Net zero carbon buildings

On 30 April 2019, the UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) published Net Zero Carbon Buildings: A framework definition, a framework for the UK construction industry to transition new and existing buildings to net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

This follows six months of industry engagement involving more than 180 experts and stakeholders, supported by 13 trade associations and industry bodies. It provides an overarching framework of principles and metrics that can be integrated into tools, policies and practices to de-carbonise buildings.

Two approaches to net zero carbon are set out:

• Net zero carbon – construction: the embodied emissions associated with products and construction are measured, reduced and offset.
• Net zero carbon – operational energy: The energy used by buildings in operation is reduced and where possible any demand met through renewable energy. Any remaining emissions are offset.

The next ten years will see the scope and ambition of the framework increase. In the short-term, additional requirements will include minimum energy efficiency targets and limits on the use of offsets. In the longer term the approaches for construction and operation will be integrated into a broader approach for net zero whole life carbon, covering all emissions associated with construction, operation, maintenance and demolition.

Richard Twinn, Senior Policy Advisor at UKGBC said: “The urgency of tackling climate changemeans that businesses must work together to drive down emissions as fast as possible... This framework is intended as a catalyst for the construction and property industry to build consensus on the transition to net zero carbon buildings and start to work towards consistent and ambitious outcomes.”

Clemens Brenninkmeijer, Board Member at the Redevco Foundation said: “The call to action can only gain traction when the sector collectively knows where it needs to go and how to get there. The cross-sector and inclusive approach of UKGBC’s Advancing Net Zero programme is helping the industry to frame the challenges ahead and provides it with a clear definition and pathway to a net zero carbon built environment.”

Rob Perrins, Chief Executive at Berkeley Group said: “This framework is an important step towards defining net zero carbon buildings and helping the industry understand how they can be delivered. We want to help lead this work, which is so important to decarbonising the built environment and protecting our planet for future generations."

Find out more at: https://www.ukgbc.org/ukgbc-work/advancing-net-zero/