Our guide to the UK’s first ever Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard

The pilot version of the UK’s first free-to-access Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard was released in September 2024, representing a significant milestone in the construction industry’s journey towards achieving sustainable, climate-friendly practices across the built environment.

This new standardised approach to designing and delivering net zero buildings will ensure that all developments contribute positively to the UK’s goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050. 

With the final version of the Standard expected to be released in late 2025, it’s vitally important to begin familiarising yourself with the various criteria outlined. We explore everything you need to know about the UK’s first ever Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard below.

(Image source: UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard)

What is the Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard?

The Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard is a specific framework designed to guide the construction and operation of buildings across the UK on achieving net zero carbon emissions. Developed by leading industry bodies such as the UK Green Building Council (UKGBC), the Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and BRE, the Standard provides a comprehensive framework that enables buildings to become net zero carbon aligned.

The Standard can be applied across various building types, including residential, commercial and public buildings. It sets out specific criteria for reducing operational and embodied carbon during the entire lifecycle of a building, along with information on how to evidence and report this. The release of the pilot stage offers an opportunity for real-world testing and feedback, encouraging collaboration from stakeholders to help shape the final version of the Standard.

Net Zero Carbon is one of the most important credits within BREEAM certification. If you require a BREEAM assessment to help reduce the carbon footprint of your project, look no further than Encon Associates…

Why was the Standard introduced?

The introduction of the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard addresses the need for a consistent and robust approach to assessing net zero carbon buildings. Until now, there has been no agreed methodology for defining what ‘net zero carbon’ even means for buildings in the UK. The construction, operation and maintenance of buildings account for almost 40% of the UK’s overall carbon emissions, making this a critical area to target in the fight against climate change.

By establishing the pilot version of this Standard, the UK aims to:

• Evaluate the carbon impact of buildings and accelerate the decarbonisation of the construction sector
• Bring together various methodologies and practices within the industry to create a consistent approach
• Gather feedback from stakeholders on the practicality and effectiveness of the criteria before it is finalised

Key features of the UK’s Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard

The Standard introduces a series of principles that buildings must comply with to become net zero carbon aligned. These include:

• Adopting a whole-life carbon approach to assess the total carbon impact generated throughout the entire lifecycle of a building. This includes any emissions that may be produced via material production, construction, operational energy use, or maintenance. Encon Associates can assist with this by providing Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) that support achieving BREEAM credits under MAT 01.
• Meeting specific energy use intensity (EUI) targets for various building types that encourage the reduction of energy consumption. High-performance insulation, HVAC systems and energy management technologies may be utilised here. Our expertise in energy assessments can help projects achieve BREEAM credits related to Reduction of Energy Use and Carbon Emissions (ENE 01), ensuring that EUI targets are effectively met.
• Not exceeding the limits for embodied carbon, i.e. emissions produced during the construction phase. The Standard encourages developments to use low-carbon materials and minimise waste wherever possible. Encon Associates can evaluate material options and recommend strategies that align with BREEAM’s carbon emissions requirements.
• Integrating renewable energy sources both on-site (i.e. installing solar panels or heat pumps) and off-site (i.e. procuring renewable energy from external sources) to reduce the reliance on fossil fuel-based energy sources. We provide consultancy on renewable energy integration, aiding projects in achieving key BREEAM sustainability credits.
• Consistently monitoring building performance through trusted third-party organisations to confirm that net zero targets are being maintained throughout its lifecycle. Our ongoing support ensures that developments maintain their sustainability targets, whilst aiming for the highest BREEAM scores.

How will the Standard impact the construction industry?

Following the introduction of the UK’s Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard, architects and designers will need to integrate intelligent carbon reduction strategies within the earliest stages of project planning. These may include optimising a building’s orientation to maximise natural light and heat, and integrating energy-efficient technologies. 

The pilot phase of the Standard allows the construction industry to identify and address potential challenges, whilst exploring new opportunities. Some of these challenges may include:

• Data collection – accurately assessing the whole-life carbon impact of a building is a complex process that requires obtaining robust data through standardised calculations.
• Supply chain demand – the increased demand of low-carbon materials may pose various challenges with regards to availability and costs.
• Costs vs sustainability – whilst sustainable construction practices can save money over time, the upfront investment required may be too costly for some projects.

However, some of the potential opportunities include:

• Industry innovation – to meet the stringent net zero building requirements, we may see an acceleration in the research and development of construction materials and energy-efficient building technologies.
• Market value – buildings that achieve net zero standards can achieve a high market value thanks to the lower operating costs and environmental compliance, appealing to even the most eco-conscious investors.
• Credits towards BREEAM – aligning with the Standard will support projects in achieving valuable BREEAM credits, particularly within the energy category, which has the highest weighting in the certification. 
• Global leadership – the UK is one of the first countries to implement guidelines of this kind, paving the way for sustainable construction practices across the globe.

Achieve Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard with Encon Associates

The pilot version of the UK’s Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard is a real step forward for the construction industry, laying the groundwork for the widespread adoption of net zero practices. Encon Associates is dedicated to promoting sustainable construction practices and is well-positioned to support developers with adapting to the new Standard. We offer a range of sustainable building assessments and compliance support with regards to BREEAM and HQM, enabling key stakeholders to achieve their net zero goals.

Get in touch today to discover how we can help accelerate your building’s net zero carbon rating.