Level(s)

Policy Framework of "Level(s)"

Level(s) is a voluntary assessment and reporting framework developed by the European Commission to provide a common language and methodology for measuring and reporting on the sustainability performance of buildings throughout their entire lifecycle. Unlike traditional building certification schemes, Level(s) is not a rating or labeling system; rather, it offers a harmonized set of indicators and a methodological approach that can be integrated into existing certification systems, procurement processes, and policy initiatives.

Key Features of the Level(s) Framework

• Lifecycle Approach: Level(s) addresses the full lifecycle of buildings, from design and construction to use, renovation, and end-of-life, promoting circularity and resource efficiency.
• Six Macro-Objectives: The framework is structured around six priority areas (macro-objectives), each supported by specific indicators:
1. Greenhouse gas emissions throughout the building’s lifecycle
2. Resource efficiency and circular material life cycles
3. Efficient use of water resources
4. Healthy and comfortable spaces
5. Adaptation and resilience to climate change
6. Optimized lifecycle cost and value
• Performance Indicators: Eight core indicators are used to measure and report on these macro-objectives, covering aspects such as carbon footprint, material use, water consumption, indoor environmental quality, and lifecycle costs.
• Open and Flexible: Level(s) is open-source and freely available, allowing users to adopt the framework at their own pace and adapt it to their specific project needs.
• Alignment with EU Policy: The framework is designed to support and complement existing European legislation and policy objectives, including the EU Green Deal, the Circular Economy Action Plan, and the Paris Agreement targets for decarbonization by 2050.

Origin and Development

Level(s) was initiated in 2015 by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for the Environment (DG ENV) in response to the growing recognition that the building sector is critical for achieving EU climate and resource efficiency goals. The need for a harmonized, pan-European approach to sustainability assessment became clear as stakeholders sought better comparability and transparency across national borders.

The framework was co-created with input from a wide range of stakeholders, including architects, engineers, developers, investors, and public authorities. A beta version was published in 2017, followed by extensive testing in over 130 pilot projects across 21 EU member states between 2017 and 2019. Feedback from these pilots informed the final version, ensuring practical relevance and usability.

Current Relevance in the European Built Environment

Level(s) is increasingly recognized as a foundational tool for mainstreaming sustainability in Europe’s building sector. Its relevance has grown in several key areas:

• Policy Integration: Level(s) is being considered for integration into EU regulatory frameworks, such as a potential "Sustainable Performance of Buildings Directive." Its indicators are already referenced in the EU Taxonomy for sustainable activities, particularly for life cycle analysis and whole-life carbon reporting.
• Market Transformation: By providing a common methodological standard, Level(s) facilitates reliable and comparable sustainability data, supporting better decision-making for investors, developers, and policymakers.
• Support for Certification and Procurement: Many green building certification schemes (e.g., VERDE) and public procurement processes are aligning with Level(s) to ensure compliance with EU sustainability objectives.
• Catalyst for Circular Economy: The framework’s focus on lifecycle thinking, resource efficiency, and circularity helps drive the transition to a more sustainable and resilient built environment across Europe.

Level(s) continues to evolve as a collaborative, open-source tool, fostering knowledge-sharing and innovation in sustainable construction and renovation. Its adoption is expected to accelerate as EU policies increasingly mandate lifecycle-based sustainability assessment and reporting.

References

1. European Commission - Level(s) Framework Overview
2. Energy Cities: Level(s) – a tool to deliver a sustainable built environment in Europe
3. Zero Consulting: What is Level(s)? European Framework for Sustainable Buildings
4. European Demolition Association: Building sustainability performance, Level(s)
5. Recycling Magazine: Level(s) – a sustainable buildings framework for all
6. Level(s) Official Guidance PDF