Regulations:UK Net Zero Carbon Building Standard
Description
UK NZCBS sets out mandatory requirements for net zero carbon aligned buildings that enable the UK real estate sector to stay true to the built environment’s share of the UK’s national carbon and energy budgets. The pilot standard was published in September 2024, with final publication expected in late 2025. It requires the alignments of projects with ambitious carbon reduction targets, including operational and embodied carbon. It emphasises accountability through standardised benchmarks and reporting, pushing organisations to adopt innovative, low-carbon solutions.
Who must comply
The Standard applies to those connected with the UK’s real estate industry. This Standard is applicable to both existing and new buildings in the sectors listed:
- Homes, Offices, Hotels, Education and Commercial Residentials
- Sport & Leisure, Culture & Entertainment and Retail
- Science & Technology, Healthcare, Storage & Distribution and Data Centres
How to comply
- Evaluate your existing building projects and operations against the Standard to identify gaps.
- Implement energy-efficient designs, renewable energy systems and sustainable materials in new or existing projects.
- Establish a processes to measure, track and disclose carbon emissions to ensure compliance.
By when must you comply
Final publication with timelines expected in late 2025.
Key Resource
https://www.nzcbuildings.co.uk/home
Related legislation
- BREEAM
- RICS Professional Standard Whole Life Carbon Assessment for the Built Environment
Page contributors
Layla Atassi, Planet Mark