The new UK Net Zero Carbon Building Standard (UK NZCBS) is here. The Standard is challenging, and rightly so. Are we ready for it? Is it achievable? And what impacts might it bring?
How close can we get to net-zero embodied carbon using today’s best practices – and what’s standing in the way?
As part of our ongoing commitment to decarbonising construction, we recently collaborated with Buttress and Max Fordham to explore what’s realistically possible when it comes to reducing embodied carbon in a mid-rise residential building – using current technologies, materials and regulatory frameworks.
Guided by the sector-specific targets set out in the UK NZCBS, we approached the challenge through an indicative design, aiming to drive embodied carbon as low as practically achievable. The UK NZCBS sets annually decreasing embodied carbon targets, culminating in a ‘net-zero’ goal for new buildings from 2025 onwards – based on assumed construction start dates.
So how far can we go today?
Our findings show that even when pulling all the levers available to us – across architecture, engineering and materials – and working with a deliberately simple, repetitive form, the design for our demonstrator project only just meets the 2028 target. This is a clear sign that we’re running up against the limits of what’s achievable within the current code and material landscape.
This raises some really urgent questions:
- What changes to design approaches are needed to meet near-term targets without compromising safety or functionality?
- How quickly can material innovation catch up – and how can we accelerate it?
- What role should policy and regulation play in enabling the next wave of low-carbon solutions?
We’re not claiming to have all the answers – but we’re committed to asking the right questions, testing our assumptions, and pushing for meaningful change in how we design and deliver buildings.
Download the report here
If you would like to receive information about a potential Net Zero webinar event, please fill out this form.
