What is the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard?
It is a rule book, not guidance
Its scope is focussed on carbon and energy
It requires measured in-use performance data
It is informed by UK climate science
It has been created by, and for, the industry
It requires third party verification
Why is the Standard needed?
The Standard was developed both to reduce spurious claims around net zero carbon, and to accelerate the design, construction and use of buildings that deliver lower-carbon outcomes in line with the UK's legally binding carbon targets.
​​
More detail on the Standard
What does it cover?
The Standard covers the metrics that are crucial for net zero carbon building performance: ​
operational energy use, fossil fuel free sites, embodied carbon, on-site renewable electricity generation, eletricity demand management, space heating and cooling, refrigerant use and water use. ​
​
It specifies the approach to carbon accounting, reporting and submitting of evidence; as well as the optional methodology for offsetting residual carbon emissions. ​
​
These mandatory requirements of the Standard must be third party verified before status claims of ' Net Zero Carbon Aligned Building' or 'Net Zero Carbon Aligned Building (plus offsets)' can be made. ​
​
Who is it for?​
The Standard is for everyone connected to the UK’s real estate industry, who wishes to robustly prove their built assets are net zero carbon aligned, in line with the UK’s energy and carbon budgets. ​
​
The Standard is for developers, contractors, asset owners and managers, occupiers, investors, financiers and funders, consultants, building industry professionals, building managers and product/material manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors. ​
​
By providing an industry backed, unified methodology with clear and mandatory building performance criteria, the Standard makes it easier for those wishing to either fund, procure, design, or specify a net zero carbon aligned building.​
​​​
Is it science-led?
The Standard’s limits and targets have been created to align built environment carbon emissions with our industry’s carbon and energy budgets. The trajectory is based on achieving net zero carbon within our industry by 2050, i.e. what is known to be required to stand a reasonable chance of mitigating global warming to 1.5°C. The Standard also aligns with the energy demand reductions projected to be required to enable a net zero carbon energy supply sector.
​​​
What building types does it apply to?
The approach is applicable to both existing and new buildings in the following sectors: Commercial Residential; Culture and Entertainment; Data Centres; Healthcare; Higher Education; Homes; Hotels; Offices; Retail; Schools; Science and Technology; Sport and Leisure; Storage and Distribution. Together, these sectors make up the majority of the UK’s building stock. Within each of these sectors, we worked with experts to collate the most robust performance data available in order to set our limits. The Standard does not apply to infrastructure.
​
Want to learn more?
​​​