Decarbonise
The London Plan, Published by the Mayor of London in March 2016, suggests that to decarbonise is: ‘To remove or reduce the potential carbon dioxide emissions to the atmosphere from a process or structure.’
The Energy White Paper, Powering our Net Zero Future (CP 337), published in December 2020 by HM Government, defines decarbonisation as: ‘A process of reducing the amount of carbon dioxide we release into the atmosphere.’
Anticipate, react, recover; Resilient infrastructure systems, published by the National Infrastructure Commission in May 2020, suggests: ‘Decarbonisation refers to the removal or reduction of carbon dioxide (a greenhouse gas) emissions with the purpose of reducing the impact of climate change.’
Global Warming of 1.5 ºC, Glossary, published by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in 2018, defines decarbonization as: ‘The process by which countries, individuals or other entities aim to achieve zero fossil carbon existence. Typically refers to a reduction of the carbon emissions associated with electricity, industry and transport.’
The Welsh Housing Quality Standard 2023, published by the Welsh Government in October 2023, defines decarbonisation as: ‘To largely eliminate the release of Green House Gasses produced as a result of a process or activity.’
See also: Decarbonisation solutions.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Carbon.
- Decarbonisation solutions.
- Decarbonising concrete in the UK.
- London plan.
- Carbon capture and storage.
- Carbon emissions.
- Carbon footprint.
- Carbon negative.
- Carbon neutral.
- Carbon Takeback Obligation CTBO.
- Climate Change Act.
- Embodied carbon.
- Keeping 1.5°C Alive: Closing the Gap in the 2020s.
- Low carbon.
- Net zero and green jobs.
- Net-zero carbon.
- Operational carbon.
Featured articles and news
Male construction workers and prostate cancer
CIOB and Prostate Cancer UK encourage awareness of prostate cancer risks, and what to do about it.
The changed R&D tax landscape for Architects
Specialist gives a recap on tax changes for Research and Development, via the ACA newsletter.
Structured product data as a competitive advantage
NBS explain why accessible product data that works across digital systems is key.
Welsh retrofit workforce assessment
Welsh Government report confirms Wales faces major electrical skills shortage, warns ECA.
A now architectural practice looks back at its concept project for a sustainable oceanic settlement 25 years on.
Copyright and Artificial Intelligence
Government report and back track on copyright opt out for AI training but no clear preferred alternative as yet.
Embedding AI tools into architectural education
Beyond the render: LMU share how student led research is shaping the future of visualisation workflows.
Why document control still fails UK construction projects
A Chartered Quantity Surveyor explains what needs to change and how.
Inspiration for a new 2026 wave of Irish construction professionals.
New planning reforms and Warm Homes Bill
Take centre stage at UK Construction Week London.
A brief run down of changes intentions from April in an onwards.
Reslating an ancient water mill
A rare opportunity to record, study and repair early vernacular roofs.
CIOB Apprentice of the Year 2025/26
Construction apprentice from Lincoln Mia Owen wins this years title.
Insulation solutions with less waste for a circular economy
Rob Firman, Technical and Specification Manager, Polyfoam XPS explains.
Recycled waste plastic in construction
Hierarchy, prevention to disposal, plastic types and approaches.
UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard V1 published
Free-to-access technical standard to enable robust proof of a decarbonising built environment.