Robustly verify that buildings are Net Zero Carbon Aligned, in accordance with the UK’s climate targets.
The UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard is a voluntary standard applicable across new build, existing buildings and retrofits.
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It was created through unprecedented collaboration within the UK built environment industry, and is backed by building data and science-led modelling.
A Pilot Version was published in 2024, with Version 1 planned for launch in early 2026.​
Key Announcements made in our Pre-Launch Update​
Bureau Veritas has been announced as the preferred bidder for the role of the Standard's Verification Administrator.
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An optional "on track" validity check at Practical Completion is being developed. Details will be announced as part of the upcoming Version 1 of the Standard.
Catch up on our webinars
The UKNZCBS Pilot Version Launch Webinar
Join us as we take you through the Pilot Version of the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard, launched in September 2024. This webinar recaps the Standard’s principles and how it was created; provides an overview of the Standard itself; and explores key take-home messages for the industry around the path to Net Zero Carbon.
Programme Overview:
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Welcome
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Overview of Pilot Version of Standard Technical Details
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Background to the Pilot Version
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Engaging with the Pilot Version
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Acknowledgments
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Q&A
Call For Evidence
November 2022
Catch up on the UK Net Zero Buildings Standard Call for Evidence Webinar event via the recording below:
Consultation Webinar
July 2023
Catch up on the UK Net Zero Buildings Standard's Technical Update & Consultation Webinar.
More detail on the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard
What does it cover?
The Standard sets out metrics by which net zero carbon aligned performance is evaluated, as well as limits and targets that need to be met. These cover operational energy use, embodied carbon, on-site renewable electricity and refrigerants amongst others, as well as the need to avoid fossil fuel use on site. It also covers the approach to carbon accounting, reporting and submitting mandatory evidence to demonstrate that a building is NZC aligned, as well as the methodology for choosing to offset residual carbon emissions (should compliance at the asset level to the ‘Net Zero Carbon Building Aligned (+plus offsets)’ criteria be sought.).
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Claims will be required to be verified by a third party based on in-use measured data. The verification process is not fully detailed in the Pilot Version, but will be released in the future.
Who is it for?
The Standard is for developers, contractors, asset owners and managers, occupiers, investors, financiers and funders, consultants, building industry professionals, building managers and product/material manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors. It is for anyone who wants to either fund, procure, design, or specify a net zero carbon aligned building using an industry-agreed Standard.
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Is it science-led?
The Standard’s limits and targets have been created to align built environment carbon emissions with our industry’s carbon and energy budgets. The trajectory is based on achieving net zero carbon within our industry by 2050, i.e. what is known to be required to stand a reasonable chance of mitigating global warming to 1.5°C. The Standard also aligns with the energy demand reductions projected to be required to enable a net zero carbon energy supply sector.
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What building types does it apply to?
The approach is applicable to both existing and new buildings in the following sectors: Commercial Residential; Culture and Entertainment; Data Centres; Healthcare; Higher Education; Homes; Hotels; Offices; Retail; Schools; Science and Technology; Sport and Leisure; Storage and Distribution. Together, these sectors make up the majority of the UK’s building stock. Within each of these sectors we worked with experts to collate the most robust performance data available in order to set our limits. The Standard will not apply to infrastructure.