Sustainability and Circular Economy Resource Guide
Welcome to our Sustainability and Circular Economy Resource Guide. This section will direct you to some of the best resources currently available to support project professionals embed sustainability and circular economy principles into the delivery of major projects. These cover a range of data and information analysis tools, industry thought leadership and guidance resources. Please note that we have developed this resource guide to the best of our ability in partnership with PA Consulting, but we encourage every user to re-check accuracy before use.
The below framework structures these resources across the phases of a typical project lifecycle, from Concept through to Dispose. Under each project phase there are a series of activities that project professionals need to consider in order to ensure their project aligns to a sustainable and circular economy approach. If you click on the activity boxes you will be presented with a series of resources that can support you during the undertaking of this activity. There are summary details provided on each resource to help you find what you are looking for and you can also rate the tool so that others can benefit from your experience.
We would welcome any additional sustainability and circular economy resources that you would like to share with other members. If you would like to add resources on to this repository please contact mpa@majorprojects.org. Our newly established MPA Sustainability Network Group has resources dedicated to keep it maintained and as accurate as possible.
Concept
Include sustainability in every business case and align benefits with sustainability targets
Include sustainability in every business case and align benefits with sustainability targets
Resource
Type of Resource
Source
What Does It Do
Why Use It?
Type Of resource
Guidance documentation
Source
PA Consulting
What does it do
Provides executive briefs on 12 technologies that can help meet the SDGs and also help companies grow in the markets of the future. The executive briefs in this document will provide you with the understanding needed to start exploring how to use these disruptive technologies. The 12 disruptive technologies can be summarised in 4 categories: 1) Technology that imitates life; 2) Technology that affects our well-being; 3) Technology that makes connections; and 4) Technology that affects how we move and make things.
Why use it?
An appreciation of the role that certain technologies can play in supporting sustainable outcomes. Gain an understanding of where new technology can be factored into your projects.
Type Of resource
Guidance documentation
Source
PA Consulting
What does it do
The Framework provides practical guidance to corporate teams wishing to use the SDGs as an inspiration for innovation. Provides step-by-step guidance for innovation teams to use the SDGs as a lens to uncover new product, service and business model opportunities that have the potential to dramatically improve the lives of people around the world and the environment.
Provides practical steps for applying breakthrough approaches e.g. page 28 summarises a selection of useful tools and resources including SDG Compass, Better Business, Better World, Blueprint for Business Leadership on the SDGs.
Provides practical steps for applying breakthrough approaches e.g. page 28 summarises a selection of useful tools and resources including SDG Compass, Better Business, Better World, Blueprint for Business Leadership on the SDGs.
Why use it?
Insight into SDG alignment for your business case and using SDGs to bring innovation into the design process.
Type Of resource
Guidance website
Source
Gov.uk website
What does it do
Sets out the actions UK government departments and their agencies will take to reduce their impacts on the environment. This includes commitments around reducing greenhouse gas emissions; sending less waste to landfill and reducing the overall amount of waste produced.
Why use it?
It is important that you have an understanding of the government department targets that are relevant to your project. The website will provide clear sustainability targets for each government department.
Type Of resource
Guidance website
Source
Sustainable Development Solutions Network andBertelsmann Stiftung
What does it do
The Sustainable Development Report 2020 presents the SDG Index and Dashboards for all UN member states and frames the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across these nations.
Why use it?
Understand the SDG commitments of any UN member states that have an interest in your project.
Type Of resource
Software tool
Source
Autocase
What does it do
Used by Architects and designers to produce designs that combine life-cycle cost analysis and cost-benefit analysis of buildings and so allows users to quantify and attribute monetary values to financial, social, and environmental impacts of any project proposal. Requires minimum project-specific inputs and then Autocase pre-populates standard buildings and localised industry-validated data to measure the impacts of designs.
Why use it?
Triple bottom line cost benefit analysis software for buildings and infrastructure. Can show the financial, social and economic benefits of your designs to support the business case.
Type Of resource
Software tool
Source
University of Manchester
What does it do
A software application tool for calculating the environmental and economic impacts of life-cycle carbon inventories along the whole supply chains. Allows users to estimate the financial cost and benefits of reducing the carbon footprint. Available to download for free and can be tailored for different applications (Windows, Android, Excel) and industrial sectors.
Why use it?
LCA and decision-support tools for calculating and reducing the carbon footprints of different industrial sectors across supply chains. Particularly effective during the design stage.
Type Of resource
Software tool
Source
Earthshift Global
What does it do
Online Return on Investment software that utilises a continually updated database of social and environmental costs and a range of other factors to compare investment opportunities on both a sustainability and profitability basis. Data can be easily inputted into an intuitive interface and provides dashboard views of results, including project views.
Why use it?
Gain an understanding of the anticpated environmental and economic performance of your business case and design.
Type Of resource
Software tool
Source
Ellen MacArthur Foundation
What does it do
Assessment tool for companies to improve product design and material procurement. The user inputs material operational data into the tool to analyse and evaluate a range of environmental, regulatory and supply chain risks for designs and products. This web-based tool will provide an organisation with the means to track their progress and ensure that their products fit within a circular economy based business model. The website has toolkit and methodology documentation available including a Project Overview: An Approach to Measuring Circularity which is dedicated to using the tool in a project setting.
Why use it?
Use data measurement tooling to improve the design process of your project.
Type Of resource
Software tool
Source
UN Global Compact in collaboration with B Lab
What does it do
New impact management solution tool that guides users through an easy to follow self-assessment process to set clear goals on the SDGs, benchmark against industry standards, continue to track progress and identify improvement areas. In addition, the tool provides access to a curated portfolio of tools, guidance material and resources.
Why use it?
Question led self-assessment to support users to establish the right SDG priorities for their project. The tool then generates visually appealing performance dashboards and reports.
Type Of resource
Guidance website
Source
Organisation for Climate and Circular Economy (OCCE)
What does it do
OCCE will support a project leader with free of charge access to a repository of resources and an OCCE expert to refine the project idea. Once in a more mature state the OCCE can facilitate discussions with federation members and investors.
Why use it?
OCCE can support innovative, circular related projects. Contact the team to see if they could support with the financing of your project.
Type Of resource
Software tool
Source
Embedding project in collaboration with WBSCD
What does it do
A public goals database containing leading sustainability goals and commitments set by over 100 large global companies. User friendly interface that allows you to search for company sustainability goals and targets by company, SDG, Sector or Goal Status.
Why use it?
Reviewing other companies goals and commitments will give you an excellent context to establish the right sustainable target benefits for your own project. In addition, provides further insight into the 17 SDG goals and how other companies have interpreted them into their own goals, targets and projects.
Type Of resource
Guidance documentation
Source
Developed by GRI, the UN Global Compact and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD)
What does it do
Guidance document that supports companies in aligning their strategies with the SDGs and in measuring and managing their contribution. The guide follows 5 steps for companies to maximize their contribution to the SDGs. The tool also contains a live inventory of existing business indicators from relevant and widely-recognised sources as well as a live inventory of business tools (currently 60) to support particular sectors.
Why use it?
Follow a structured approach to aligning your project's business case with the SDGs and benefit from the opportunities the SDGs present. Fairly concise 30 page document and relatively easy to follow. Designed at an organisational level but can be adapted to project level.
Type Of resource
Guidance documentation
Source
ING
What does it do
Written in January 2019 by ING's Group Chief Economist this document provides useful summaries into circular financing, circular business models and supply chain financing.
Why use it?
Concise, 30 slide document that will provide you with an understanding of circular business models and the financing options available. This could be useful when developing your own project business case.
Type Of resource
Software tool
Source
World Economic Forum
What does it do
The Strategic Intelligence Platform is a cutting edge knowledge management resource containing a huge amount of data and information continually collated by the forums network and supplemented by key findings from top universities. It allows the user to gain important insight into world wide topics, understand wider interdependencies with other issues and emerging trends and therefore make informed strategic decisions on complex issues and target setting.
Why use it?
Use an advanced knowledge management tool developed by the World Economic Forum to gain a wider context on global forces when setting targets and developing your project's business case.
Type Of resource
Guidance website
Source
Danone
What does it do
Provides an overview of the Danone approach to target setting against the SDGs. Includes a really useful Matrix Map of objectives against SDGs and commentary on Danone's approach to selecting, contributing and reporting on the SDGs. Select any of the 17 SDGs to get further detail on Danone's target setting and performance in that area.
Why use it?
General reading on other companies goal setting to inspire projects in their own target alignment.
Type Of resource
Guidance documentation
Source
Ellen MacArthur Foundation
What does it do
The framework covers the following 6 action areas for businesses and countries wanting to move towards the circular economy: Regenerate, Share, Optimise, Loop, Virtualise, Exchange. Details provided on pages 21/22 of "Delivering the circular economy - A toolkit for policy makers" provided by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation .
Why use it?
This framework will support you to generate ideas, run workshops to come up with circular business cases and designs.
Type Of resource
Guidance documentation
Source
PwC
What does it do
Provides an overview of good practice sustainability reporting including covering some quick and useful tips on setting KPIs and targets, putting in place governance and reporting on the SDGs.
Why use it?
Sound advice on how to conduct sustainability reporting within your organisation.
Type Of resource
Guidance documentation
Source
Working Group FinanCE, Netherlands
What does it do
Report by the FinaCE Working Group that set out the impact of a progression to a Circular Economy. In particular Section 2 'Impact on business models' provides an overview of the move to circular business models and sets out 3 categories of circular business models. In addition the report contains a series of case studies as well as technical considerations to establishing a circular business model.
Why use it?
The report will provide you with key insights and examples to help you develop your own circular project business case. The concepts and examples provided can act as the inspiration to move away from more traditional approaches.
Type Of resource
Software tool
Source
ARUP
What does it do
Decision support software tool that appraises infrastructure projects based on 21 social, environmental and economic indicators. Results are presented graphically on the unique SPeAR® diagram which shows a traffic light system indicating performance in each area.
Why use it?
During the design stage it can be used to compare and assess the pros and cons of various design options, identify key risk areas, guide decision-making and assess the implications of design changes. It can also be used to undertake evaluation upon project completion, and during operation, which can inform organisational learning and approaches to future projects.
Type Of resource
Guidance website
Source
Ellen MacArthur Foundation
What does it do
This learning path explores what artificial intelligence is and how it can be used to accelerate the transition to a circular economy, focusing in particular on the opportunities for AI to:
1. Inform and accelerate efforts to design out waste and pollution
2. Increase the effectiveness of and optimise circular economy business models
3. Streamline the infrastructure needed to keep products and materials in use
1. Inform and accelerate efforts to design out waste and pollution
2. Increase the effectiveness of and optimise circular economy business models
3. Streamline the infrastructure needed to keep products and materials in use
Why use it?
Gain insights and case studies that illustrate how AI is being used right now to enable better, more circular design and the creation of sustainable business models.
Type Of resource
Software tool
Source
Embedding project in collaboration with WBSCD
What does it do
A public database that contains sustainable positions taken by over 100 large global companies. User friendly interface that allows you to search for positions by issue, company, sector and includes current and past positions. The resource also includes a guidebook to help you articulate a concise and transparent board level position on key environmental, social and governance issues.
Why use it?
Reviewing other company's positions will provide a useful context to be able to set a top level position from which your project benefits can flow. If required, the contextual knowledge provided along with the guidance materials can also support you to articulate a board level or public position for your project.
Type Of resource
Guidance documentation
Source
Circle Economy and Platform for Accelerating the Circular Economy (PACE)
What does it do
Provides an overview of circular approaches to design, procurement as well as sales and marketing. Sets out to change mindsets toward a circular approach, align business models with circular economy principles and supports organisations to put the circular economy into practice.
Why use it?
