBCA Association is part of the LCBI (Low Carbon Building Initiative) consortium, which is deploying a unified building carbon label across 8 European countries: Germany, Belgium, Spain, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and France. The methodology is expected to be published by the end of 2026.
This European expansion creates momentum for internationally comparable carbon measurement tools. Efficarbone, with its ISO 14040/14044 methodology and traceable emission factors, can position itself as a complementary construction site measurement tool alongside the European BBCA label — particularly for public-sector project owners in LCBI countries.
R&D track record
2026 catalysts: why now
Article 35 Climate Act — 22 August 2026
All public procurement contracts must include at least one environmental award criterion. Construction site carbon measured by Efficarbone is an objective criterion, defensible in pre-contractual proceedings.
Directive 2024/825 — 27 September 2026
Unverified carbon claims become unlawful. An Efficarbone assessment with traced ADEME factors constitutes documented evidence.
RE2020 thresholds 2025 / 2028 / 2031
Measured Ic_construction site carbon can replace lump-sum values in the RE2020 calculation — a lever as thresholds tighten.
CBCA Label 2026-2027
The first label dedicated to construction site carbon. Early adopters who start measuring now will have prior data when the label becomes operational.
Frequently asked questions
The CBCA (Accredited Low Carbon Construction Site) label focuses on construction site carbon (modules A4-A5, EN 15978). Effinature focuses on biodiversity. Both are operated by IRICE and can be combined on the same project to cover both climate and biodiversity.
CBCA documents actual construction site emissions in accordance with EN 15978. This data can be used in the RE2020 calculation for the Ic construction indicator. The label provides third-party traceability that project owners can rely on to meet regulatory requirements.
The cost depends on the size and complexity of the project. Contact IRICE for a quote. The return on investment includes CSRD compliance (ESRS E1), ESG enhancement of the project, and documented control of construction site emissions.
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Measure the carbon footprint of your construction sites
Efficarbone quantifies items A4-A9 using ADEME factors. Prepare for the CBCA label and 2026 public procurement requirements.