The new net zero standard is ambitious and will be challenging to achieve, but we must rise to the challenge

I got involved in developing the new net zero carbon building standard, which was published last month, not because it is easy, but because it is hard. The reality is that most new buildings being constructed today would not meet these ambitious targets, especially in sectors like offices and science facilities.

This standard is likely to push innovation and ambitious thinking. Even more challenging for office and science sectors is the fact that, unlike the NABERS standard, which separates energy targets between landlords and tenants, this new standard does not. 

We hope to see that broken down in future versions. It is still a good idea to account for these two energy uses separately. Doing so could help landlords gain a better understanding of how people actually use their buildings.

If the energy target is shared between landlords and tenants, imagine how much more collaboration this would require

In my experience, this user-focused approach has been key to the success of many of my projects, especially when the goal is to close the performance gap.

If the energy target is shared between landlords and tenants, imagine how much more collaboration this would require. And this could ultimately lead to much better performing buildings.

However, there will be circumstances on certain projects where landlords simply do not have the ability to control tenant choices, so how responsibility for a combined target will be shared will be an interesting dynamic.

>> Also read: Why the industry needs another net zero carbon buildings standard

So, let’s get into the weeds: one of the most interesting aspects of this standard is that it looks at carbon emissions at an industry level. It acknowledges that some industrial carbon emissions are accounted for elsewhere.

For instance, electric vehicle charging is counted for under the transport industry and so is not included in energy use from a building, even if the electricity comes from a building. But, if the energy use is not covered elsewhere, then it must be included. Carbon has nowhere to hide.

What is particularly exciting about this standard compared to previous net zero carbon guidelines is that it goes into much more detail about how to measure the energy use intensity figure. For instance, you cannot rely on energy generated on-site through renewables like solar panels or wind turbines to offset overall energy numbers.

This is a significant shift because previously many landlords have relied on their renewable energy systems to bring down their carbon footprint on paper. Under this new standard, you will need to reduce your energy use regardless of how much renewables you are connected to or have installed. Buildings will have to be efficient enough on their own.

The standard is also promising for existing buildings that use heat recovery or heat pump systems, such as variable refrigerant flow systems, for heating and cooling. These are highly efficient, ductless heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems that could perform well under this new framework. Understanding how your heating system impacts your overall carbon emissions is going to be essential moving forward.

Retrofits are also going to come under more scrutiny. The PAS2038 is recommended as the go-to approach, and after more than 20 years of working to reduce operational carbon in existing buildings – and despite my own personal dislike of overly detailed procedure – I cannot help but welcome this endorsement.

Yes, proving carbon reductions might become a bit more involved and complex under this standard, but it gives us a level playing field and, with the right guidance and advice, it can still be a relatively straightforward process.

Looking ahead, I am hopeful that the next version of the standard will push us even farther. I would love to see it give investors more confidence, especially earlier on in the design process. After all, when you are designing something with such ambitious energy and carbon goals in mind, getting buy-in from stakeholders early on is key.

Developers should be very mindful of the potential costs of meeting this new net zero carbon standard. The pathways for compliance are complex and it is crucial to fully understand the commitments needed for the entire process before diving in. If developers do not have a clear picture of what it will take to meet these goals, they could find themselves facing some very expensive or disappointing surprises down the road.

This new standard is still in its pilot phase. It is going to change, evolve and grow. This means we need to be asking questions and providing feedback

One thing I recommend that everyone should keep in mind is that this new standard is still in its pilot phase. It is going to change, evolve and grow. This means we need to be asking questions and providing feedback. Being involved in the early stages and supporting the standard’s evolution will be crucial to its success.

In the end, this new standard is a major step forward for the building industry, pushing us all towards a more sustainable and energy-efficient future. While it is going to be challenging, I firmly believe that it is challenges like these that drive real innovation and change.

By continuing to refine this standard and working together—landlords, tenants, developers and stakeholders alike — we can meet these goals and create buildings that not only reduce carbon emissions but also improve the way we live and work.