Gain a wider understanding of circular approaches to design, procurement and marketing and apply to the management of your project.
Type Of resource
Guidance website
Source
Local Government Association (LGA)
What does it do
Section of the LGA website dedicated to the environment and climate change. Understand latest news, best practice and case studies across the local government sector.
Why use it?
Understand the sustainability approaches across local authorities and gain an awareness of any implications for your projects.
Type Of resource
Guidance website
Source
Tortoise Media
What does it do
A ranking of the FTSE 100 companies on their commitment to key social, environmental and ethical objectives, inspired by the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Provides a full report that provides details of goals set and ongoing performance. A useful ranking summary is also provided for quick reference.
Why use it?
General reading on other companies goal setting to inspire projects in their own target alignment.
Type Of resource
Guidance website
Source
World Businessand Sustainable DevelopmentCommission (WBSDC)
What does it do
The SDG Sector Roadmap Guidelines is a set of guidelines which provide a structured approach that companies can follow to come together and collaborate with other organisations and produce an SDG roadmap for their sector. The resource also contains latest insights and progress made in specific sectors e.g. chemical, forestery and cement industries.
Why use it?
An insight into how you can collaborate with sector partners to jointly approach SDG target setting. Taking a wider, more systems based approach than just within your project could have a greater impact.
Type Of resource
Guidance website
Source
Gov.uk website
What does it do
VNR is how the UK government reports to the United Nations (UN) on how they are progressing towards the Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), involving different government ministries and NGOs this website shares information about the Voluntary National Review and invites people and organisations to share information about their projects that contribute to the UK’s delivery of the SDGs.
Why use it?
Gain an understanding of the UK government's SDG commitments to assess any impact on your project.
Type Of resource
Guidance website
Source
United Nations Global Compact
What does it do
Guidance website that will prompt users to think critically as to whether their business strategy, model, products, supply chain, partnerships and operations are effectively supporting the achievement of the SDGs. The website will give you greater insight into the SDG goals, support you to consider whether you are applying the SDGs against 5 leadership qualities of Intentionality, Ambition, Consistency, Collaboration and Accountability and also encourage the user to think about the interconnectivity of how actions to support 1 goal impacts other SDG goals.
Why use it?
Gain further insight into the 17 SDG goals and follow a structured approach to ensuring your business strategy or business case is aligned to the SDGs.
Type Of resource
Software tool
Source
Future-Fit Business, Part of the UNGC business tool box
What does it do
Offers a holistic framework for companies to consider all their social and environmental impacts. Provides guidance to support organisations in setting the stretch goals needed to embed true sustainability into the core of their business.
Why use it?
Offers a structured approach, including helpful guidance documentation, to setting out the benefits for your project. Encourages the user to think beyond current standard targets and target the benefits that can speed up their transition to a Future-Fit Society.
Type Of resource
Guidance documentation
Source
Bioregional
What does it do
The One Planet Living framework is designed to support you to create a 'One Planet Action Plan' that acts as a route map towards a more sustainable future for your organisation. The website provides links to a range of guidance manuals, training and external Consultants that can support you to establish a 'One Planet Action Plan'. You can then publish your Action Plan on a digital platform and benefit from being part of a collaboration network.
Why use it?
Guidance to produce a route map that sets out how you will achieve the sustainability benefits in your business case.
Type Of resource
Online learning
Source
United Nations Global Compact
What does it do
Interactive, 30-minute e-learning course designed to support professionals to integrate the Global Goals into their business strategy and operations. The course builds on insights from the ongoing work of the UN Global Compact with companies around the world as well as existing tools and resources, including the SDG Compass (UN Global Compact, GRI and the World Business Council For Sustainable Development), the Blueprint for Business Leadership on the SDGs (UN Global Compact), and Integrating the SDGs into Corporate Reporting: A Practical Guide (UN Global Compact, GRI).
Why use it?
Conduct online training to gain a greater understanding of how to align your business case strategy to the SDGs. Provides insight into using recommended tooling, namely SDG Compass and the Blueprint for Business Leadership.
Include circular and innovative business models into the procurement / sourcing strategy/ requirements
Include circular and innovative business models into the procurement / sourcing strategy/ requirements
Resource
Type of Resource
Source
What Does It Do
Why Use It?
Type Of resource
Guidance documentation
Source
ING
What does it do
Written in January 2019 by ING's Group Chief Economist this document provides useful summaries into circular financing, circular business models and supply chain financing.
Why use it?
Concise, 30 slide document that will provide you with an understanding of circular business models and the financing options available. This could be useful when developing your own project business case.
Type Of resource
Software tool
Source
Ellen MacArthur Foundation
What does it do
Assessment tool for companies to improve product design and material procurement. The user inputs material operational data into the tool to analyse and evaluate a range of environmental, regulatory and supply chain risks for designs and products. This web-based tool will provide an organisation with the means to track their progress and ensure that their products fit within a circular economy based business model. The website has toolkit and methodology documentation available including a Project Overview: An Approach to Measuring Circularity which is dedicated to using the tool in a project setting.
Why use it?
Use data measurement tooling to improve the design process of your project.
Type Of resource
Software tool
Source
UN Global Compact in collaboration with B Lab
What does it do
New impact management solution tool that guides users through an easy to follow self-assessment process to set clear goals on the SDGs, benchmark against industry standards, continue to track progress and identify improvement areas. In addition, the tool provides access to a curated portfolio of tools, guidance material and resources.
Why use it?
Question led self-assessment to support users to establish the right SDG priorities for their project. The tool then generates visually appealing performance dashboards and reports.
Type Of resource
Guidance documentation
Source
Developed by GRI, the UN Global Compact and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD)
What does it do
Guidance document that supports companies in aligning their strategies with the SDGs and in measuring and managing their contribution. The guide follows 5 steps for companies to maximize their contribution to the SDGs. The tool also contains a live inventory of existing business indicators from relevant and widely-recognised sources as well as a live inventory of business tools (currently 60) to support particular sectors.
Why use it?
Follow a structured approach to aligning your project's business case with the SDGs and benefit from the opportunities the SDGs present. Fairly concise 30 page document and relatively easy to follow. Designed at an organisational level but can be adapted to project level.
Type Of resource
Guidance documentation
Source
Ellen MacArthur Foundation
What does it do
The framework covers the following 6 action areas for businesses and countries wanting to move towards the circular economy: Regenerate, Share, Optimise, Loop, Virtualise, Exchange. Details provided on pages 21/22 of "Delivering the circular economy - A toolkit for policy makers" provided by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation .
Why use it?
This framework will support you to generate ideas, run workshops to come up with circular business cases and designs.
Type Of resource
Guidance website
Source
Sedex
What does it do
Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit (SMETA) is an audit methodology, providing a compilation of best practice ethical audit techniques. It is designed to help auditors conduct high quality audits that encompass all aspects of responsible business practice, covering Sedex’s four pillars of Labour, Health and Safety, Environment and Business Ethics. SMETA can conduct audits remotely at low prices £50 - £200 but you can also access the SMETA offline audit tool, download all SMETA guidance documentation which includes best practice guidance and measurement criteria.
Why use it?
Gain an understanding of how to conduct best practice ethical and sustainable audits on your supply chain to deliver upon your sustainability targets.
Type Of resource
Guidance documentation
Source
Circle Economy and Platform for Accelerating the Circular Economy (PACE)
What does it do
Provides an overview of circular approaches to design, procurement as well as sales and marketing. Sets out to change mindsets toward a circular approach, align business models with circular economy principles and supports organisations to put the circular economy into practice.
Why use it?
Gain a wider understanding of circular approaches to design, procurement and marketing and apply to the management of your project.
Type Of resource
Guidance website
Source
United Nations Global Compact
What does it do
Guidance website that will prompt users to think critically as to whether their business strategy, model, products, supply chain, partnerships and operations are effectively supporting the achievement of the SDGs. The website will give you greater insight into the SDG goals, support you to consider whether you are applying the SDGs against 5 leadership qualities of Intentionality, Ambition, Consistency, Collaboration and Accountability and also encourage the user to think about the interconnectivity of how actions to support 1 goal impacts other SDG goals.
Why use it?
Gain further insight into the 17 SDG goals and follow a structured approach to ensuring your business strategy or business case is aligned to the SDGs.
Apply for Government / private funds support on circular / sustainable related projects if applicable
Apply for Government / private funds support on circular / sustainable related projects if applicable
Resource
Type of Resource
Source
What Does It Do
Why Use It?
Type Of resource
Guidance documentation
Source
ING
What does it do
Written in January 2019 by ING's Group Chief Economist this document provides useful summaries into circular financing, circular business models and supply chain financing.
Why use it?
Concise, 30 slide document that will provide you with an understanding of circular business models and the financing options available. This could be useful when developing your own project business case.
Type Of resource
Guidance website
Source
European Circular
Bioeconomy Fund (ECBF)
What does it do
ECBF is a dedicated fund to invest in circular and bio-based industries, companies and projects of various sizes across Europe. ECBF Management will raise funds from public and private investors with a target fund volume of 250 million Euro.
Why use it?
Contact the team to see if your project would be eligible for funding.
Type Of resource
Guidance website
Source
Organisation for Climate and Circular Economy (OCCE)
What does it do
OCCE will support a project leader with free of charge access to a repository of resources and an OCCE expert to refine the project idea. Once in a more mature state the OCCE can facilitate discussions with federation members and investors.
Why use it?
OCCE can support innovative, circular related projects. Contact the team to see if they could support with the financing of your project.
Type Of resource
Guidance website
Source
Gov.uk website
What does it do
Access to an application process for UK registered businesses to apply for a share of up to £55 million for new projects focusing on sustainable economic recovery from COVID-19. Innovate UK, as part of UK Research and Innovation, is investing up to £55 million to fund single and collaborative research and development projects as part of the Sustainable Innovation Fund.
Why use it?
Closure date is Wednesday 29 July 2020 at 11:00am but provides an understanding of the kind of government funding that is available for projects.
Type Of resource
Guidance website
Source
Gov.uk website
What does it do
A-Z of all housing related government funding programmes.
Why use it?
Check to see if your housing related project is eligible for any government funding.
Type Of resource
Guidance website
Source
Gov.uk website
What does it do
The Industrial Energy Transformation Fund (IETF) is designed to help businesses with high energy use, such as energy intensive industries, to cut their energy bills and carbon emissions through investing in energy efficiency and low-carbon technologies.
BEIS will manage the IETF for England, Wales and Northern Ireland, with £289 million to invest over 2 phases:
•Phase 1 opens on 20 July 2020, with up to £30 million of funding. Innovate UK will manage delivery of Phase 1.
•Phase 2 will launch in 2021, with the remainder of the fund.
BEIS will manage the IETF for England, Wales and Northern Ireland, with £289 million to invest over 2 phases:
•Phase 1 opens on 20 July 2020, with up to £30 million of funding. Innovate UK will manage delivery of Phase 1.
•Phase 2 will launch in 2021, with the remainder of the fund.
Why use it?
Consider whether your project would be eligible for this funding.
Assess yours and others sustainability performance
Assess yours and others sustainability performance
Resource
Type of Resource
Source
What Does It Do
Why Use It?
Type Of resource
Guidance website
Source
Social Value UK
What does it do
The Global Value Exchange (GVE) is an online platform that allows users to set up their own projects, start to monitor the social value they are creating, and helps them manage and maximise their social value. There are 3 main resources available:
browseGVE: Allows you to search over 30,000 social impact measurement metrics.
myGVE: an interactive project layer where you can enter details about your project to receive information about ways to measure and value your outcomes.
myGVEportfolio: manage the social value of multiple projects by creating a portfolio with a shared outcome framework.
