The Pilot Version of the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard (the Standard) – the UK’s first cross-industry standard for net zero carbon aligned buildings – was launched in September 2024.

Until now, there has been no single, agreed methodology for defining what ‘net zero carbon’ means for buildings in the UK. The pilot version provides the technical framework detailing how a building should meet the Standard, including the necessary limits and targets, the technical evidence required to demonstrate compliance, and the reporting process.

Key points for our clients going forward:

• A compliant building will be certified as a ‘Net Zero Carbon Aligned Building’ or a ‘NetZero Carbon Aligned Building (plus optional offsetting)’.
• Operational Energy: Operational  energy must be assessed, with 12 months of in-use data required. Renewable energy generation will count towards a building’s operational energy use limit.
• Reporting Period End Point (RPEP): Typically set one year after occupancy, this is when data will be collected and the verification process will begin. No claims can be made at Practical Completion under this version of the Standard.
• Ongoing Verification: Annual verification is required to maintain alignment with the Standard.
• Sector-Specific Targets: Targets are defined for each sector, with some further divided into subsectors (eg logistics is subdivided into unconditioned storage, conditioned storage, and cold storage):
  1. Upfront embodied carbon limits
  2. Energy use intensity limits
  3. On-site renewable energy generation targets
  4. No fossil fuel use on site (with permitted exemptions)
  5. Carbon content limit for district heating and cooling networks
  6. Space heating and cooling limits
  7. Refrigerant carbon impact limit

Targets will become progressively stringent from now until 2050.

At Chetwoods our Thrive team of sustainability experts support our clients and project design and delivery teams in the design and delivery of more sustainable projects which align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and have net zero carbon at their heart. Our experience and expertise in this area has been recognised in awards for our teams, projects, and research initiatives.

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