Tuesday 30 April 2019
New framework to enable transition to net zero carbon buildings
A new framework definition to enable the transition of new and existing buildings to becoming net zero carbon by 2050 has been unveiled.
The UK Green Building Council’s (UKGBC) report, which follows six months of industry engagement, involving 180 experts and stakeholders from across the UK’s built environment value chain, sets out the framework of “consistent principles and metrics” that can be integrated into tools, policies and practices, aiming to build consensus in the industry on the approach to decarbonising buildings.
It offers guidance for developers, owners and occupiers targeting net zero carbon buildings, setting out key principles to follow and outlining how they can be measured and evidenced.
The framework proposes two approaches to net zero carbon buildings that can be accurately measured:
Net zero carbon – construction: The embodied emissions associated with products and construction should be measures, reduced and offset to achieve net zero carbon.
Net zero carbon – operational energy: The energy used by the buildings in operation should be reduced and where possible any demand met through renewable energy. Any remaining emissions from operational energy use should be offset to achieve net zero carbon.
Representatives in the task group were from organisations including Arup, Elementa, Grosvenor Britain & Ireland, Haringey Council, Kingspan Insulation, The Carbon Trust and Willmott Dixon.
They were also supported by trade groups and professional institutions including Better Buildings Partnership (BBP), Chartered Institute for Building Services Engineers (CIBSE), Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and Renewable Energy Association (REA).
Richard Twinn, Senior Policy Advisor at UKGBC said: “The urgency of tackling climate change means that businesses must work together to drive down emissions as fast as possible. But this requires a shared vision for what needs to be achieved and the action that needs to be taken.
“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. It is the first step on a journey towards ensuring all of our buildings are fit for the future.”
