EU Level(s) sustainability framework: 16 indicators and how it relates to EPBD (2026)
Level(s) has 6 macro-objectives, 16 core indicators and 3 levels (concept design, detailed design and construction, as-built and in-use). Indicator 1.2 measures life-cycle global warming potential. Level(s) is voluntary; the EPBD calculation method sits in Annex III.
The EU Level(s) framework organizes building sustainability into 6 macro-objectives and 16 core indicators. It is a voluntary, free framework for offices and residential buildings, built on EN 15978 for its life-cycle indicators. It is not the legal basis of the EPBD duty: Directive (EU) 2024/1275 Article 7(2) requires life-cycle global warming potential (GWP) to be calculated under Annex III and disclosed in the energy performance certificate, and the Commission’s framework for that calculation takes Level(s) indicator 1.2 into account.
Level(s) at a glance: key numbers
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Macro-objectives | 6 |
| Core indicators | 16 |
| Levels | 3: concept design; detailed design and construction; as-built and in-use |
| Building types | Offices and residential |
| Cost | Free to use; the manuals are public |
| Indicator 1.2 unit | kg CO₂e per m² useful internal floor area per year |
| Indicator 1.2 reference study period | 50 years |
| EPBD disclosure, buildings above 1,000 m² useful floor area | From 1 January 2028 |
| EPBD disclosure, all new buildings | From 1 January 2030 |
Sources: JRC Level(s) User Manual 1 (introduction, version 1.1) and User Manual 3 for indicator 1.2 (version 1.1); Directive (EU) 2024/1275 Article 7(2).
What is the EU Level(s) sustainability framework?
Level(s) is a common EU framework of core indicators for assessing and reporting the sustainability of buildings across their life cycle. The European Commission runs it, and the Joint Research Centre (JRC) publishes the user manuals. It can be applied to residential buildings and offices, from early concept design to the projected end of life.
Level(s) is not a certification scheme. Certification schemes can use its indicators, but a Level(s) report does not award a certificate or replace a third-party audit.
AEC market trends, new project opportunities, and AI insights
You're in. Check your inbox.
Something went wrong. Please try again.
✓ You're subscribed. Thanks.
Why does Level(s) matter to the EPBD?
Level(s) gives a common vocabulary for building-level sustainability reporting. For carbon, indicator 1.2 is built on the EN 15978 life-cycle method. The EPBD does not make Level(s) binding. Article 7 does not mention it. The recital to Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/52, which amends Annex III, says the Union framework should consider existing initiatives including the Level(s) common EU framework for indicator 1.2, together with official national frameworks, and should build on EN 15978.
The two differ in detail. Annex III (as amended) sets a 50-year reference study period and expresses the life-cycle GWP in kg CO₂eq per m² of useful floor area, with the module scope in its Table 2. Level(s) indicator 1.2 reports per m² useful internal floor area per year over a 50-year period, and reports GWP for the product (A1 to A3), construction (A4 to A5), use (B1 to B7), end-of-life (C1 to C4) and beyond-boundary (D) stages. For EPBD disclosure, work from Annex III and the national transposition, not from the Level(s) manual. See EPBD 2028 architect requirements.
What are the six macro-objectives?
- Greenhouse gas and air pollutant emissions along a building’s life cycle
- Resource efficient and circular material life cycles
- Efficient use of water resources
- Healthy and comfortable spaces
- Adaptation and resilience to climate change
- Optimised life cycle cost and value
What are the 16 indicators?
User Manual 1 lists 16 core indicators and their units.
