Industry proposes building regulations part Z
|
| https://part-z.uk/ |
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
In July 2021, the construction industry proposed Part Z, an amendment to the UK building regulations to regulate embodied carbon on all major construction projects. The amendment, if introduced (currently only an industry proposal, and not backed by government),would require whole life carbon assessments and compliance with embodied carbon limits for projects greater than 1000m2 (or 10 dwellings). The proposal was publicly launched in Westminster in March 2022.,
The proposal was written by 5 construction industry professionals: Will Arnold (Head of Climate Action at the Institution of Structural Engineers), Tim den Dekker (Associate Architect at Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios), Dr Jannik Giesekam (Research Fellow at the University of Strathclyde), Dr Julie Godefroy (Head of Sustainability, Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers and London Energy Transformation Initiative) and Simon Sturgis (Architect, Carbon Consultant, Royal Institute of British Architects & Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors).
The principle of introducing embodied carbon regulations is supported by over 150 leading organisations involved in the UK building industry (statements available at https://part-z.uk/industry-support). These include The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), The Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE), Chartered Institute Of Building (CIOB), The Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE), The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), The Steel Construction Institute (SCI), The Structural Timber Association (STA), UK Green Building Council (UKGBC), Off-Site Homes Alliance (OSHA), Construction Industry Council (CIC), along with many others and numerous leading firms.
[edit] CIOB supports proposals for a 'Part Z'
CIOB has confirmed its support for a proposed amendment to the UK Building Regulations 2010 to create an Approved Document Z requiring the assessment of whole life carbon emissions, and limiting of embodied carbon emissions, for all major building projects.
The proposal introduces mandatory assessments ahead of setting carbon limits, giving time to converge on robust yet ambitious targets.
The ‘Part Z’ amendment has been drafted by industry sustainability experts and builds off existing industry guidance, providing policymakers with a quick solution to tackling built environment industry emissions. By setting limits, rather than setting specific requirements on individual elements, the flexibility to design the most appropriate solution for each brief is retained, but now with resource use given an equal footing with cost, quality and time.
Caroline Gumble, Chief Executive Officer at CIOB, said on the proposal: “Sustainability and the push to achieve net zero have, quite rightly, taken their place as priorities in construction.
“CIOB is supportive of regulatory moves which enable a focus on embodied carbon, not just operational carbon emissions, and add weight to its consideration as part of the construction and development process. Sustainability is already something which informs much of our work - and will for years to come - and we have been clear to our members that opportunities to take a more environment-centred approach, combined with practical measures and clarity in legislative requirements, should be welcomed. The industry needs to walk the walk on minimising climate change, not just talk the talk, and we expect CIOB members to update their knowledge through CPD and understand how they can make a meaningful positive contribution to achieving net zero.”
Text taken from CIOB Policy and Public Affairs Newsletter - April 2022 for more information about CIOB visit https://www.ciob.org/industry/policy-research
[edit] Further Information
A copy of the parliamentary launch report, including sample statements of support, the proposed Part Z and the proposed Approved Document Z, can be downloaded via the link below:
A copy of the proposed documents (Part Z and Approved Document Z) only can be downloaded via the link below:
The proposal is accompanied by a website, which contains more information about the Part Z initiative, and how to add your company’s support:
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- BPIE report urges EU to incorporate the carbon footprint of construction into policy.
- Carbon dioxide.
- Carbon footprint.
- Climate change act.
- Climate change science.
- Climate Emergency Design Guide.
- Cradle to grave.
- Embedded carbon emissions.
- Embodied carbon.
- Embodied energy.
- Greenhouse gas.
- PHribbon tool calculates embodied carbon of designs.
- Upfront emissions.
- Use stage embodied carbon.
- Wood, embodied carbon and operational carbon.
Featured articles and news
We're expanding our collaborative mission by launching DB Intelligence, an exclusive market research advisory panel. Built environment professionals can now get paid to share their expertise on industry trends, products and services.
Panel members receive direct financial incentives for participating in research projects like short surveys, 1-2-1 interviews and focus groups. Register today to shape the future of the construction sector.
Planning condition discharge in England and Wales
A brief exoplanation from a building compliance expert, with further links.
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
Guidance for dealing with element of building fabric control that have increasing importance.
Shading for housing, a design guide
From the Good Homes Alliance and British Blind and Shutter Association.
UK Standard Skills Classification (SSC)
A shared framework for describing skills needs.
Social media ban consultation comes to close
CIOB urges UK Government to consider social media’s role in careers guidance in ban debate.
The latest of eight Skills England apprenticeship units
The addition of battery manufacturing welcomed by ECA with a warning about the risks of fast-tracked apprenticeship units.
Building Control Independent Panel final report
A precis of a key report led by Dame Hackitt with full recommendations and link to the government response.
Building Safety recap April, 2026
A short and longer run-through of the month, with links to further information and sources.
CIAT May 2026 briefing.
From medieval scribes to modern word art.
ECA welcomes crackdown on late payment and push for clean energy, whilst CIOB seek fixed cladding removal timeframes.
Cyber Security in the Built Environment
Protecting projects, data, and digital assets: A CIOB Academy TIS.
Managing competence in the built environment
ITFG publishes new industry guide on how to meet the ICC principles.
The UK's campaign to reduce noise pollution: Mythbusting, articles and topic guides.