There are various Guidance documents on the above tools available to download.
browseGVE: Allows you to search over 30,000 social impact measurement metrics.
myGVE: an interactive project layer where you can enter details about your project to receive information about ways to measure and value your outcomes.
myGVEportfolio: manage the social value of multiple projects by creating a portfolio with a shared outcome framework.
There are various Guidance documents on the above tools available to download.
Why use it?
Platform to track the social value performance of an individual project or a portfolio of projects.
Type Of resource
Software tool
Source
Delivered by bre
What does it do
Enter data on to an online platform to ascertain your project's environmental impacts, provide a breakdown of waste, highlight areas for improvement and savings (including time and money) and set new targets. The platform can run various reports at project, business unit or company level to compare performance against targets and BREEAM industry standards. Training also available via the website.
Why use it?
Ability to be able to create a baseline, set targets, track and provide improvement plans throughout your project's lifecycle. Can also gain a clear understanding of your anticipated waste.
Type Of resource
Software tool
Source
Ellen MacArthur Foundation
What does it do
Assessment tool for companies to improve product design and material procurement. The user inputs material operational data into the tool to analyse and evaluate a range of environmental, regulatory and supply chain risks for designs and products. This web-based tool will provide an organisation with the means to track their progress and ensure that their products fit within a circular economy based business model. The website has toolkit and methodology documentation available including a Project Overview: An Approach to Measuring Circularity which is dedicated to using the tool in a project setting.
Why use it?
Use data measurement tooling to improve the design process of your project.
Type Of resource
Software tool
Source
UN Global Compact in collaboration with B Lab
What does it do
New impact management solution tool that guides users through an easy to follow self-assessment process to set clear goals on the SDGs, benchmark against industry standards, continue to track progress and identify improvement areas. In addition, the tool provides access to a curated portfolio of tools, guidance material and resources.
Why use it?
Question led self-assessment to support users to establish the right SDG priorities for their project. The tool then generates visually appealing performance dashboards and reports.
Type Of resource
Software tool
Source
Embedding project in collaboration with WBSCD
What does it do
A public goals database containing leading sustainability goals and commitments set by over 100 large global companies. User friendly interface that allows you to search for company sustainability goals and targets by company, SDG, Sector or Goal Status.
Why use it?
Reviewing other companies goals and commitments will give you an excellent context to establish the right sustainable target benefits for your own project. In addition, provides further insight into the 17 SDG goals and how other companies have interpreted them into their own goals, targets and projects.
Type Of resource
Guidance documentation
Source
Developed by GRI, the UN Global Compact and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD)
What does it do
Guidance document that supports companies in aligning their strategies with the SDGs and in measuring and managing their contribution. The guide follows 5 steps for companies to maximize their contribution to the SDGs. The tool also contains a live inventory of existing business indicators from relevant and widely-recognised sources as well as a live inventory of business tools (currently 60) to support particular sectors.
Why use it?
Follow a structured approach to aligning your project's business case with the SDGs and benefit from the opportunities the SDGs present. Fairly concise 30 page document and relatively easy to follow. Designed at an organisational level but can be adapted to project level.
Type Of resource
Software tool
Source
Embedding project in collaboration with WBSCD
What does it do
A public database that contains sustainable positions taken by over 100 large global companies. User friendly interface that allows you to search for positions by issue, company, sector and includes current and past positions. The resource also includes a guidebook to help you articulate a concise and transparent board level position on key environmental, social and governance issues.
Why use it?
Reviewing other company's positions will provide a useful context to be able to set a top level position from which your project benefits can flow. If required, the contextual knowledge provided along with the guidance materials can also support you to articulate a board level or public position for your project.
Type Of resource
Guidance website
Source
Sedex
What does it do
Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit (SMETA) is an audit methodology, providing a compilation of best practice ethical audit techniques. It is designed to help auditors conduct high quality audits that encompass all aspects of responsible business practice, covering Sedex’s four pillars of Labour, Health and Safety, Environment and Business Ethics. SMETA can conduct audits remotely at low prices £50 - £200 but you can also access the SMETA offline audit tool, download all SMETA guidance documentation which includes best practice guidance and measurement criteria.
Why use it?
Gain an understanding of how to conduct best practice ethical and sustainable audits on your supply chain to deliver upon your sustainability targets.
Type Of resource
Software tool
Source
Ellen MacArthur Foundation
What does it do
Circularity measurement assessment tool for companies, uses the widest sets of indicators to provide a comprehensive view of sustainability performance. Users submit a mix of qualitative and quantitative data via a survey platform and then receive a bespoke company scorecard, which features a comprehensive breakdown of their results and an overall circularity score. The scorecard supports companies to identify opportunities for improvement.
Why use it?
Apply to conduct the Circulytics measurement assessment on your project to gain an overall view on sustainability performance and areas for improvement.
Type Of resource
Guidance website
Source
Tortoise Media
What does it do
A ranking of the FTSE 100 companies on their commitment to key social, environmental and ethical objectives, inspired by the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Provides a full report that provides details of goals set and ongoing performance. A useful ranking summary is also provided for quick reference.
Why use it?
General reading on other companies goal setting to inspire projects in their own target alignment.
Type Of resource
Guidance website
Source
Impact Management Project
What does it do
The Impact Management Project (IMP) is a forum for organisations to build consensus on how to measure, compare and report impacts on environmental and social issues. Brings together a Practitioner Community of over 2,000 organisations to debate and find consensus (norms) on impact management techniques. Provides webinars and publications on best practice sustainability measuring and reporting.
Why use it?
Dedicated page of resources and examples that has been developed to support enterprises and investors to better understand their impacts on people and the planet.
Type Of resource
Guidance documentation
Source
European Commission Joint Research Centre
What does it do
This refers to a methodology by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) which is based on Life Cycle Assessment methodology and is designed to conduct a measurement of the environmental performance of a good or service throughout its lifecycle, taking into account the full supply chain. The methodology is covered in a 160 page guidance document and aims to provide “a common way of measuring environmental performance” for companies within the EU wishing to market their product.
Why use it?
This methodology document provides the information necessary to conduct a PEF study and includes a comprehensive technical guidance. It is primarily aimed at technical experts who need to develop a PEF study, for example engineers and environmental managers.
Understand latest policy compliances and go beyond
Understand latest policy compliances and go beyond
Resource
Type of Resource
Source
What Does It Do
Why Use It?
Type Of resource
Guidance website
Source
Gov.uk website
What does it do
Sets out the actions UK government departments and their agencies will take to reduce their impacts on the environment. This includes commitments around reducing greenhouse gas emissions; sending less waste to landfill and reducing the overall amount of waste produced.
Why use it?
It is important that you have an understanding of the government department targets that are relevant to your project. The website will provide clear sustainability targets for each government department.
Type Of resource
Software tool
Source
World Economic Forum
What does it do
The Strategic Intelligence Platform is a cutting edge knowledge management resource containing a huge amount of data and information continually collated by the forums network and supplemented by key findings from top universities. It allows the user to gain important insight into world wide topics, understand wider interdependencies with other issues and emerging trends and therefore make informed strategic decisions on complex issues and target setting.
Why use it?
Use an advanced knowledge management tool developed by the World Economic Forum to gain a wider context on global forces when setting targets and developing your project's business case.
Type Of resource
Guidance website
Source
Sustainable Development Solutions Network andBertelsmann Stiftung
What does it do
The Sustainable Development Report 2020 presents the SDG Index and Dashboards for all UN member states and frames the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across these nations.
Why use it?
Understand the SDG commitments of any UN member states that have an interest in your project.
Type Of resource
Guidance website
Source
Gov.uk website
What does it do
VNR is how the UK government reports to the United Nations (UN) on how they are progressing towards the Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), involving different government ministries and NGOs this website shares information about the Voluntary National Review and invites people and organisations to share information about their projects that contribute to the UK’s delivery of the SDGs.
Why use it?
Gain an understanding of the UK government's SDG commitments to assess any impact on your project.
Type Of resource
Guidance website
Source
Local Government Association (LGA)
What does it do
Section of the LGA website dedicated to the environment and climate change. Understand latest news, best practice and case studies across the local government sector.
Why use it?
Understand the sustainability approaches across local authorities and gain an awareness of any implications for your projects.
Set the right governance for sustainable success
Set the right governance for sustainable success
Resource
Type of Resource
Source
What Does It Do
Why Use It?
Type Of resource
Guidance documentation
Source
PwC
What does it do
Provides an overview of good practice sustainability reporting including covering some quick and useful tips on setting KPIs and targets, putting in place governance and reporting on the SDGs.
Why use it?
Sound advice on how to conduct sustainability reporting within your organisation.
Design
Design for 100% end of life recovery of assets, Zero Waste & toxicity
Design for 100% end of life recovery of assets, Zero Waste & toxicity
Resource
Type of Resource
Source
What Does It Do
Why Use It?
Research for latest sustainability technologies; best practice design principles
Research for latest sustainability technologies; best practice design principles
Resource
Type of Resource
Source
What Does It Do
Why Use It?
Type Of resource
Guidance website
Source
Collaboration between the Ellen MacArthur Foundation and IDEO.
What does it do
Provides practical guidance and resources to start designing projects in line with sustainable and circular economy principles. This includes guidance and materials to deliver circular design workshops and to support the use of circular design methods as well as providing user stories / case studies.
Why use it?
Gain the skills and resources to run a circular design process on your project.
Type Of resource
Guidance documentation
Source
PA Consulting
What does it do
The Framework provides practical guidance to corporate teams wishing to use the SDGs as an inspiration for innovation. Provides step-by-step guidance for innovation teams to use the SDGs as a lens to uncover new product, service and business model opportunities that have the potential to dramatically improve the lives of people around the world and the environment.
Provides practical steps for applying breakthrough approaches e.g. page 28 summarises a selection of useful tools and resources including SDG Compass, Better Business, Better World, Blueprint for Business Leadership on the SDGs.
Provides practical steps for applying breakthrough approaches e.g. page 28 summarises a selection of useful tools and resources including SDG Compass, Better Business, Better World, Blueprint for Business Leadership on the SDGs.
Why use it?
Insight into SDG alignment for your business case and using SDGs to bring innovation into the design process.
Type Of resource
Guidance documentation
Source
PA Consulting
What does it do
Provides executive briefs on 12 technologies that can help meet the SDGs and also help companies grow in the markets of the future. The executive briefs in this document will provide you with the understanding needed to start exploring how to use these disruptive technologies. The 12 disruptive technologies can be summarised in 4 categories: 1) Technology that imitates life; 2) Technology that affects our well-being; 3) Technology that makes connections; and 4) Technology that affects how we move and make things.
Why use it?
An appreciation of the role that certain technologies can play in supporting sustainable outcomes. Gain an understanding of where new technology can be factored into your projects.
Type Of resource
Software tool
Source
Delivered by bre
What does it do
Enter data on to an online platform to ascertain your project's environmental impacts, provide a breakdown of waste, highlight areas for improvement and savings (including time and money) and set new targets. The platform can run various reports at project, business unit or company level to compare performance against targets and BREEAM industry standards. Training also available via the website.
Why use it?
Ability to be able to create a baseline, set targets, track and provide improvement plans throughout your project's lifecycle. Can also gain a clear understanding of your anticipated waste.
Type Of resource
Software tool
Source
Ellen MacArthur Foundation
What does it do
Assessment tool for companies to improve product design and material procurement. The user inputs material operational data into the tool to analyse and evaluate a range of environmental, regulatory and supply chain risks for designs and products. This web-based tool will provide an organisation with the means to track their progress and ensure that their products fit within a circular economy based business model. The website has toolkit and methodology documentation available including a Project Overview: An Approach to Measuring Circularity which is dedicated to using the tool in a project setting.
Why use it?
Use data measurement tooling to improve the design process of your project.
