UK Net Zero Carbon Building Standard has Arrived

Version 1 of the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard (UKNZCBS) has officially launched!

What is the UK Net Zero Carbon Standard?

The publication of Version 1 represents a key milestone for the UK built environment as it provides the first cross-industry agreed methodology for defining what a ‘Net Zero Carbon Aligned Building’ is, in line with the UK’s climate change targets.

The requirements within the Standard cover a range of topics such as upfront carbon, operational energy use, avoidance of fossil fuels, heating delivered, renewables and refrigerants.

Which Projects Does the Standard Apply To?

The Standard applies to both existing and new buildings in the sectors listed and can be used to demonstrate the commitment to net zero carbon design:

• Homes
• Sports and leisure
• Hotels
• Offices
• Retail
• Commercial residential
• Schools
• Culture and entertainment
• Storage and distribution
• Healthcare
• Science and technology
• Datacentres
• Higher education

Hannan Associates Involvement With the Pilot Testing Programme

We are proud to have supported and actively participated in the development of Version 1 of the UKNCBS, through our involvement in the Pilot Testing Programme.

We contributed towards testing the Standard’s ambitious targets and evidence framework against two pilot projects currently in the early stages of design and provided valuable feedback as the acting MEP Consultants on these projects – one of which was one of the small number of hotels assessed in the Pilot Testing Programme.

How Can we Help you Align Your Projects with the UK Net Zero Carbon Building Standard?

Our involvement in the development of the Standard’s evidence and verification has given us first-hand exposure to the design requirements and how to translate these into practical delivery.

Through our experience, we are able to advise on applying the following aspects of the Standard to your project:

• Operational Energy

• Onsite Renewable Electricity Generation

• Space Heating and Cooling Delivered to the Building

• Electricity Demand Management

• Refrigerants

We look forward to seeing the UKNZCBS becoming widely adopted throughout the industry and supporting clients through to project verification.