| Macro-objective | Indicator | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1.1 Use stage energy performance | kWh/m²/yr |
| 1 | 1.2 Life cycle global warming potential | kg CO₂e/m²/yr |
| 2 | 2.1 Bill of quantities, materials and lifespans | Unit quantities, mass and years |
| 2 | 2.2 Construction and demolition waste and materials | kg of waste and materials per m² total useful floor area |
| 2 | 2.3 Design for adaptability and renovation | Adaptability score |
| 2 | 2.4 Design for deconstruction, reuse and recycling | Deconstruction score |
| 3 | 3.1 Use stage water consumption | m³/yr per occupant |
| 4 | 4.1 Indoor air quality | Ventilation, CO₂ and humidity parameters; target list of pollutants |
| 4 | 4.2 Time outside of thermal comfort range | % of time out of range |
| 4 | 4.3 Lighting and visual comfort | Level 1 checklist |
| 4 | 4.4 Acoustics and protection against noise | Level 1 checklist |
| 5 | 5.1 Protection of occupier health and thermal comfort | Projected % time out of range, 2030 and 2050 |
| 5 | 5.2 Increased risk of extreme weather events | Level 1 checklist (under development) |
| 5 | 5.3 Increased risk of flood events | Level 1 checklist (under development) |
| 6 | 6.1 Life cycle costs | €/m²/yr |
| 6 | 6.2 Value creation and risk exposure | Level 1 checklist |
Indicator 1.2 is the carbon indicator and the one that connects to the EPBD topic. It reports GWP by life-cycle stage. A reader who wants only the carbon calculation can use indicator 1.2 on its own.
What are the three levels?
The three levels are stages of a building project, not grades of effort. Each level adds accuracy.
| Level | Stage | What it involves |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Conceptual design | Early-stage qualitative assessment and reporting on the design concepts applied |
| Level 2 | Detailed design and construction | Quantitative assessment of the designed performance, in standard units and methods, and monitoring of construction |
| Level 3 | As-built and in-use | Monitoring and surveying of the construction site and of the completed building and its first occupants |
For indicator 1.2, Level 1 is a design-concept checklist, Level 2 is the life-cycle GWP calculation from design data, and Level 3 repeats the Level 2 method after construction with the as-built materials and systems. A project moves up the levels as it progresses; the levels do not rank how strict a regulator is. The EPBD does not use the Level(s) reporting levels.
How do national frameworks relate to Level(s)?
National schemes keep their own scoring, scope and tools. For example, Denmark’s LCAbyg, France’s RE2020 and certification schemes such as DGNB each have their own method. How closely each aligns with Level(s) indicator 1.2 differs, so compare scope, study period and unit before treating two results as the same. See whole-life carbon rules by country.
What are the common mistakes architects make with Level(s)?
1. Treating Level(s) as a certification scheme. Level(s) is an indicator framework. A Level(s) report is not a certificate from any scheme.
2. Assuming Level(s) replaces national frameworks. National methods keep their own criteria. Level(s) is a common reporting layer, not a replacement.
3. Using Level(s) indicator 1.2 as the EPBD calculation. Annex III of the directive, as amended by Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/52, and the national transposition set the disclosure calculation. Unit and module scope differ from the Level(s) manual.
Frequently asked questions
What is the EU Level(s) framework?
Level(s) is a common EU framework of 16 core indicators, under 6 macro-objectives, for assessing the sustainability of offices and residential buildings. It is free and open, and the JRC publishes the user manuals.
Which Level(s) indicator relates to the EPBD?
Indicator 1.2, life-cycle global warming potential. The EPBD does not require reporting under Level(s). Article 7(2) requires the life-cycle GWP to be calculated and disclosed in the energy performance certificate; see EPBD 2028 architect requirements.
Is Level(s) a building certification?
No. It is an indicator framework. Certification schemes can reference Level(s) indicators, but a Level(s) report does not replace a certification audit.
What is the difference between Level(s) levels 1, 2 and 3?
They are project stages. Level 1 is conceptual design, with qualitative assessment. Level 2 is detailed design and construction, with quantitative assessment in standard units. Level 3 is the as-built and in-use performance.
How does Level(s) relate to EN 15978?
Indicator 1.2 uses the EN 15978 cradle-to-grave method, with stages A (production), B (use), C (end of life) and D (benefits and loads beyond the system boundary), and a 50-year reference study period. Product data for the calculation comes from EPDs under EN 15804+A2. See EN 15978 explained.
Related Insights
Published by DataDrivenAEC. Evidence basis: technical assurance. This legacy article has not completed the source-and-edition review used for newer technical guides; verify important claims against their named sources.