The UK construction industry been on a decarbonisation journey in recent years, though the path to the end goal has often been unclear. Most now accept that we must reach ‘net zero carbon’ (NZC) by 2050, if we are to align with this future goal, then we must change the way we design and construct our buildings. But what does it mean to be aligned with this NZC 2050 goal? How do we know if a building built today is aligned or not?
Introducing the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard (NZCBS)! A comprehensive, science-led framework aimed at defining and verifying what it means for buildings in the UK to truly be net zero carbon. The standard has been in development for over two years through a collaboration of a cross-industry group and leading industry organisations, including BBP, BRE, RIBA, RICS, LETI, and UKGBC.
The Standard provides a new single and clear definition of net zero carbon for a wide range building types against which buildings can be verified. This should provide uniformity in claims of net zero buildings and drive the decarbonisation of the built environment to help achieve the UK’s net zero carbon target by 2050.
It sets out specific, measurable requirements for buildings to be considered net zero carbon and these carbon limits combine top-down budgets based on carbon budgets for the UK to reach net zero carbon by 2050; and bottom-up analysis regarding what can be practically achieved based on in-use information from the industry.
The Standard is applicable to both existing and new buildings in the following sectors, each of which have their own carbon limits and targets: commercial residential, culture and entertainment, data centres, healthcare, higher education, homes, hotels, offices, retail, schools, science and technology, sport and leisure and storage and distribution.
An important point to consider is that many of the limits and targets must be met in-use, using metered data. This represents a huge progression from previous standards, which have historically been based on as-designed performance.
So how does my project become one of the UK’s first ‘NZC Aligned’ buildings? The Pilot version of the Standard can be adopted onto your building or project, starting now! The next phase of the Standard’s development will be the Pilot testing scheme, which you can currently register interest for here. Once launched, you will be able to sign your building up for selection, with applications sought from a range of sectors and project stages. This phase is anticipated to launch at the end of 2024, with feedback incorporated into Version 1 of the Standard, which is expected to be released late 2025.
Version 1 of the Standard will include the methodology for a third-party verifier to check that the building has met the applicable requirements. By adopting the Standard onto your project now, it will be ready to be verified as one of the UK’s first ‘Net Zero Carbon Aligned’ buildings.
The impact of the Pilot version of the UK Net Zero Carbon Building Standard on the planning process remains to be seen, particularly since many regions are already guided by development plan policies aimed at achieving net zero. Nevertheless, as a new nationwide industry standard, it wouldn’t be surprising if adherence to the voluntary Standard and the ongoing proof of compliance become integrated into the planning process in the future.
The initiative behind the Standard is optimistic that compliance will eventually be mandated by regulation to encourage broader adoption, equally the proposed Part Z, which would look to mandate whole life carbon reporting, could further strengthen these compliance efforts. It is an important step forward for sustainable building design, offering clear targets and recognition for projects striving towards zero carbon.
If you’re looking for support with your first ‘Net Zero Carbon Aligned’ project, don’t hesitate to reach out at mail@scspartnership.co.uk