Type Of resource
Software tool
Source
Golder Associates (UK) Ltd, originally developed by Environment Agency
What does it do
WRATE is used to assess the environmental impacts of waste management activities during their whole life. It allows users to track the environmental impacts from kerbside collection to advanced waste treatment facilities, such as anaerobic digestion, through to ultimate disposal. Ideal tool for waste management master planning.
Why use it?
Software tool that can support environmental impact assessment of waste services on your project.
Type Of resource
Guidance website
Source
Ellen MacArthur Foundation
What does it do
This learning path explores what artificial intelligence is and how it can be used to accelerate the transition to a circular economy, focusing in particular on the opportunities for AI to:
1. Inform and accelerate efforts to design out waste and pollution
2. Increase the effectiveness of and optimise circular economy business models
3. Streamline the infrastructure needed to keep products and materials in use
1. Inform and accelerate efforts to design out waste and pollution
2. Increase the effectiveness of and optimise circular economy business models
3. Streamline the infrastructure needed to keep products and materials in use
Why use it?
Gain insights and case studies that illustrate how AI is being used right now to enable better, more circular design and the creation of sustainable business models.
Type Of resource
Software tool
Source
UL
What does it do
Easy to use online carbon reporting solution tool. The user follows a guided step by step process to input data, includes data quality facility, to generate carbon impact reports. In addition, offers services to conduct benchmarking with industry peers and creating a carbon reduction strategy. A range of training materials and an online crash course in carbon management are also available once you have set up an account.
Why use it?
Work out the carbon impact on your project and have access to an online platform to conduct ongoing carbon reporting.
Type Of resource
Guidance documentation
Source
Circle Economy and Platform for Accelerating the Circular Economy (PACE)
What does it do
Provides an overview of circular approaches to design, procurement as well as sales and marketing. Sets out to change mindsets toward a circular approach, align business models with circular economy principles and supports organisations to put the circular economy into practice.
Why use it?
Gain a wider understanding of circular approaches to design, procurement and marketing and apply to the management of your project.
Type Of resource
Software tool
Source
Simpple
What does it do
An ISO 14040/44-compliant tool allowing the quantification and communication of the environmental performance of industrial products, activities, processes over their complete life cycle. It follows a 6 step process of data entry; inventory calculation; selection of indicators; impacts calculation; aggregated results.
Why use it?
Software application for life cycle assessment to support both design and build.
Whole Life Cycle
Assessment tooling
Whole Life Cycle
Assessment tooling
Resource
Type of Resource
Source
What Does It Do
Why Use It?
Type Of resource
Software tool
Source
Earthshift Global
What does it do
A tool for evaluating the environmental impacts of a product or service.
Allows designers and engineers to:
• Assess the broad impact of adopting an alternative material or manufacturing process.
• Pinpoint problem areas and to swap in alternative materials.
• Export tables into Excel and save charts or create custom reports.
• Evaluate how different recycling rates change the environmental impact of your product.
Provides built-in parametric modelling and over 8,000 internationally verified datasets from Coinvent and US-EI databases covering common materials, processes and energy inputs.
Allows designers and engineers to:
• Assess the broad impact of adopting an alternative material or manufacturing process.
• Pinpoint problem areas and to swap in alternative materials.
• Export tables into Excel and save charts or create custom reports.
• Evaluate how different recycling rates change the environmental impact of your product.
Provides built-in parametric modelling and over 8,000 internationally verified datasets from Coinvent and US-EI databases covering common materials, processes and energy inputs.
Why use it?
Web-based life cycle assessment (LCA) tool to support decision making during the design and build phases of a major project. Provides free access to YouTube tutorial sessions on how to use the tool.
Type Of resource
Software tool
Source
Golder Associates (UK) Ltd, originally developed by Environment Agency
What does it do
WRATE is used to assess the environmental impacts of waste management activities during their whole life. It allows users to track the environmental impacts from kerbside collection to advanced waste treatment facilities, such as anaerobic digestion, through to ultimate disposal. Ideal tool for waste management master planning.
Why use it?
Software tool that can support environmental impact assessment of waste services on your project.
Type Of resource
Software tool
Source
IDEAL&CO Explore BV
What does it do
The circularity calculator was developed by and for designers working on circular products. Provides the following features:
• Allows users to quickly test ideas for products and business models
• Produces indices that may be used as KPIs (e.g. reuse and recycling rates)
• Present the potential financial benefits of circular products.
• Allows users to quickly test ideas for products and business models
• Produces indices that may be used as KPIs (e.g. reuse and recycling rates)
• Present the potential financial benefits of circular products.
Why use it?
Online software tool used to assess the circularity of product designs. Produces visually appealling tools and dashboards.
Type Of resource
Software tool
Source
Bionova Ltd
What does it do
Tool that calculates environmental impacts in the construction industry. Allows the user to track, quantify and optimize the circularity of materials sourced, used and re-used and get a detailed breakdown per material type. Provides you with access to a database of 65.000+ materials to compare and find better-performing materials and test different options for more sustainable buildings.
Why use it?
Conducts carbon footprint calculation and circularity of materials assessment to support the construction of greener construction projects.
Type Of resource
Excel tool
Source
United States Environmental Protection Agency
What does it do
An environmental impact assessment tool that measures characterisation factors to quantify the impacts that inputs and outputs have on chemical operations. Can download as an Excel file and includes user manual. Predominatly designed for chemical environmental impacts.
Why use it?
Tool to assess the environmental impacts of chemical use in a project.
Type Of resource
Software tool
Source
Earthshift Global
What does it do
Online Return on Investment software that utilises a continually updated database of social and environmental costs and a range of other factors to compare investment opportunities on both a sustainability and profitability basis. Data can be easily inputted into an intuitive interface and provides dashboard views of results, including project views.
Why use it?
Gain an understanding of the anticpated environmental and economic performance of your business case and design.
Type Of resource
Software tool
Source
University of Manchester
What does it do
A software application tool for calculating the environmental and economic impacts of life-cycle carbon inventories along the whole supply chains. Allows users to estimate the financial cost and benefits of reducing the carbon footprint. Available to download for free and can be tailored for different applications (Windows, Android, Excel) and industrial sectors.
Why use it?
LCA and decision-support tools for calculating and reducing the carbon footprints of different industrial sectors across supply chains. Particularly effective during the design stage.
Type Of resource
Software tool
Source
Autocase
What does it do
Used by Architects and designers to produce designs that combine life-cycle cost analysis and cost-benefit analysis of buildings and so allows users to quantify and attribute monetary values to financial, social, and environmental impacts of any project proposal. Requires minimum project-specific inputs and then Autocase pre-populates standard buildings and localised industry-validated data to measure the impacts of designs.
Why use it?
Triple bottom line cost benefit analysis software for buildings and infrastructure. Can show the financial, social and economic benefits of your designs to support the business case.
Type Of resource
Software tool
Source
Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks Corp., a Dassault Systèmes S.A. subsidiary
What does it do
Software tool that conducts a life cycle assessment (LCA) on parts or assembly processes during the design window. It allows users to:
• search for alternative materials and see how they affect environmental impact in real time.
• create detailed reports that explain a design’s sustainability.
• see detailed LCA information on individual parts.
• Provides a dashboard of LCA information so you can determine the environmental impact of assemblies.
• search for alternative materials and see how they affect environmental impact in real time.
• create detailed reports that explain a design’s sustainability.
• see detailed LCA information on individual parts.
• Provides a dashboard of LCA information so you can determine the environmental impact of assemblies.
Why use it?
Use LCA analysis during the design process to make better informed sustainability decisions
Type Of resource
Software tool
Source
Athena Sustainable Materials Institute
What does it do
Free software tool that will evaluate whole buildings and assemblies using life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology. User is prompted to input the required information and the tool presents detailed results on the cradle-grave environmental impact. Includes the ability to add in alternative materials or processes to conduct design analysis and make improvements.
Why use it?
Free LCA tool to support decision making during the design and build phases of a major project.
Type Of resource
Software tool
Source
ARUP
What does it do
Decision support software tool that appraises infrastructure projects based on 21 social, environmental and economic indicators. Results are presented graphically on the unique SPeAR® diagram which shows a traffic light system indicating performance in each area.
Why use it?
During the design stage it can be used to compare and assess the pros and cons of various design options, identify key risk areas, guide decision-making and assess the implications of design changes. It can also be used to undertake evaluation upon project completion, and during operation, which can inform organisational learning and approaches to future projects.
Type Of resource
Software tool
Source
LCA Calculator Ltd
What does it do
A cloud-based software tool for life cycle assessment helping designers and engineers to understand, analyse and compare environmental impacts of their products, to help them to make ‘greener’ design decisions. Required to create an account but claims to have a usable interface and offer quick calculations.
Why use it?
Instant carbon footprint calculation software to support a sustainable design solution.
Type Of resource
Software tool
Source
IMPACT Partners:BREiesWhole Life LtdWillmott Dixon
What does it do
IMPACT is a method and dataset that integrates with 3D CAD/BIM tools to report on environmental impacts and life cycle costing in the construction industry. IMPACT takes quantity information from the BIM and multiplies this by the environmental impact and/or cost ‘rates’ to produce an overall impact and cost for the whole (or a selected part) of the design. The results generated by IMPACT allow the user to:
•analyse the design to optimise cost and environmental impacts.
•compare whole-building results to a suitable benchmark to assess performance, which can be linked to building assessment schemes.
•analyse the design to optimise cost and environmental impacts.
•compare whole-building results to a suitable benchmark to assess performance, which can be linked to building assessment schemes.
Why use it?
Software tool that integrates with CAD and BIM tooling to provide a rich picture of environmental impact and life cycle costing on construction projects.
Type Of resource
Software tool
Source
Ecological Systems Design, ETH
What does it do
A software application used to analyse and compare the environmental impact of different resources and waste treatment scenarios within and between industries.
Why use it?
Software tool that provides data and information that can support resource use and waste management decisions in energy intensive industries and in dedicated waste treatment processes.
Type Of resource
Software tool
Source
SimaPro
What does it do
Online tool that allows users to collect, analyse and monitor sustainability performance data in order to:
• model and analyse complex life cycles;
• measure the environmental impact of products and services across all life-cycle stages; and
• identify the hotspots along the supply chain from extraction of raw materials to manufacturing, distribution, use, and disposal.
• model and analyse complex life cycles;
• measure the environmental impact of products and services across all life-cycle stages; and
• identify the hotspots along the supply chain from extraction of raw materials to manufacturing, distribution, use, and disposal.
Why use it?
Life cycle assessment tool that can be used to conduct sustainability reporting, carbon and water footprinting, product design and determining key performance indicators.
Type Of resource
Guidance documentation
Source
International Institute for Sustainability Analysis and Strategy
What does it do
Public domain life cycle assessment (LCA) and material flow analysis model and database that calculates process and scenario life-cycles. Reports and data documentation are available and the model and database (Excel file) are free to download.
Why use it?
Free tool to conduct process and scenario LCA during the design, build and maintain phases of your project.
Type Of resource
Guidance documentation
Source
National Infrastructure Commission
What does it do
Design Principles for National Infrastructure, developed by the Commission’s Design Group in consultation with all infrastructure sectors, sets out four principles to guide the planning and delivery of major infrastructure projects: climate, people, places and value. Includes guidance on how to use the guide for your own project from page 8, using the 3 overarching principles of appreciate the wider context, consult meaningfully and continually measure and improve.
Why use it?
Insight into sustainable design approaches that are specifically focused on the planning and delivery of major projects.
Type Of resource
Excel tool
Source
National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, tool developed in collaboration with Radboud University Nijmegen, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, and PRé.
