Consultancy- Expert to Develop Life Cycle Assessment Carbon Footprint Methodology and Establish KPIs in Alignment with EU Taxonomy

1.Introduction and background of the Project

The “Empty Spaces to Homes (ESTHer)” project aims to address affordable housing challenges and revolutionise the circular construction industry by repurposing empty buildings and spaces with a focus on reducing carbon emissions. This initiative seeks to develop an innovative and holistic approach to providing sustainable housing solutions, including the development of new financial models to support the transition to carbon-neutral housing. Key outcomes include reducing housing exclusion and inequalities by utilising existing structures to offer affordable housing for vulnerable populations and young adults and promoting energy efficiency and the reduction of embodied carbon in construction. Drawing on successful examples from the UK and Poland, the project emphasizes the importance of enabling environments for repurposing empty spaces. Policymakers are encouraged to support these efforts through innovative construction practices, increased social housing supply, and environmentally sustainable financing options. Preliminary research indicates that 8-12% of the housing stock in the project targeted countries (Hungary, Croatia, the UK, and Poland) is empty, with a significant portion owned by local governments. In Poland, over 60% of empty spaces are under municipal control, presenting a substantial opportunity for impact in public properties. The ESTHer project sees the greatest potential for developing affordable, sustainable housing within these municipal and state-owned properties.

2. Project Objectives

The proposed intervention aims to unlock an innovative circular and holistic approach to providing affordable housing solutions. Formulating a comprehensive approach to creating new and/or improved financial models to support the transition to carbon-neutral housing will also be part of the programme. The planned outcomes are:

1. Help tackle housing exclusion and reduce the risk of aggravating inequalities by providing more sustainable affordable housing solutions for vulnerable populations and young adults through utilisation/circularity of already existing housing structures and other suitable building spaces;
2. Improve the housing sector industry by scaling our pioneering approach to enabling environment of affordable housing solutions which is supported through policy intervention and cross-collaboration of key stakeholders;
3. Support the creation of new and/or improved financial models to reinforce transition to carbon-neutral housing and promote energy efficiency and reusing embodied carbon approach in construction that increase equity and inclusion.
4. Build an alternative narrative around the need and potential for delivering affordable housing in a way which does not rely on a % of new private housing since we do not have the carbon budget to continue to construct new housing in Europe. Turn ‘space sufficiency’ into a positive narrative based on ‘transformation,’ ‘adaptation’ and ‘value creation’ to advocate for policy which mandates sufficiency from the European institutions and Poland and GB.

3.Objective of the Assignment

The objective of the Assignment is to develop a comprehensive methodology for assessing and mitigating life cycle CO2e emissions throughout the entire renovation process of repurposed buildings that are part of the ESTHer project activities. Recognising the significant contribution of the building sector to global CO2e emissions, this project aims to integrate carbon footprint measurements into its framework. This involves evaluating emissions associated with material sourcing, transportation, reconstruction, and energy use within these repurposed spaces, with the objective of minimising the overall carbon footprint. The methodology must ensure that the project aligns with the Paris Agreement, particularly by striving for zero carbon emissions in new buildings and achieving retrofitting rates of existing buildings between 2.5-3.5% per year. The project should also comply with the EU Taxonomy objectives related to renovation of existing buildings. The expert will provide the necessary expertise to set up the required methodology, tools, and identify the personnel matrix essential for conducting accurate Project-related life-cycle carbon footprint assessment. This effort will support the project’s commitment to sustainable and carbon-neutral construction practices.

4. Tasks (Scope of work)

Task 1: Review of Existing Methodologies and Requirements related to Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) Carbon Footprint related Construction Sector

1. Conduct a thorough review of existing LCA carbon footprint methodologies relevant to building reconstruction.
2. Identify carbon footprint requirements based on EU Taxonomy for economic activities in the buildings sector, specifically under renovation of existing buildings, EU Level(s) Framework and relevant EU Directives (Energy Performance of Buildings Directive – EPBD, Energy Efficiency Directive) and IFIs guidelines. (e.g., EBRD Implementing the Green Economy Transition).

