A cross-industry steering group, representing stakeholders across the built environment, have joined together to develop a standard for verifying UK buildings as net-zero carbon.

Organisations BBP, BRE, the Carbon Trust, CIBSE, IStructE, LETI, RIBA, RICS, and UKGBC have joined forces to champion the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard which will enable industry to prove that built assets are net-zero carbon and in line with the UK’s climate targets. The group intends to consult on work at various stages of its development, with work commencing in July.

The Standard will cover both new and existing buildings and will set out performance targets addressing operational energy and embodied carbon emissions to align with the UK’s 2035 and 2050 emissions targets (78 per cent reduction and net-zero respectively). It will also cover the procurement of renewable energy and the treatment of residual emissions, including carbon offsetting.

It will be for anyone who wants to fund, procure, design, specify, or occupy a net-zero carbon building and anyone wanting to demonstrate that their building is net zero-aligned with an industry-agreed standard.

Kevin Mitchell, CIBSE president and Mott McDonald global practice leader, building services engineering said “CIBSE is delighted to be contributing our expertise to support this important initiative on net-zero. It is urgently needed to deliver a clear standard to demonstrate real outcomes and give trust to clients, owners and occupiers.”

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