The UK Green Building Council has unveiled a framework for the UK property and construction industry to transition new and existing buildings to net zero carbon by 2050.
The report follows six months of industry engagement, involving more than 180 experts and stakeholders from across the built environment value chain, and is supported by 13 trade associations and industry bodies, including the British Property Federation, RICS and RIBA.
It provides an overarching framework of consistent principles and metrics that can be integrated into tools, policies and practices, and aims to build consensus in the industry on its approach to decarbonising buildings.
Two approaches to net zero carbon are proposed by the framework: firstly, that embodied emissions associated with products and construction should be measured, reduced and offset to achieve net zero carbon. Secondly, that the energy used by an operational building should be reduced and where possible any demand met through renewable energy. Any remaining emissions from operational energy use should be offset to achieve net zero carbon.
Richard Twinn, senior policy adviser at UKGBC, said: “The urgency of tackling climate change means that businesses must work together to drive down emissions as fast as possible. But this requires a shared vision for what needs to be achieved and the action that needs to be taken.
“This framework is intended as a catalyst for the construction and property industry to build consensus on the transition to net zero carbon buildings and start to work towards consistent and ambitious outcomes. It is the first step on a journey towards ensuring all of our buildings are fit for the future.”
Emily Hamilton, senior sustainability manager at Grosvenor Britain & Ireland, said: “Our climate is in crisis. As a major consumer of resources and with a significant carbon footprint, the UK’s built environment industry has a far reaching role to play in helping to limit the worsening impacts of climate change.
“This framework is an important first step to enable the industry to rapidly accelerate the transition to a net zero carbon economy. We believe collaboration is fundamental if we are to rapidly deliver a net zero carbon future and we commit to adopting this framework to upskill our staff and our partners.”
Download a copy of the framework here.
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