Task 2: Project Data Analysis and Data Collection Templates

1. Identify data sources and prepare a list of necessary data for LCA Carbon Footprint calculations related to project activities.

2. Perform data analysis to ensure accuracy and reliability of the carbon footprint calculations.

3. Identification of data needed for LCA carbon footprint calculation, associated with:

   Embodied Carbon (construction material type, material sourcing, transportation details (type and distance), types of reconstruction processes, types of equipment to be used during (re)construction activities and associated specifications (e.g., engine type, fuel consumption, energy efficiecy class), end of life project phase, as well as Operational Carbon (specifications of materials and equipment to be installed in the buildings (e.g., heating system characteristics, heat transfer coefficient of windows), anticipated future energy and water use within repurposed spaces).

   4. Develop a detailed monitoring plan to track CO2e emissions throughout the renovation process. The monitoring plan should outline responsibilities for identifying and inputting data, calculating CO2e emissions and establishing parameters for monitoring the fulfilment of specified obligations.

Task 3: Development of LCA Carbon Footprint Methodology

Objective: Develop a comprehensive step-by-step procedure for assessing and identifying life cycle carbon footprint for building reconstruction activities.

1.Develop a detailed LCA carbon footprint calculation methodology for building reconstruction projects.

2.Ensure the methodology covers all stages of the building life cycle: material extraction, manufacturing, transportation, construction, operation, maintenance, and end-of-life disposal (embedded and operational carbon).

3.Prepare detailed methodology for project phases as follows:

• Material Production: Emissions from raw material extraction and processing.
• Transportation: Emissions from transporting materials to the site.
• Construction: Emissions from construction activities and machinery.
• Operation: Emissions from energy use during the building’s operational phase.
• Maintenance: Emissions from ongoing maintenance activities.
• End-of-Life: Emissions from demolition and disposal of materials.

4. Incorporate specific considerations for the regulatory and environmental contexts of the EU.

5. Develop a user-friendly Tool for personnel, including on-site staff, to input required data and accurately measure carbon footprints. Follow the calculation tools and guidance outlined by the GHG Protocol.

Task 4: Establishing Carbon Footprint Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) Aligned with the EU Taxonomy

1. Identify and develop key performance indicators (KPIs) that align with the EU Taxonomy for sustainable construction activities.
2. Ensure these indicators are relevant and applicable to reconstruction projects by taking into account national requirements.

Task 5: Preparation of Guidelines for Site Managers

1. Prepare detailed guidelines for site managers on how to implement the LCA carbon footprint methodology in reconstruction projects.
2. Ensure the guidelines are tailored to the specific project contexts.

Task 6: Development and Provision of Training Program

1. Develop a comprehensive training program for site managers that are part of project activities.
2. Provide online one-day training session and materials to ensure site managers are proficient in using the LCA carbon footprint methodology.

5. Methodology and process

The Expert must apply the relevant EU methodology and the GHG Protocol to calculate the life cycle carbon emissions of the project activities.

6. Required competencies and experience

Academic Qualifications/Education

• Masters’ degree in engineering sciences, climate change/environment or other related field;

Experience:

• At least 5 years of experience in conducting research and providing consultancy services related to decarbonization (experience from EU preferred);
• Proven experience in the development of methodologies for carbon footprint calculation;
• Familiarity with LCA software tools and databases.
• Experience in developing KPIs aligned with the EU Taxonomy.
• Excellent analytical and report-writing skills.
• Experience in preparing guidelines and providing training programs.

Language:

• Fluency in English, both written and spoken.

7.Timeline and Deliverables

Deliverables for Month 1-3:

LCA Carbon Footprint Methodology Document: A comprehensive document outlining the developed LCA carbon footprint calculation methodology, including data sources, calculation steps, and assumptions (word and xsl document), and KPIs.

Deliverables for Month 3:

Data Collection Templates: Templates and guidelines for collecting data required for the LCA carbon footprint calculations.

