The UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard has released Version 1, a free-to-access technical standard intended to help the built environment prove that assets are decarbonising in line with the UK’s carbon and energy budgets. Developed by CIBSE, BBP, BRE, the Carbon Trust, IStructE, LETI, RIBA, RICS and UKGBC, the voluntary standard provides a consistent methodology for defining net zero carbon buildings in the UK.
Version 1 builds on the Pilot Version published in September 2024 and sets out the limits and targets buildings must meet, the technical evidence required, reporting rules, verification requirements and how verified status can be communicated. The standard’s limits were reviewed following industry feedback and refined evidence and data, while remaining within a 1.5°C trajectory for the UK built environment as a whole based on the standard’s balanced scenario modelling.
New sections in Version 1 include an annex on landlord-only or tenant-only routes for offices where whole-building verification is not possible, an optional “PC On track” annex for verified checks at practical completion, and an annex on Deeming to Satisfy. For Version 1, the Deeming to Satisfy annex includes mappings to NABERS UK and Passivhaus, with further mappings to be announced when agreed. Sections on verification and communication have also been finalised, while the verification framework and methodology are being developed with Bureau Veritas.
Verification is due to become available in Q2 2026. Alongside Version 1, a Verification Primer has been published outlining the verification process, roles and responsibilities, evidence requirements, programme and costs.
Katie Clemence-Jackson, CEO of UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard, said: “The Standard will provide much-needed clarity and consistency to net zero carbon claims, combating greenwashing, and providing a robust definition for the industry to rally towards.”
Download the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard.
