A Practical Framework for Cradle-to-Site Embodied Carbon Assessment: Application to a Multifamily Residential Building in Faro, Portugal

The growing importance of embodied carbon (EC) in building decarbonisation requires transparent, context-specific Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) approaches. This study develops a practical framework for quantifying cradle-to-site EC (A1–A4), combining detailed post-construction material quantification with a structured data selection methodology. Carbon factors (CFs) are primarily sourced from geographically representative Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) and evaluated through a reliability framework that incorporates material similarity, geographical proximity, and data completeness. An Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) is further applied to select representative values for key materials such as ready-mix concrete. The application of this framework highlights the critical influence of data representativeness on EC results and demonstrates a transparent and reproducible approach for reducing uncertainty in early-stage assessments. The case study yields a total EC of 228 kg CO2e/m2, with structural materials identified as the main carbon hotspots: ready-mix concrete accounts for approximately 40% of total impacts, reinforcing steel for around 11%, while masonry systems, infill, and levelling layers contribute a significant additional share. Together, these materials represent slightly more than 75% of total embodied emissions. Beyond the numerical results, the study shows that a limited number of material categories dominate the carbon footprint, enabling targeted decarbonisation strategies. The proposed framework is designed to be transferable to similar building contexts and supports more robust, data-driven decision-making in the Portuguese construction sector and beyond. It is particularly relevant in regions where locally representative environmental data are not necessarily sufficient, as it provides a structured approach for developing embodied carbon assessments under such condition.