What does it do
ReCiPe is a method for the impact assessment in an life cycle assessment (LCA). Life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) translates emissions and resource extractions into a limited number of environmental impact scores. Covers Midpoint indicators that focus on single environmental problems and Endpoint indicators show the environmental impact on 3 higher aggregation levels. Uses data from the CCaLC or Ecoinvent databases.
Why use it?
Download free to access CSV files to conduct Life Cycle Impact Assessment.
Type Of resource
Guidance documentation
Source
European Commission Joint Research Centre
What does it do
This refers to a methodology by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) which is based on Life Cycle Assessment methodology and is designed to conduct a measurement of the environmental performance of a good or service throughout its lifecycle, taking into account the full supply chain. The methodology is covered in a 160 page guidance document and aims to provide “a common way of measuring environmental performance” for companies within the EU wishing to market their product.
Why use it?
This methodology document provides the information necessary to conduct a PEF study and includes a comprehensive technical guidance. It is primarily aimed at technical experts who need to develop a PEF study, for example engineers and environmental managers.
Type Of resource
Software tool
Source
Simpple
What does it do
An ISO 14040/44-compliant tool allowing the quantification and communication of the environmental performance of industrial products, activities, processes over their complete life cycle. It follows a 6 step process of data entry; inventory calculation; selection of indicators; impacts calculation; aggregated results.
Why use it?
Software application for life cycle assessment to support both design and build.
Carbon / GHG emission footprint Calculators
Carbon / GHG emission footprint Calculators
Resource
Type of Resource
Source
What Does It Do
Why Use It?
Type Of resource
Excel tool
Source
Environment Agency
What does it do
Excel based tool that assesses the final carbon impact of materials, transport options and the final footprint of an overall project within the construction sector. The tool was published by the Environment Agency in July 2012 and has been updated periodically thereafter. This tool allows you to compare and assess material and transport choices in your construction project.
Why use it?
Use the tool to assess different design options and continually assess performance to minimise the carbon impact on your project.
Type Of resource
Excel tool
Source
Greenhouse Gas (GHG)
What does it do
A selection of sector or country specific tools (approx. 30 tools) that will allow you to develop inventories of GHG emissions and support in the tracking toward climate goals. Many tools are accompanied by a PDF guidance document, which provides step-by-step guidance on the use of a tool and GHG Protocol to guide the user and support adherence to standards.
Why use it?
A range of tools and guidance to support you when measuring GHG emissions during your project.
Type Of resource
Software tool
Source
EcoTransIT World
What does it do
Software tool to automate the calculation and analysis of energy consumption, freight emissions, greenhouse gases and air pollutants for most industry modes of transport. User inputs required data into a front page web interface and calculation can be used to inform areas for optimisation.
Why use it?
Easy to use calculator to assess the environmental impact of the use of transport on your project.
Design for biodiversity, wellbeing, better lived experience for communities
Design for biodiversity, wellbeing, better lived experience for communities
Resource
Type of Resource
Source
What Does It Do
Why Use It?
Type Of resource
Guidance website
Source
Social Value UK
What does it do
The Global Value Exchange (GVE) is an online platform that allows users to set up their own projects, start to monitor the social value they are creating, and helps them manage and maximise their social value. There are 3 main resources available:
browseGVE: Allows you to search over 30,000 social impact measurement metrics.
myGVE: an interactive project layer where you can enter details about your project to receive information about ways to measure and value your outcomes.
myGVEportfolio: manage the social value of multiple projects by creating a portfolio with a shared outcome framework.
There are various Guidance documents on the above tools available to download.
browseGVE: Allows you to search over 30,000 social impact measurement metrics.
myGVE: an interactive project layer where you can enter details about your project to receive information about ways to measure and value your outcomes.
myGVEportfolio: manage the social value of multiple projects by creating a portfolio with a shared outcome framework.
There are various Guidance documents on the above tools available to download.
Why use it?
Platform to track the social value performance of an individual project or a portfolio of projects.
Type Of resource
Guidance documentation
Source
Ellen MacArthur Foundation
What does it do
The framework covers the following 6 action areas for businesses and countries wanting to move towards the circular economy: Regenerate, Share, Optimise, Loop, Virtualise, Exchange. Details provided on pages 21/22 of "Delivering the circular economy - A toolkit for policy makers" provided by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation .
Why use it?
This framework will support you to generate ideas, run workshops to come up with circular business cases and designs.
Type Of resource
Guidance website
Source
Sedex
What does it do
Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit (SMETA) is an audit methodology, providing a compilation of best practice ethical audit techniques. It is designed to help auditors conduct high quality audits that encompass all aspects of responsible business practice, covering Sedex’s four pillars of Labour, Health and Safety, Environment and Business Ethics. SMETA can conduct audits remotely at low prices £50 - £200 but you can also access the SMETA offline audit tool, download all SMETA guidance documentation which includes best practice guidance and measurement criteria.
Why use it?
Gain an understanding of how to conduct best practice ethical and sustainable audits on your supply chain to deliver upon your sustainability targets.
Type Of resource
Guidance documentation
Source
Bioregional
What does it do
The One Planet Living framework is designed to support you to create a 'One Planet Action Plan' that acts as a route map towards a more sustainable future for your organisation. The website provides links to a range of guidance manuals, training and external Consultants that can support you to establish a 'One Planet Action Plan'. You can then publish your Action Plan on a digital platform and benefit from being part of a collaboration network.
Why use it?
Guidance to produce a route map that sets out how you will achieve the sustainability benefits in your business case.
Build
100% built with renewable energy, zero carbon absolute
100% built with renewable energy, zero carbon absolute
Resource
Type of Resource
Source
What Does It Do
Why Use It?
Type Of resource
Excel tool
Source
Environment Agency
What does it do
Excel based tool that assesses the final carbon impact of materials, transport options and the final footprint of an overall project within the construction sector. The tool was published by the Environment Agency in July 2012 and has been updated periodically thereafter. This tool allows you to compare and assess material and transport choices in your construction project.
Why use it?
Use the tool to assess different design options and continually assess performance to minimise the carbon impact on your project.
Type Of resource
Guidance documentation
Source
Ellen MacArthur Foundation
What does it do
The framework covers the following 6 action areas for businesses and countries wanting to move towards the circular economy: Regenerate, Share, Optimise, Loop, Virtualise, Exchange. Details provided on pages 21/22 of "Delivering the circular economy - A toolkit for policy makers" provided by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation .
Why use it?
This framework will support you to generate ideas, run workshops to come up with circular business cases and designs.
Type Of resource
Excel tool
Source
Greenhouse Gas (GHG)
What does it do
A selection of sector or country specific tools (approx. 30 tools) that will allow you to develop inventories of GHG emissions and support in the tracking toward climate goals. Many tools are accompanied by a PDF guidance document, which provides step-by-step guidance on the use of a tool and GHG Protocol to guide the user and support adherence to standards.
Why use it?
A range of tools and guidance to support you when measuring GHG emissions during your project.
Type Of resource
Software tool
Source
UL
What does it do
Easy to use online carbon reporting solution tool. The user follows a guided step by step process to input data, includes data quality facility, to generate carbon impact reports. In addition, offers services to conduct benchmarking with industry peers and creating a carbon reduction strategy. A range of training materials and an online crash course in carbon management are also available once you have set up an account.
Why use it?
Work out the carbon impact on your project and have access to an online platform to conduct ongoing carbon reporting.
Build using 100% reused materials, cradle-to-cradle model, with resource efficient construction techniques
Build using 100% reused materials, cradle-to-cradle model, with resource efficient construction techniques
Resource
Type of Resource
Source
What Does It Do
Why Use It?
Type Of resource
Guidance website
Source
Collaboration between the Ellen MacArthur Foundation and IDEO.
What does it do
Provides practical guidance and resources to start designing projects in line with sustainable and circular economy principles. This includes guidance and materials to deliver circular design workshops and to support the use of circular design methods as well as providing user stories / case studies.
Why use it?
Gain the skills and resources to run a circular design process on your project.
Type Of resource
Software tool
Source
National Institute of Standards and Technology, US Dept of Commerce
What does it do
Using a guided life cycle assessment online tool the user inputs required information to gain an assessment of environmental and economic performance of building products. Covers all stages in the life of a product including raw material acquisition, manufacture, transportation, installation, use, and recycling and waste management. In addition, measures economic performance using a life cycle cost method covering the costs of initial investment, replacement, operation, maintenance and repair, and disposal). Both environmental and economic performances are combined into an overall performance measure.
Why use it?
Technique for selecting cost-effective, environmentally-preferable building products for construction projects.
Type Of resource
Software tool
Source
Athena Sustainable Materials Institute
What does it do
Free software tool that will evaluate whole buildings and assemblies using life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology. User is prompted to input the required information and the tool presents detailed results on the cradle-grave environmental impact. Includes the ability to add in alternative materials or processes to conduct design analysis and make improvements.
Why use it?
Free LCA tool to support decision making during the design and build phases of a major project.
Type Of resource
Software tool
Source
IMPACT Partners:BREiesWhole Life LtdWillmott Dixon
What does it do
IMPACT is a method and dataset that integrates with 3D CAD/BIM tools to report on environmental impacts and life cycle costing in the construction industry. IMPACT takes quantity information from the BIM and multiplies this by the environmental impact and/or cost ‘rates’ to produce an overall impact and cost for the whole (or a selected part) of the design. The results generated by IMPACT allow the user to:
•analyse the design to optimise cost and environmental impacts.
•compare whole-building results to a suitable benchmark to assess performance, which can be linked to building assessment schemes.
•analyse the design to optimise cost and environmental impacts.
•compare whole-building results to a suitable benchmark to assess performance, which can be linked to building assessment schemes.
Why use it?
Software tool that integrates with CAD and BIM tooling to provide a rich picture of environmental impact and life cycle costing on construction projects.
Type Of resource
Guidance website
Source
Build Up - The European portal for Energy Efficiency in Buildings
What does it do
Funded by the EU project BAMB “Buildings as Material Banks”, gathers 15 partners from seven countries with the overall goal to foster a shift to a fully circular approach in the construction industry. Provides an overview of tools such as the "Materials Passports", “Reversible Building Design assessment” and “Circular Building Assessment” tool.
Why use it?
Background reading on best practice circular approaches in the construction industry.
Conduct environmental assessment on a regular basis
Conduct environmental assessment on a regular basis
Resource
Type of Resource
Source
What Does It Do
Why Use It?
Type Of resource
Software tool
Source
National Institute of Standards and Technology, US Dept of Commerce
What does it do
Using a guided life cycle assessment online tool the user inputs required information to gain an assessment of environmental and economic performance of building products. Covers all stages in the life of a product including raw material acquisition, manufacture, transportation, installation, use, and recycling and waste management. In addition, measures economic performance using a life cycle cost method covering the costs of initial investment, replacement, operation, maintenance and repair, and disposal). Both environmental and economic performances are combined into an overall performance measure.
Why use it?
Technique for selecting cost-effective, environmentally-preferable building products for construction projects.
Type Of resource
Software tool
Source
Delivered by bre
What does it do
Enter data on to an online platform to ascertain your project's environmental impacts, provide a breakdown of waste, highlight areas for improvement and savings (including time and money) and set new targets. The platform can run various reports at project, business unit or company level to compare performance against targets and BREEAM industry standards. Training also available via the website.
Why use it?
Ability to be able to create a baseline, set targets, track and provide improvement plans throughout your project's lifecycle. Can also gain a clear understanding of your anticipated waste.
Type Of resource
Software tool
Source
Ellen MacArthur Foundation
What does it do
Assessment tool for companies to improve product design and material procurement. The user inputs material operational data into the tool to analyse and evaluate a range of environmental, regulatory and supply chain risks for designs and products. This web-based tool will provide an organisation with the means to track their progress and ensure that their products fit within a circular economy based business model. The website has toolkit and methodology documentation available including a Project Overview: An Approach to Measuring Circularity which is dedicated to using the tool in a project setting.
