Working Towards Future Net Zero Buildings
In the first of our webinars on key Net Zero areas, we explored working towards future Net Zero buildings. This was the first opportunity for attendees from the 30+ Towns participating in the Net Zero programme to share ideas and connect with others in a similar position.
Context
The UK Government has set a legally binding target to bring all greenhouse gas emissions to Net Zero by 2050. To meet this, the UK needs to have achieved a 78% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2035 – which is just 13 years away.
Net Zero carbon can be defined as “a reduction in the demand for energy and materials to a level that can be met solely by sources that do not emit greenhouse gases [1]”. Carbon emissions we cannot prevent can also be stored securely or offset to reach Net Zero.
Over 300 local authorities [2] have already declared climate emergencies and one third of these have developed cohesive strategies and plans to deliver ambitious Net Zero targets. This is a great start, but to go further local government needs to move quickly wherever possible to maximise the opportunities that working towards Net Zero offers.
The importance of Net Zero buildings
Nero Zero buildings play an integral role not only in our fight against climate change, but also in creating jobs, improving health, lowering energy costs and improving local energy security in an increasingly uncertain world.
Net Zero and a healthy climate are critical from both a physical and mental health perspective. The air we breathe and green spaces we enjoy are two key examples of how new builds can help us work towards a positive Net Zero future – not only that, but alongside green infrastructure, they are a fundamental part of long-term energy security.
A pathway for Net Zero buildings
The session set out the key aims and objectives of what needs to happen when for new buildings. These include:
Average 68% reduction in operational carbon and 44% reduction in embodied carbon by 2030 for non-domestic buildings
Average 59% reduction in operational carbon and 46% reduction in embodied carbon by 2030 for domestic buildings
All new buildings to have low carbon heating systems from 2025 [3]
Top tip: Key to understanding Net Zero new builds is the concept of whole life carbon emissions, which are emitted across a building’s entire lifecycle. They comprise:
Operational carbon emissions emitted during a building’s ‘in-use’ lifetime due to the building’s use of energy and water
Embodied carbon emissions –emitted from the construction processes and materials used to construct and maintain the building throughout its lifespan.
Challenges to delivery
Many towns are facing the same pressures: there is the political will to shift towards Net Zero, but there is still a gap that needs to be filled with capacity, financing and technical knowledge. Everyone agrees that Local Authorities need further support from both central government and Whitehall towards Net Zero new builds.
However, investors are increasingly looking for Net Zero opportunities that focus on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) factors. Towns that focus on adding value and delivering co-benefits by embedding Net Zero at the heart of their projects will build the compelling Business Cases they need for investment.
Turning challenges into opportunities: North-East Derbyshire
North-East Derbyshire District Council faced some challenges around delivering Net Zero projects in Clay Cross. Difficulties become opportunities when there is an ambitious yet achievable vision to guide action. For Clay Cross, this is a vision to transform it into a “thriving, sustainable and industrious market town, built on a strong and vibrant community spirit and a unique heritage, forged around a renewed heart that responds to the aspirations of a growing population and with a future founded on enterprise, skills and learning, innovation, and low carbon technology.”
Some key projects and plans that have emerged from the council’s vision include an energy network strategy, low carbon housing and workspaces and setting up a “challenge” fund. The most important factor is to weave towns’ individuality and unique selling points into deals. Net Zero new buildings are an integral part of this.
Towns: a beacon for change
Local Authorities are leading the way with small scale developments, but projects need to be viable and scalable to ensure they are seen through to the end and have maximum impact. Towns need to be the beacon for change, using their powers to lead and influence others. These powers include setting housing policies and local plans that require and aid the transition towards Net Zero new builds whilst working with developers. Local Authorities can demonstrate their ambition on council-owned properties, which encourages the private sector to do the same. Leveraging the powers now to embed Net Zero into early-stage new build projects will futureproof buildings and save on costs. Towns’ hard and soft powers include:
Hard Power
Policy: Creating a supportive policy context that sets the direction of travel for businesses and communities. For example, through ambitious Net Zero policies and requirements in a local plan.
Regulation and enforcement: Enforcing the policies and sticking to the Net Zero agenda. Using the powers of s106 and CIL (Community Infrastructure Levy). Establishing a carbon offset fund.
Ownership & operation: Demonstrating leading ambition on council-owned and operated buildings. For example, using renewable energy to power council buildings.
Council as a developer: Taking on the delivery of housing and ensuring ambitious sustainability standards, such as Passivhaus and the UKGBC Net Zero framework.
Finance and procurement: Exploring using green supply-chain requirements for council-led construction.
Soft Power
A local vision set by local leaders – achieving Net Zero by a target date.
Encouraging voluntary commitments with housebuilders, developers, the private sector more generally and the local community.
Community engagement: awareness raising on sustainability issues to build public support for action.
Working with central Government to encourage higher sustainability standards nationally. National regulation is one of the most effective ways to drive widespread change.
Local government is integral to delivering the Net Zero transition. There will always be hurdles to overcome with changing local priorities, which highlights the importance of core long-term policies and principles.
Towns should have this pathway at the heart of their strategies and keep abreast of future technology and legislative requirements to avoid expensive changes to projects in the future. Change is possible where towns use their powers to bring business and people on the journey together; the good work has started and needs to continue.
Further blogs will follow each of our Net Zero sessions in the coming weeks (which as well as this information on new builds includes retrofit, transport, and nature & greening). If you have questions about anything within this blog or about our other sessions, please contact us through your Town Coordinator or email [email protected].
[1] Net Zero Carbon Buildings: Three Steps to Take Now - Arup
[2] Climate Change Committee’s independent report ‘Local Authorities and the Sixth Carbon Budget’
[3] UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) ‘Net Zero Whole Life Carbon Roadmap’