Carbon neutral buildings
The Home Quality Mark One, Technical Manual SD239, England, Scotland & Wales, published by BRE in 2018 defines carbon neutral as: ‘Carbon neutral means that, through a transparent process of calculating building operational emissions, reducing those emissions and offsetting residual emissions, net carbon emissions equal zero. This includes carbon emissions from both regulated and unregulated energy consuming plan and systems. Also see the definition of zero net regulated carbon (CO) emissions.’
NB ‘The impact of sustainability on value’ published by JLL in March 2020 defines ‘carbon neutral’ as: ‘…offsetting emissions with payments either to avoid a reduction in emissions or remove carbon from the atmosphere.’
The London Plan, Published by the Mayor of London in March 2016, defines carbon neutrality as: ‘Contributing net zero carbon dioxide emissions to the atmosphere.’
Improving Consistency in Whole Life Carbon Assessment and Reporting, Carbon Definitions for the Built Environment, Buildings and Infrastructure, Version ‘A’, May 2021, published by WLCN, LETI and RIBA, defines carbon neutral as: ‘All carbon emissions are balanced with offsets based on carbon removals or avoided emissions.’
See also: Carbon neutral.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Achieving zero carbon.
- BPIE report urges EU to incorporate the carbon footprint of construction into policy.
- BRE articles.
- BREEAM.
- Building Back Better: Net zero carbon and BREEAM.
- Building Research Establishment.
- Carbon.
- Carbon emissions.
- Carbon negative.
- Carbon neutral.
- Carbon neutral contract.
- Carbon Neutral Islands.
- Climate Change Act.
- European decarbonisation and heating technologies beyond 2021.
- Half of public sector bodies not planning for net zero carbon.
- Home quality mark.
- Low or zero carbon technologies.
- Making Mission Possible: report on achieving a zero-carbon economy by 2030.
- Nearly zero-energy building.
- Net zero by 2050.
- Net zero carbon 2050.
- Net zero carbon building.
- Qualifying Explanatory Statement QES.
- Shaping Zero seeks carbon champions.
- What we need for the journey to net-zero carbon emissions.
- Wood and carbon.
- Zero Bills Home.
- Zero carbon homes.
- Zero carbon non domestic buildings.
Featured articles and news
Key points for construction at a glance with industry reactions.
Functionality, visibility and sustainability
The simpler approach to specification.
Architects, architecture, buildings, and inspiration in film
The close ties between makers and the movies, with our long list of suggested viewing.
SELECT three-point plan for action issued to MSPs
Call for Scottish regulation, green skills and recognition of electrotechnical industry as part of a manifesto for Scottish Parliamentary elections.
UCEM becomes the University of the Built Environment
Major milestone in its 106-year history, follows recent merger with London School of Architecture (LSE).
Professional practical experience for Architects in training
The long process to transform the nature of education and professional practical experience in the Architecture profession following recent reports.
A people-first approach to retrofit
Moving away from the destructive paradigm of fabric-first.
International Electrician Day, 10 June 2025
Celebrating the role of electrical engineers from André-Marie Amperè, today and for the future.
New guide for clients launched at Houses of Parliament
'There has never been a more important time for clients to step up and ...ask the right questions'
The impact of recycled slate tiles
Innovation across the decades.
EPC changes for existing buildings
Changes and their context as the new RdSAP methodology comes into use from 15 June.
Skills England publishes Sector skills needs assessments
Priority areas relating to the built environment highlighted and described in brief.
BSRIA HVAC Market Watch - May 2025 Edition
Heat Pump Market Outlook: Policy, Performance & Refrigerant Trends for 2025–2028.
Committing to EDI in construction with CIOB
Built Environment professional bodies deepen commitment to EDI with two new signatories: CIAT and CICES.
Government Grenfell progress report at a glance
Line by line recomendation overview, with links to more details.
An engaging and lively review of his professional life.
Sustainable heating for listed buildings
A problem that needs to be approached intelligently.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson apprentice award
Deadline for entries has been extended to Friday 27 June, so don't miss out!
CIAT at the London Festival of Architecture
Designing for Everyone: Breaking Barriers in Inclusive Architecture.
Mixed reactions to apprenticeship and skills reform 2025
A 'welcome shift' for some and a 'backwards step' for others.