Why use it?
Use data measurement tooling to improve the design process of your project.
Type Of resource
Software tool
Source
Golder Associates (UK) Ltd, originally developed by Environment Agency
What does it do
WRATE is used to assess the environmental impacts of waste management activities during their whole life. It allows users to track the environmental impacts from kerbside collection to advanced waste treatment facilities, such as anaerobic digestion, through to ultimate disposal. Ideal tool for waste management master planning.
Why use it?
Software tool that can support environmental impact assessment of waste services on your project.
Type Of resource
Excel tool
Source
Greenhouse Gas (GHG)
What does it do
A selection of sector or country specific tools (approx. 30 tools) that will allow you to develop inventories of GHG emissions and support in the tracking toward climate goals. Many tools are accompanied by a PDF guidance document, which provides step-by-step guidance on the use of a tool and GHG Protocol to guide the user and support adherence to standards.
Why use it?
A range of tools and guidance to support you when measuring GHG emissions during your project.
Type Of resource
Software tool
Source
Earthshift Global
What does it do
A tool for evaluating the environmental impacts of a product or service.
Allows designers and engineers to:
• Assess the broad impact of adopting an alternative material or manufacturing process.
• Pinpoint problem areas and to swap in alternative materials.
• Export tables into Excel and save charts or create custom reports.
• Evaluate how different recycling rates change the environmental impact of your product.
Provides built-in parametric modelling and over 8,000 internationally verified datasets from Coinvent and US-EI databases covering common materials, processes and energy inputs.
Allows designers and engineers to:
• Assess the broad impact of adopting an alternative material or manufacturing process.
• Pinpoint problem areas and to swap in alternative materials.
• Export tables into Excel and save charts or create custom reports.
• Evaluate how different recycling rates change the environmental impact of your product.
Provides built-in parametric modelling and over 8,000 internationally verified datasets from Coinvent and US-EI databases covering common materials, processes and energy inputs.
Why use it?
Web-based life cycle assessment (LCA) tool to support decision making during the design and build phases of a major project. Provides free access to YouTube tutorial sessions on how to use the tool.
Type Of resource
Software tool
Source
Bionova Ltd
What does it do
Tool that calculates environmental impacts in the construction industry. Allows the user to track, quantify and optimize the circularity of materials sourced, used and re-used and get a detailed breakdown per material type. Provides you with access to a database of 65.000+ materials to compare and find better-performing materials and test different options for more sustainable buildings.
Why use it?
Conducts carbon footprint calculation and circularity of materials assessment to support the construction of greener construction projects.
Type Of resource
Software tool
Source
UN Global Compact in collaboration with B Lab
What does it do
New impact management solution tool that guides users through an easy to follow self-assessment process to set clear goals on the SDGs, benchmark against industry standards, continue to track progress and identify improvement areas. In addition, the tool provides access to a curated portfolio of tools, guidance material and resources.
Why use it?
Question led self-assessment to support users to establish the right SDG priorities for their project. The tool then generates visually appealing performance dashboards and reports.
Type Of resource
Software tool
Source
IDEAL&CO Explore BV
What does it do
The circularity calculator was developed by and for designers working on circular products. Provides the following features:
• Allows users to quickly test ideas for products and business models
• Produces indices that may be used as KPIs (e.g. reuse and recycling rates)
• Present the potential financial benefits of circular products.
• Allows users to quickly test ideas for products and business models
• Produces indices that may be used as KPIs (e.g. reuse and recycling rates)
• Present the potential financial benefits of circular products.
Why use it?
Online software tool used to assess the circularity of product designs. Produces visually appealling tools and dashboards.
Type Of resource
Excel tool
Source
United States Environmental Protection Agency
What does it do
An environmental impact assessment tool that measures characterisation factors to quantify the impacts that inputs and outputs have on chemical operations. Can download as an Excel file and includes user manual. Predominatly designed for chemical environmental impacts.
Why use it?
Tool to assess the environmental impacts of chemical use in a project.
Type Of resource
Excel tool
Source
Environment Agency
What does it do
Excel based tool that assesses the final carbon impact of materials, transport options and the final footprint of an overall project within the construction sector. The tool was published by the Environment Agency in July 2012 and has been updated periodically thereafter. This tool allows you to compare and assess material and transport choices in your construction project.
Why use it?
Use the tool to assess different design options and continually assess performance to minimise the carbon impact on your project.
Type Of resource
Software tool
Source
Earthshift Global
What does it do
Online Return on Investment software that utilises a continually updated database of social and environmental costs and a range of other factors to compare investment opportunities on both a sustainability and profitability basis. Data can be easily inputted into an intuitive interface and provides dashboard views of results, including project views.
Why use it?
Gain an understanding of the anticpated environmental and economic performance of your business case and design.
Type Of resource
Software tool
Source
University of Manchester
What does it do
A software application tool for calculating the environmental and economic impacts of life-cycle carbon inventories along the whole supply chains. Allows users to estimate the financial cost and benefits of reducing the carbon footprint. Available to download for free and can be tailored for different applications (Windows, Android, Excel) and industrial sectors.
Why use it?
LCA and decision-support tools for calculating and reducing the carbon footprints of different industrial sectors across supply chains. Particularly effective during the design stage.
Type Of resource
Software tool
Source
Autocase
What does it do
Used by Architects and designers to produce designs that combine life-cycle cost analysis and cost-benefit analysis of buildings and so allows users to quantify and attribute monetary values to financial, social, and environmental impacts of any project proposal. Requires minimum project-specific inputs and then Autocase pre-populates standard buildings and localised industry-validated data to measure the impacts of designs.
Why use it?
Triple bottom line cost benefit analysis software for buildings and infrastructure. Can show the financial, social and economic benefits of your designs to support the business case.
Type Of resource
Guidance documentation
Source
International Initiative for a Sustainable Built Environment
What does it do
Sets out a generic framework for rating the sustainable performance of buildings and projects through a range of guidance documents and data spreadsheets. Covers a wide range of sustainable building issues and accounts for region-specific and site-specific context factors that can be minimised and extended as required. Predominantly aimed at owners of large property portfolios.
Why use it?
Free to use guidance and Excel data sheets to review the sustainability performance of buildings and construction projects.
Type Of resource
Software tool
Source
UL
What does it do
Easy to use online carbon reporting solution tool. The user follows a guided step by step process to input data, includes data quality facility, to generate carbon impact reports. In addition, offers services to conduct benchmarking with industry peers and creating a carbon reduction strategy. A range of training materials and an online crash course in carbon management are also available once you have set up an account.
Why use it?
Work out the carbon impact on your project and have access to an online platform to conduct ongoing carbon reporting.
Type Of resource
Software tool
Source
ARUP
What does it do
Decision support software tool that appraises infrastructure projects based on 21 social, environmental and economic indicators. Results are presented graphically on the unique SPeAR® diagram which shows a traffic light system indicating performance in each area.
Why use it?
During the design stage it can be used to compare and assess the pros and cons of various design options, identify key risk areas, guide decision-making and assess the implications of design changes. It can also be used to undertake evaluation upon project completion, and during operation, which can inform organisational learning and approaches to future projects.
Type Of resource
Software tool
Source
LCA Calculator Ltd
What does it do
A cloud-based software tool for life cycle assessment helping designers and engineers to understand, analyse and compare environmental impacts of their products, to help them to make ‘greener’ design decisions. Required to create an account but claims to have a usable interface and offer quick calculations.
Why use it?
Instant carbon footprint calculation software to support a sustainable design solution.
Type Of resource
Guidance website
Source
BREEAM
What does it do
BREEAM is an international scheme that provides independent third party certification on the assessment of sustainability performance of individual buildings, communities and infrastructure projects. They provide an indicator of best practice on sustainable buildings across a broad range of social, economic and environmental impacts and issues using a balanced scorecard approach. Their website provides guidance on how BREEAM can support your business.
Why use it?
Understand how appropriate certification can provide the required sustainability assurance on your project.
Type Of resource
Software tool
Source
Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks Corp., a Dassault Systèmes S.A. subsidiary
What does it do
Software tool that conducts a life cycle assessment (LCA) on parts or assembly processes during the design window. It allows users to:
• search for alternative materials and see how they affect environmental impact in real time.
• create detailed reports that explain a design’s sustainability.
• see detailed LCA information on individual parts.
• Provides a dashboard of LCA information so you can determine the environmental impact of assemblies.
• search for alternative materials and see how they affect environmental impact in real time.
• create detailed reports that explain a design’s sustainability.
• see detailed LCA information on individual parts.
• Provides a dashboard of LCA information so you can determine the environmental impact of assemblies.
Why use it?
Use LCA analysis during the design process to make better informed sustainability decisions
Type Of resource
Guidance documentation
Source
Carbon Trust
What does it do
Carbon Trust partners with businesses, organisations and governments around the world to help them lead the way to a more sustainable future. They can support with setting strategic direction, foot printing and target setting, energy systems and climate action plans and can help you navigate the risks and opportunities of climate change. Can offer the following services: Strategy and Advice, Measure and Evaluate (i.e. measure carbon footprint, resource efficiency etc.), innovate and deploy and Assurance and certification.
Why use it?
Awareness of how assessment and external assurance services can support major project delivery.
Type Of resource
Software tool
Source
Ellen MacArthur Foundation
What does it do
Circularity measurement assessment tool for companies, uses the widest sets of indicators to provide a comprehensive view of sustainability performance. Users submit a mix of qualitative and quantitative data via a survey platform and then receive a bespoke company scorecard, which features a comprehensive breakdown of their results and an overall circularity score. The scorecard supports companies to identify opportunities for improvement.
Why use it?
Apply to conduct the Circulytics measurement assessment on your project to gain an overall view on sustainability performance and areas for improvement.
Type Of resource
Software tool
Source
SimaPro
What does it do
Online tool that allows users to collect, analyse and monitor sustainability performance data in order to:
• model and analyse complex life cycles;
• measure the environmental impact of products and services across all life-cycle stages; and
• identify the hotspots along the supply chain from extraction of raw materials to manufacturing, distribution, use, and disposal.
• model and analyse complex life cycles;
• measure the environmental impact of products and services across all life-cycle stages; and
• identify the hotspots along the supply chain from extraction of raw materials to manufacturing, distribution, use, and disposal.
Why use it?
Life cycle assessment tool that can be used to conduct sustainability reporting, carbon and water footprinting, product design and determining key performance indicators.
Type Of resource
Software tool
Source
Ecological Systems Design, ETH
What does it do
A software application used to analyse and compare the environmental impact of different resources and waste treatment scenarios within and between industries.
Why use it?
Software tool that provides data and information that can support resource use and waste management decisions in energy intensive industries and in dedicated waste treatment processes.
Type Of resource
Guidance documentation
Source
International Institute for Sustainability Analysis and Strategy
What does it do
Public domain life cycle assessment (LCA) and material flow analysis model and database that calculates process and scenario life-cycles. Reports and data documentation are available and the model and database (Excel file) are free to download.
Why use it?
Free tool to conduct process and scenario LCA during the design, build and maintain phases of your project.
Type Of resource
Guidance website
Source
Impact Management Project
What does it do
The Impact Management Project (IMP) is a forum for organisations to build consensus on how to measure, compare and report impacts on environmental and social issues. Brings together a Practitioner Community of over 2,000 organisations to debate and find consensus (norms) on impact management techniques. Provides webinars and publications on best practice sustainability measuring and reporting.
Why use it?
Dedicated page of resources and examples that has been developed to support enterprises and investors to better understand their impacts on people and the planet.
Type Of resource
Excel tool
Source
National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, tool developed in collaboration with Radboud University Nijmegen, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, and PRé.