Guidelines for Site Managers: Detailed guidelines for site managers on implementing the LCA carbon footprint methodology.

Deliverables for Month 3-4:

Training Program, including:

• Development of training materials (Month 3-4)
• Training delivery and training reports (Month 4)

How to apply

8. Submission process and guidelines

Submission process:

The Organization invites proposals from consultants with the experience and skills described above. Please send the following to Zuzana Matlonova, project manager, at [email protected] andLaura Palencikova, project assistant, at [email protected] by September 30th, 2024.

Proposal contents:

a. For companies – Background/Administrative information including the name of applicant, correspondence address, telephone number and e-mail address, list of the proposed consultants with detailed CVs for the consulting companies

For individual consultants – a Cover letter and CV.

b. At least 3 references of professional experience in conducting similar services in the sector and professional experience.

c. Technical proposal with description of the consultant’s approach and methodology, tools to be used, and tentative work plan.

d. Financial proposal.

ToR reception:

By responding to this ToR, the consultant agrees to be responsible for fully understanding the requirements or other details of the ToR and will ask any questions to ensure such understanding is gained. Habitat for Humanity International retains the right to disqualify consultants who do not demonstrate a clear understanding of our needs. Furthermore, the right to disqualify a consultant extends past the contract award period and HFHI will be at no fault, cost, or liability.

Good faith statement:

All information provided by HFHI is offered in good faith. Specific items are subject to change at any time based on business circumstances. HFHI does not guarantee that any particular item is without error. HFHI will not be held responsible or liable for use of this information or for any claims asserted therefrom.

Communication and proposal submission guidelines:

Communications shall not be effective, unless a specified employee who is responsible for managing the selection’s process formally confirms these communications in writing. In no case shall verbal communication govern over written communications.

9. Expected contract value

The total contract value for the consultancy listed is estimated at up to 40,000 EUR. This amount is inclusive of all consultancy-related costs, fees, materials, and any other costs required to complete the scope of work. Payment terms and schedules will be mutually agreed upon and detailed in the final contract.

10. Selection process and criteria

All proposals will be evaluated systematically, based on the following key criteria. The purpose of this section is to identify suppliers with the interest, capabilities, and financial stability to supply consulting services, as defined in this ToR. Following is a prioritized list of our key evaluation criteria:

• Profile and competencies of the appointed consultant or team: knowledge, experience, composition, and other necessary competencies.
• Quality of the methodological proposal: aspects that will help us to assess their suitability for that, which is proposed in the ToR, quality of the proposal, feasibility, etc.
• Suitability of the financial proposal: for the activities laid out in the methodology, within the financial possibilities of the project, etc.

Final Selection:

Consultant(s) who have demonstrated their capacity to meet our needs will be contacted via phone and/or email to be notified of their selection to move forward in the selection’s process. Consultants, who have not been selected, will not be contacted.

11. Other provisions

Waiver Authority:

HFHI reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to waive minor irregularities in submittal requirements, to request modification of the response, to accept or reject any or all responses received, and/or to cancel all or part of this ToR at any time prior to awards.

Disclaimer:

This RFP does not commit HFHI to award any funds, pay any costs incurred in preparing a response, or procure or contract for services or supplies. HFHI reserves the right to accept or reject any or all responses received, negotiate with all qualified Respondents, cancel or modify the RFP in part or in its entirety, or change the response guidelines, when it is in its best interest.

Changes/Amendments to ToR:

This ToR has been distributed electronically using HFHI’s email system. Any update and/or changes will be communicated by this process.

HFHI is an equal opportunity employer and seeks to employ and assign the best qualified personnel for all our positions in a manner that does not unlawfully discriminate against any person because of race, color, religion, gender, marital status, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, veteran/reserve national guard status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.

Safeguarding: HFHI requires that all employees take seriously their ethical responsibilities to safeguarding our intended beneficiaries, their communities, and all those with whom we work. Managers at all levels have responsibilities to support and develop systems that create and maintain an environment that prevents harassment, sexual exploitation, and abuse, safeguards the rights of beneficiaries and community members (especially children),