The launch, development and challenges of the UK’s Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard (NZCBS)
The UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard (NZCBS) was conceived in order to address the country’s challenge to reach net zero by 2050.
After two years of detailed bottom-up analysis at sector level combined with top-down energy and carbon budget alignment, the Standard has emerged with a comprehensive set of limits and targets for the industry. These are being tested during a Pilot phase of the Standard’s development in 2025.
The Verco team has been involved in the NZCBS’s development from the very outset. This page compiles their expert articles and resources on the Standard.
UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard: Pilot Version Launched 24 September 2024
What might a net zero built environment look like in 2050 and how do we get there? In this article, Robert Cohen looks ahead to the many successes and challenges we should expect from the NZCBS.
The UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard - Part 1: Requirements
The NZCBS outlines several mandatory requirements for a building to conform to the Standard (NZCBS), categorized as pass/fail requirements, plus various additional reporting metrics. Rayan Azhari explores and defines each of them in this helpful guide.
The UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard - Part 2: Benefits and Considerations
The Standard provides two distinct pathways for an existing building to achieve its operational energy targets: "Step-by-Step Retrofit" and "One-Go Retrofit." This article examines the benefits, considerations, and requirements associated with each pathway.
The UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard - Part 3: On-Site Renewables and Energy Efficiency
The Standard’s current framework presents some challenges in appropriately recognising the role of on-site renewable energy. This article explores these complexities, particularly the interplay between on-site renewables, operational energy limits, and the crucial distinction between consumed and exported renewable energy.
Verco’s NZCBS Services
Verco’s deep insight into the UK’s Net Zero Carbon Building Standard (UK NZCBS) has been built up over time through our involvement in three of the Standard’s task groups and the Offices group, as well as our role in developing a Balancing Tool. We can help you discover how assets across your portfolio measure up against the requirements and limits, navigate the Pilot phase and build your team's capacity and confidence to ensure you're in the best place possible to seek verification.
Experts on the topic:
