Zero carbon task group
In November 2018, the UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) launched a new task group with the intention of removing confusion around zero carbon buildings. Bringing together more than 30 experts from across the building value chain, and supported by 12 industry bodies, they intend to build an industry consensus around, and produce a definition for, net zero carbon buildings.
The UKGBC point to renewed attention being drawn to achieving net zero emissions in the wake of the October 2018 IPCC special report. The World Green Building Council is leading a global campaign calling for all new buildings to be net zero carbon in operation by 2030, and for all existing buildings to achieve a zero carbon standard by 2050.
The task group is to examine net zero carbon standards in terms of what they will mean for new buildings and how they operate in-use.
UKGBC are facilitating the task group as part of its Advancing Net Zero programme, which is supported by Lead Partner the Redevco Foundation and Programme Partners BAM Construct UK, Berkeley Group, Grosvenor Britain & Ireland and Hoare Lea.
Richard Twinn, Senior Policy Advisor at UKGBC, who will be facilitating the task group said:
“The construction and property industry is ready to make its contribution to the Paris Climate Agreement and start delivering net zero carbon buildings. But there is still a lack of clarity about what a net zero carbon building means in practice.
“This initiative is aiming to move beyond discussions about specific tools and policies towards buildings that work as intended and achieve genuine net zero carbon. We are seeking to create an agreed industry-led definition for net zero carbon buildings in the UK, to ensure we are all working towards the same outcomes.”
An industry consultation on the task group proposals will be opened in February 2019, with the final output published in the spring.
For more information, see: https://www.ukgbc.org/news/ukgbc-launches-major-industry-task-group-on-net-zero-carbon-buildings/
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Carbon ratings for buildings.
- Climate change Act.
- COP21 Paris 2015.
- Emission rates.
- Interview with Julie Hirigoyen, UK-GBC.
- Nearly zero-energy building.
- UKGBC publishes renewable energy procurement and carbon offsetting guidance.
- UK Green Building Council.
- Zero Bills Home.
- Zero carbon homes.
- Zero carbon non-domestic buildings.
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.
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.
Guide to ISO 19650 for Architecture Firms (2026)
A user gives their low down.
A UK training and membership provider for mould remediation professionals.
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.
Independent NSI and BAFE study exploring how organisations are changing the way they buy fire safety services.
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.























