The UK Green Building Council have provided an overarching framework of consistent principles and metrics that can be used as a tool for businesses to drive the transition to a net zero carbon built environment.
Net Zero Carbon Buildings: A Framework Definition provides guidance on the definition of net zero carbon buildings and a way to demonstrate how a building has achieved net zero carbon status. It focuses on carbon impacts that can be readily measured and mitigated today – operational energy and embodied impacts of construction.
UKGBC emphasises the equal importance of net zero carbon for construction and operational energy. Drawing from these two approaches to net zero carbon, the report outlines 5 steps to achieve a Net Zero Carbon Building:
- Establish Net Zero Carbon Scope
- Reduce Construction Impacts
- Reduce Operational Energy Use
- Increase Renewable Energy Supply
- Offset any Remaining Carbon
A third approach for net zero carbon – ‘whole life’ is also proposed at a high level, but UKGBC identify that further work will be needed to define the scope and requirements for this approach. While this report is primarily designed for businesses, its recommendations can also be integrated into policy.
More information here