What does it do
ReCiPe is a method for the impact assessment in an life cycle assessment (LCA). Life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) translates emissions and resource extractions into a limited number of environmental impact scores. Covers Midpoint indicators that focus on single environmental problems and Endpoint indicators show the environmental impact on 3 higher aggregation levels. Uses data from the CCaLC or Ecoinvent databases.
Why use it?
Download free to access CSV files to conduct Life Cycle Impact Assessment.
Type Of resource
Guidance documentation
Source
European Commission Joint Research Centre
What does it do
This refers to a methodology by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) which is based on Life Cycle Assessment methodology and is designed to conduct a measurement of the environmental performance of a good or service throughout its lifecycle, taking into account the full supply chain. The methodology is covered in a 160 page guidance document and aims to provide “a common way of measuring environmental performance” for companies within the EU wishing to market their product.
Why use it?
This methodology document provides the information necessary to conduct a PEF study and includes a comprehensive technical guidance. It is primarily aimed at technical experts who need to develop a PEF study, for example engineers and environmental managers.
Type Of resource
Software tool
Source
Simpple
What does it do
An ISO 14040/44-compliant tool allowing the quantification and communication of the environmental performance of industrial products, activities, processes over their complete life cycle. It follows a 6 step process of data entry; inventory calculation; selection of indicators; impacts calculation; aggregated results.
Why use it?
Software application for life cycle assessment to support both design and build.
Put in place appropriate sustainable assurance and certification
Put in place appropriate sustainable assurance and certification
Resource
Type of Resource
Source
What Does It Do
Why Use It?
Type Of resource
Guidance website
Source
BREEAM
What does it do
BREEAM is an international scheme that provides independent third party certification on the assessment of sustainability performance of individual buildings, communities and infrastructure projects. They provide an indicator of best practice on sustainable buildings across a broad range of social, economic and environmental impacts and issues using a balanced scorecard approach. Their website provides guidance on how BREEAM can support your business.
Why use it?
Understand how appropriate certification can provide the required sustainability assurance on your project.
Type Of resource
Guidance documentation
Source
Carbon Trust
What does it do
Carbon Trust partners with businesses, organisations and governments around the world to help them lead the way to a more sustainable future. They can support with setting strategic direction, foot printing and target setting, energy systems and climate action plans and can help you navigate the risks and opportunities of climate change. Can offer the following services: Strategy and Advice, Measure and Evaluate (i.e. measure carbon footprint, resource efficiency etc.), innovate and deploy and Assurance and certification.
Why use it?
Awareness of how assessment and external assurance services can support major project delivery.
Build for flexibility in the future & use of latest technologies
Build for flexibility in the future & use of latest technologies
Resource
Type of Resource
Source
What Does It Do
Why Use It?
Type Of resource
Guidance documentation
Source
PA Consulting
What does it do
Provides executive briefs on 12 technologies that can help meet the SDGs and also help companies grow in the markets of the future. The executive briefs in this document will provide you with the understanding needed to start exploring how to use these disruptive technologies. The 12 disruptive technologies can be summarised in 4 categories: 1) Technology that imitates life; 2) Technology that affects our well-being; 3) Technology that makes connections; and 4) Technology that affects how we move and make things.
Why use it?
An appreciation of the role that certain technologies can play in supporting sustainable outcomes. Gain an understanding of where new technology can be factored into your projects.
Type Of resource
Guidance documentation
Source
Ellen MacArthur Foundation
What does it do
The framework covers the following 6 action areas for businesses and countries wanting to move towards the circular economy: Regenerate, Share, Optimise, Loop, Virtualise, Exchange. Details provided on pages 21/22 of "Delivering the circular economy - A toolkit for policy makers" provided by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation .
Why use it?
This framework will support you to generate ideas, run workshops to come up with circular business cases and designs.
Source sustainable materials strategically & locally
Source sustainable materials strategically & locally
Resource
Type of Resource
Source
What Does It Do
Why Use It?
Type Of resource
Guidance website
Source
Sedex
What does it do
Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit (SMETA) is an audit methodology, providing a compilation of best practice ethical audit techniques. It is designed to help auditors conduct high quality audits that encompass all aspects of responsible business practice, covering Sedex’s four pillars of Labour, Health and Safety, Environment and Business Ethics. SMETA can conduct audits remotely at low prices £50 - £200 but you can also access the SMETA offline audit tool, download all SMETA guidance documentation which includes best practice guidance and measurement criteria.
Why use it?
Gain an understanding of how to conduct best practice ethical and sustainable audits on your supply chain to deliver upon your sustainability targets.
Maintain
Adopt good practice sustainability reporting
Adopt good practice sustainability reporting
Resource
Type of Resource
Source
What Does It Do
Why Use It?
Type Of resource
Software tool
Source
Delivered by bre
What does it do
Enter data on to an online platform to ascertain your project's environmental impacts, provide a breakdown of waste, highlight areas for improvement and savings (including time and money) and set new targets. The platform can run various reports at project, business unit or company level to compare performance against targets and BREEAM industry standards. Training also available via the website.
Why use it?
Ability to be able to create a baseline, set targets, track and provide improvement plans throughout your project's lifecycle. Can also gain a clear understanding of your anticipated waste.
Type Of resource
Software tool
Source
UN Global Compact in collaboration with B Lab
What does it do
New impact management solution tool that guides users through an easy to follow self-assessment process to set clear goals on the SDGs, benchmark against industry standards, continue to track progress and identify improvement areas. In addition, the tool provides access to a curated portfolio of tools, guidance material and resources.
Why use it?
Question led self-assessment to support users to establish the right SDG priorities for their project. The tool then generates visually appealing performance dashboards and reports.
Type Of resource
Guidance documentation
Source
Developed by GRI, the UN Global Compact and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD)
What does it do
Guidance document that supports companies in aligning their strategies with the SDGs and in measuring and managing their contribution. The guide follows 5 steps for companies to maximize their contribution to the SDGs. The tool also contains a live inventory of existing business indicators from relevant and widely-recognised sources as well as a live inventory of business tools (currently 60) to support particular sectors.
Why use it?
Follow a structured approach to aligning your project's business case with the SDGs and benefit from the opportunities the SDGs present. Fairly concise 30 page document and relatively easy to follow. Designed at an organisational level but can be adapted to project level.
Type Of resource
Software tool
Source
EcoTransIT World
What does it do
Software tool to automate the calculation and analysis of energy consumption, freight emissions, greenhouse gases and air pollutants for most industry modes of transport. User inputs required data into a front page web interface and calculation can be used to inform areas for optimisation.
Why use it?
Easy to use calculator to assess the environmental impact of the use of transport on your project.
Type Of resource
Guidance documentation
Source
PwC
What does it do
Provides an overview of good practice sustainability reporting including covering some quick and useful tips on setting KPIs and targets, putting in place governance and reporting on the SDGs.
Why use it?
Sound advice on how to conduct sustainability reporting within your organisation.
Type Of resource
Guidance website
Source
Impact Management Project
What does it do
The Impact Management Project (IMP) is a forum for organisations to build consensus on how to measure, compare and report impacts on environmental and social issues. Brings together a Practitioner Community of over 2,000 organisations to debate and find consensus (norms) on impact management techniques. Provides webinars and publications on best practice sustainability measuring and reporting.
Why use it?
Dedicated page of resources and examples that has been developed to support enterprises and investors to better understand their impacts on people and the planet.
Use 100% renewable energy and improve energy & utility efficiency
Use 100% renewable energy and improve energy & utility efficiency
Resource
Type of Resource
Source
What Does It Do
Why Use It?
Type Of resource
Guidance documentation
Source
Ellen MacArthur Foundation
What does it do
The framework covers the following 6 action areas for businesses and countries wanting to move towards the circular economy: Regenerate, Share, Optimise, Loop, Virtualise, Exchange. Details provided on pages 21/22 of "Delivering the circular economy - A toolkit for policy makers" provided by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation .
Why use it?
This framework will support you to generate ideas, run workshops to come up with circular business cases and designs.
Type Of resource
Software tool
Source
ARUP
What does it do
Decision support software tool that appraises infrastructure projects based on 21 social, environmental and economic indicators. Results are presented graphically on the unique SPeAR® diagram which shows a traffic light system indicating performance in each area.
Why use it?
During the design stage it can be used to compare and assess the pros and cons of various design options, identify key risk areas, guide decision-making and assess the implications of design changes. It can also be used to undertake evaluation upon project completion, and during operation, which can inform organisational learning and approaches to future projects.
Type Of resource
Guidance documentation
Source
International Institute for Sustainability Analysis and Strategy
What does it do
Public domain life cycle assessment (LCA) and material flow analysis model and database that calculates process and scenario life-cycles. Reports and data documentation are available and the model and database (Excel file) are free to download.
Why use it?
Free tool to conduct process and scenario LCA during the design, build and maintain phases of your project.
Transform & Repurpose for different uses – Target Zero Waste
Transform & Repurpose for different uses – Target Zero Waste
Resource
Type of Resource
Source
What Does It Do
Why Use It?
Type Of resource
Software tool
Source
Delivered by bre
What does it do
Enter data on to an online platform to ascertain your project's environmental impacts, provide a breakdown of waste, highlight areas for improvement and savings (including time and money) and set new targets. The platform can run various reports at project, business unit or company level to compare performance against targets and BREEAM industry standards. Training also available via the website.
Why use it?
Ability to be able to create a baseline, set targets, track and provide improvement plans throughout your project's lifecycle. Can also gain a clear understanding of your anticipated waste.
Type Of resource
Software tool
Source
Golder Associates (UK) Ltd, originally developed by Environment Agency
What does it do
WRATE is used to assess the environmental impacts of waste management activities during their whole life. It allows users to track the environmental impacts from kerbside collection to advanced waste treatment facilities, such as anaerobic digestion, through to ultimate disposal. Ideal tool for waste management master planning.
Why use it?
Software tool that can support environmental impact assessment of waste services on your project.
Type Of resource
Software tool
Source
Ecological Systems Design, ETH
What does it do
A software application used to analyse and compare the environmental impact of different resources and waste treatment scenarios within and between industries.
Why use it?
Software tool that provides data and information that can support resource use and waste management decisions in energy intensive industries and in dedicated waste treatment processes.
Embrace ‘product-as-a- service’ model
Embrace ‘product-as-a- service’ model
Resource
Type of Resource
Source
What Does It Do
Why Use It?
Type Of resource
Guidance documentation
Source
ING
What does it do
Written in January 2019 by ING's Group Chief Economist this document provides useful summaries into circular financing, circular business models and supply chain financing.
Why use it?
Concise, 30 slide document that will provide you with an understanding of circular business models and the financing options available. This could be useful when developing your own project business case.
Type Of resource
Guidance documentation
Source
Ellen MacArthur Foundation
What does it do
The framework covers the following 6 action areas for businesses and countries wanting to move towards the circular economy: Regenerate, Share, Optimise, Loop, Virtualise, Exchange. Details provided on pages 21/22 of "Delivering the circular economy - A toolkit for policy makers" provided by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation .
Why use it?
This framework will support you to generate ideas, run workshops to come up with circular business cases and designs.
Type Of resource
Guidance documentation
Source
Working Group FinanCE, Netherlands
What does it do
Report by the FinaCE Working Group that set out the impact of a progression to a Circular Economy. In particular Section 2 'Impact on business models' provides an overview of the move to circular business models and sets out 3 categories of circular business models. In addition the report contains a series of case studies as well as technical considerations to establishing a circular business model.
Why use it?
The report will provide you with key insights and examples to help you develop your own circular project business case. The concepts and examples provided can act as the inspiration to move away from more traditional approaches.
Other areas to be researched
Utilise carbon incentive practices
Maintain for Biodiversity gain, nature regeneration & wellbeing
Dispose
Treat waste as a resource for future concepts & design
Treat waste as a resource for future concepts & design
Resource
Type of Resource
Source
What Does It Do
Why Use It?
Type Of resource
Software tool
Source
Delivered by bre
What does it do
Enter data on to an online platform to ascertain your project's environmental impacts, provide a breakdown of waste, highlight areas for improvement and savings (including time and money) and set new targets. The platform can run various reports at project, business unit or company level to compare performance against targets and BREEAM industry standards. Training also available via the website.
Why use it?
Ability to be able to create a baseline, set targets, track and provide improvement plans throughout your project's lifecycle. Can also gain a clear understanding of your anticipated waste.
Type Of resource
Guidance documentation
Source
Ellen MacArthur Foundation
What does it do
The framework covers the following 6 action areas for businesses and countries wanting to move towards the circular economy: Regenerate, Share, Optimise, Loop, Virtualise, Exchange. Details provided on pages 21/22 of "Delivering the circular economy - A toolkit for policy makers" provided by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation .
Why use it?
This framework will support you to generate ideas, run workshops to come up with circular business cases and designs.
Deliver upon your sustainability targets: 0% waste & 0% toxicity (or better)
Deliver upon your sustainability targets: 0% waste & 0% toxicity (or better)
Resource
Type of Resource
Source
What Does It Do
Why Use It?
Type Of resource
Software tool
Source
Golder Associates (UK) Ltd, originally developed by Environment Agency
What does it do
WRATE is used to assess the environmental impacts of waste management activities during their whole life. It allows users to track the environmental impacts from kerbside collection to advanced waste treatment facilities, such as anaerobic digestion, through to ultimate disposal. Ideal tool for waste management master planning.
Why use it?
Software tool that can support environmental impact assessment of waste services on your project.
Type Of resource
Software tool
Source
Bionova Ltd
What does it do
Tool that calculates environmental impacts in the construction industry. Allows the user to track, quantify and optimize the circularity of materials sourced, used and re-used and get a detailed breakdown per material type. Provides you with access to a database of 65.000+ materials to compare and find better-performing materials and test different options for more sustainable buildings.
Why use it?
Conducts carbon footprint calculation and circularity of materials assessment to support the construction of greener construction projects.
Type Of resource
Excel tool
Source
United States Environmental Protection Agency
What does it do
An environmental impact assessment tool that measures characterisation factors to quantify the impacts that inputs and outputs have on chemical operations. Can download as an Excel file and includes user manual. Predominatly designed for chemical environmental impacts.
Why use it?
Tool to assess the environmental impacts of chemical use in a project.
Type Of resource
Software tool
Source
University of Manchester
What does it do
A software application tool for calculating the environmental and economic impacts of life-cycle carbon inventories along the whole supply chains. Allows users to estimate the financial cost and benefits of reducing the carbon footprint. Available to download for free and can be tailored for different applications (Windows, Android, Excel) and industrial sectors.
Why use it?
LCA and decision-support tools for calculating and reducing the carbon footprints of different industrial sectors across supply chains. Particularly effective during the design stage.
Type Of resource
Excel tool
Source
Environment Agency
What does it do
Excel based tool that assesses the final carbon impact of materials, transport options and the final footprint of an overall project within the construction sector. The tool was published by the Environment Agency in July 2012 and has been updated periodically thereafter. This tool allows you to compare and assess material and transport choices in your construction project.
Why use it?
Use the tool to assess different design options and continually assess performance to minimise the carbon impact on your project.
Type Of resource
Software tool
Source
UN Global Compact in collaboration with B Lab
What does it do
New impact management solution tool that guides users through an easy to follow self-assessment process to set clear goals on the SDGs, benchmark against industry standards, continue to track progress and identify improvement areas. In addition, the tool provides access to a curated portfolio of tools, guidance material and resources.
Why use it?
Question led self-assessment to support users to establish the right SDG priorities for their project. The tool then generates visually appealing performance dashboards and reports.
Type Of resource
Guidance documentation
Source
Ellen MacArthur Foundation
What does it do
The framework covers the following 6 action areas for businesses and countries wanting to move towards the circular economy: Regenerate, Share, Optimise, Loop, Virtualise, Exchange. Details provided on pages 21/22 of "Delivering the circular economy - A toolkit for policy makers" provided by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation .
Why use it?
This framework will support you to generate ideas, run workshops to come up with circular business cases and designs.
Type Of resource
Software tool
Source
Earthshift Global
What does it do
A tool for evaluating the environmental impacts of a product or service.
Allows designers and engineers to:
• Assess the broad impact of adopting an alternative material or manufacturing process.
• Pinpoint problem areas and to swap in alternative materials.
• Export tables into Excel and save charts or create custom reports.
• Evaluate how different recycling rates change the environmental impact of your product.
Provides built-in parametric modelling and over 8,000 internationally verified datasets from Coinvent and US-EI databases covering common materials, processes and energy inputs.
Allows designers and engineers to:
• Assess the broad impact of adopting an alternative material or manufacturing process.
• Pinpoint problem areas and to swap in alternative materials.
• Export tables into Excel and save charts or create custom reports.
• Evaluate how different recycling rates change the environmental impact of your product.
Provides built-in parametric modelling and over 8,000 internationally verified datasets from Coinvent and US-EI databases covering common materials, processes and energy inputs.
Why use it?
Web-based life cycle assessment (LCA) tool to support decision making during the design and build phases of a major project. Provides free access to YouTube tutorial sessions on how to use the tool.
Type Of resource
Excel tool
Source
Greenhouse Gas (GHG)
What does it do
A selection of sector or country specific tools (approx. 30 tools) that will allow you to develop inventories of GHG emissions and support in the tracking toward climate goals. Many tools are accompanied by a PDF guidance document, which provides step-by-step guidance on the use of a tool and GHG Protocol to guide the user and support adherence to standards.
Why use it?
A range of tools and guidance to support you when measuring GHG emissions during your project.
Type Of resource
Software tool
Source
National Institute of Standards and Technology, US Dept of Commerce
What does it do
Using a guided life cycle assessment online tool the user inputs required information to gain an assessment of environmental and economic performance of building products. Covers all stages in the life of a product including raw material acquisition, manufacture, transportation, installation, use, and recycling and waste management. In addition, measures economic performance using a life cycle cost method covering the costs of initial investment, replacement, operation, maintenance and repair, and disposal). Both environmental and economic performances are combined into an overall performance measure.
Why use it?
Technique for selecting cost-effective, environmentally-preferable building products for construction projects.
Type Of resource
Software tool
Source
LCA Calculator Ltd
What does it do
A cloud-based software tool for life cycle assessment helping designers and engineers to understand, analyse and compare environmental impacts of their products, to help them to make ‘greener’ design decisions. Required to create an account but claims to have a usable interface and offer quick calculations.
Why use it?
Instant carbon footprint calculation software to support a sustainable design solution.
Type Of resource
Software tool
Source
UL
What does it do
Easy to use online carbon reporting solution tool. The user follows a guided step by step process to input data, includes data quality facility, to generate carbon impact reports. In addition, offers services to conduct benchmarking with industry peers and creating a carbon reduction strategy. A range of training materials and an online crash course in carbon management are also available once you have set up an account.
Why use it?
Work out the carbon impact on your project and have access to an online platform to conduct ongoing carbon reporting.
Type Of resource
Software tool
Source
SimaPro
What does it do
Online tool that allows users to collect, analyse and monitor sustainability performance data in order to:
• model and analyse complex life cycles;
• measure the environmental impact of products and services across all life-cycle stages; and
• identify the hotspots along the supply chain from extraction of raw materials to manufacturing, distribution, use, and disposal.
• model and analyse complex life cycles;
• measure the environmental impact of products and services across all life-cycle stages; and
• identify the hotspots along the supply chain from extraction of raw materials to manufacturing, distribution, use, and disposal.
Why use it?
Life cycle assessment tool that can be used to conduct sustainability reporting, carbon and water footprinting, product design and determining key performance indicators.
Type Of resource
Software tool
Source
Ecological Systems Design, ETH
What does it do
A software application used to analyse and compare the environmental impact of different resources and waste treatment scenarios within and between industries.
Why use it?
Software tool that provides data and information that can support resource use and waste management decisions in energy intensive industries and in dedicated waste treatment processes.
Type Of resource
Guidance documentation
Source
European Commission Joint Research Centre
What does it do
This refers to a methodology by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) which is based on Life Cycle Assessment methodology and is designed to conduct a measurement of the environmental performance of a good or service throughout its lifecycle, taking into account the full supply chain. The methodology is covered in a 160 page guidance document and aims to provide “a common way of measuring environmental performance” for companies within the EU wishing to market their product.
Why use it?
This methodology document provides the information necessary to conduct a PEF study and includes a comprehensive technical guidance. It is primarily aimed at technical experts who need to develop a PEF study, for example engineers and environmental managers.
Type Of resource
Excel tool
Source
National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, tool developed in collaboration with Radboud University Nijmegen, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, and PRé.
What does it do
ReCiPe is a method for the impact assessment in an life cycle assessment (LCA). Life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) translates emissions and resource extractions into a limited number of environmental impact scores. Covers Midpoint indicators that focus on single environmental problems and Endpoint indicators show the environmental impact on 3 higher aggregation levels. Uses data from the CCaLC or Ecoinvent databases.
Why use it?
Download free to access CSV files to conduct Life Cycle Impact Assessment.
Reuse & Adapt is always better than dispose. Are you sure of your decision?
Reuse & Adapt is always better than dispose. Are you sure of your decision?
Resource
Type of Resource
Source
What Does It Do
Why Use It?
Type Of resource
Software tool
Source
Golder Associates (UK) Ltd, originally developed by Environment Agency
What does it do
WRATE is used to assess the environmental impacts of waste management activities during their whole life. It allows users to track the environmental impacts from kerbside collection to advanced waste treatment facilities, such as anaerobic digestion, through to ultimate disposal. Ideal tool for waste management master planning.
Why use it?
Software tool that can support environmental impact assessment of waste services on your project.
Type Of resource
Software tool
Source
Bionova Ltd
What does it do
Tool that calculates environmental impacts in the construction industry. Allows the user to track, quantify and optimize the circularity of materials sourced, used and re-used and get a detailed breakdown per material type. Provides you with access to a database of 65.000+ materials to compare and find better-performing materials and test different options for more sustainable buildings.
Why use it?
Conducts carbon footprint calculation and circularity of materials assessment to support the construction of greener construction projects.
Track benefits post disposal stage: savings from selling waste/ zero waste destruction etc?
Track benefits post disposal stage: savings from selling waste/ zero waste destruction etc?
Resource
Type of Resource
Source
What Does It Do
Why Use It?
Type Of resource
Software tool
Source
Delivered by bre
What does it do
Enter data on to an online platform to ascertain your project's environmental impacts, provide a breakdown of waste, highlight areas for improvement and savings (including time and money) and set new targets. The platform can run various reports at project, business unit or company level to compare performance against targets and BREEAM industry standards. Training also available via the website.
Why use it?
Ability to be able to create a baseline, set targets, track and provide improvement plans throughout your project's lifecycle. Can also gain a clear understanding of your anticipated waste.
Other areas to be researched
Think outside the box: how to produce revenue from your waste with new partners
Securing the buy-in from key stakeholders – Educational Learnings
Ellen MacArthur Foundation (EMF) Learning Hub
Circle Lab Knowledge Hub
The Exeter Centre for Circular Economy (ECCE)
SDG Resources
SDG Business Hub
SDG Sector Roadmap Guidelines
Impact Management Project website
How to Understand and Take Action on the Global Goals
ResCom platform and tools