Hello,

I am carrying out an LCA for an EU-based project and am confused as to how to establish a baseline to compare improvements in the carbon footprint. 

The project is currently at the permit design stage, with a structural design based on preliminary calculations which will be optimised and detailed later.

Would this stage be appropriate to define the baseline building, is a later stage more appropriate? Also, when submitting the project for LEED accreditation, does any justification need to be given as to why the baseline case was chosen?

The software used to calculate the building impact, the modules and impact categories will remain the same.

The option of using existing buildings as a baseline is not possible because this is the first building of its kind in the country. 

Thank you!