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Net Zero Whole Life Carbon Roadmap A Pathway to Net Zero for the UK Built Environment November 2021 #BUILDINGLIFE
Contents
Forewords4
The Net Zero Whole Life Carbon Roadmap project aims to
outline a common vision and agree upon industry-wide actions Executive Summary 6
ES for achieving net zero carbon in the construction, operation, and Methodology12
demolition of buildings and infrastructure in the UK. Net Zero Scenario 22
Operational Carbon: Existing Homes 24
Context
The main areas of discussion Operational Carbon: Existing Non-Domestic Buildings 32
include the carbon footprint for the UKGBC is one of several European GBCs
developing national Whole Life Carbon Roadmaps Operational Carbon: New Buildings 40
UK built environment, the Net Zero under the WorldGBC #BuildingLife project, funded
Carbon trajectory to 2050, and policy by Laudes and the Ikea Foundation. In the Embodied Carbon: All Buildings 44
recommendations with industry action runup to COP26, WorldGBC has convened ten
Embodied & Operational Carbon: Infrastructure 52
European Green Building Councils to galvanise
plans to deliver the 2050 scenario. climate action in the built environment through
These outputs are published in an national and regional decarbonisation roadmaps.
Conclusions56
initial series of four reports: The Green Building Councils spearheading the
Future of the Roadmap 57
project are Croatia, Finland, France, Germany,
A Pathway for the UK Built Environment - aimed Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain and
at stakeholders from across the built environment the UK. BuildingLife is accelerating ambitions Updates and Ownership 57
value chain who need an overview of the in the building sector by creating the first
region-wide response to the vision of a net-zero Ongoing Roadmap Development 57
Roadmap findings and its implications for the
sector. The report provides context for why the whole-life carbon-built environment as set out in
C Links with Other Industry Programs 57
Roadmap exercise is critical to delivering the UK WorldGBC’s 2019 report.
net zero goal, while also detailing the necessary The project acknowledges support from UK Acknowledgements58
technological shifts, policies and industry actions Research and Innovation through the Centre for
A that can help deliver decarbonisation. Research into Energy Demand Solutions, grant
Technical Report - provides detail on the project reference number EP/R035288/1
structure, the process for data collection, the Citation
key features of the calculation methodology This document is produced for general guidance
and concludes with a description of the net zero Net Zero Whole Life Carbon Roadmap: A Pathway
for the UK Built Environment. UK Green Building only. How you choose to use it is up to you. While the
scenario definition and results. guidance has been produced in good faith, it does not
Council, 2021, London, UK.
Summary for Policy-Makers - aimed at central constitute advice and UKGBC and the authors of this
government, local authorities, and anyone guidance do not represent or warrant that the content
interested in built environment policies. The is suitable for your purposes, accurate, complete, or
Summary provides an overview of the relevant up to date. UKGBC and the authors exclude all liability
Roadmap findings and policy recommendations whether arising in contract, tort (including negligence)
for central government to deliver a net zero built or otherwise, and will not be liable to you for any direct,
environment by 2050. indirect, or consequential loss or damage, arising in
connection with your use of, or reliance on, the guidance.
Stakeholder Action Plans – sets out specific
recommended actions for 14 key industry
stakeholders, enabling them to play their part in
achieving the Roadmap’s goals.
#BUILDINGLIFE
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Foreword Foreword
Nigel Topping Mark Allan
COP26 High Level Climate Action Champion Chief Executive, Landsec
ES
journey to hit these ambitious UK commitments. However, targets alone will not deliver the
The targets will be challenging to achieve, outcomes needed, our sector has to act and
especially given the complex and interdependent it has to act now. The UK Built Environment’s
nature of the built environment’s many sectors current carbon footprint indicates that while there
and disciplines. To overcome these challenges, has been progress, widescale, transformative
innovative financing solutions, renewed stakeholder shifts in practice have not yet occurred. We must
engagement, and unprecedented levels of challenge ourselves to move further and faster.
investment into net zero skills will be needed. The answer, I believe, is likely to be a combination
These elements will be essential throughout the of factors. Industry collaboration, innovation and
built environment’s intricate supply chains to ensure government support among them.
the incentives exist on both the supply and demand There are many examples of what is possible
side, and that smaller UK businesses are supported across our sector, we now need to find more ways
in the transition. While this report will provide to tip the scales, unlock new ways of doing things,
valuable guidance for the direction of travel on and bring new innovations and learnings into
whole life carbon, business and government the mainstream to become the market standard.
leadership will be necessary to drive innovation That might be with funding from public or private
2021 HAS BEEN A and investment to where it is most needed. IF WE ARE TO MEET THE sources or through collaboration and innovation.
MONUMENTAL YEAR With over 20 percent of the largest property
companies and real estate investment managers
UK’S TARGETS ON CLIMATE, Our industry has set out some bold ambitions on
climate change but we’re only going to meet them
C FOR ACTION ON committed to achieving net zero carbon in the OUR SECTOR MUST ACT by finding ways to unlock new thinking. As a sector
built environment globally, the intention to drive
CLIMATE CHANGE. this transition is evident and increasing. We are AND IT MUST ACT NOW. we need to come together to share best practice
and demonstrate the art of the possible. We all
A close to reaching a breakthrough tipping point have a role to play, embedding net zero skills
The latest assessment reports from the in the sector in which it will be easier to continue When it comes to action on climate change,
we all want to go as far, and as fast as we throughout our business and supply chains, and
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change towards a net zero carbon future than to adopt any across all types of buildings and infrastructure.
have provided the starkest warning yet that other approach. I call therefore on everyone with can. The evidence is clear that action in this
immediate action at scale is needed to mitigate a stake in the UK built environment to continue to decade will be absolutely critical in order to
against the most extreme impacts of climate demonstrate this leadership, join the Race to Zero, achieve the emission reductions required to limit The Whole Life Carbon Roadmap
change. This warning has not fallen on deaf and align your action plans with this Whole Life global warming to 1.5ºC.
provides a common vision for
ears. Numerous companies, countries, cities and Carbon Roadmap. This is a systemic issue and we
regions have stepped up with immediate action must engage with other businesses, governments,
As a sector, the real estate industry has a
significant environmental impact. With building and
industry. It provides consensus
plans to deliver net zero, many through joining municipalities, and civil society organisations so construction estimated to be responsible for 25% of on the key interventions and
the UN Race to Zero. that we can drive this transition together. the UKs total carbon footprint, we have a significant milestones and lays out the steps
role to play in the national transition to Net Zero.
This global momentum has certainly been felt in
the built environment. With the built environment As we start a critical decade for necessary for decarbonisation.
By having a common language,
In 2016 Landsec was the first commercial real
responsible for 38% of global emissions, concerted
climate action, the United Kingdom estate company in the world to set science-based
effort is now being placed on delivering credible
can and should take a leadership carbon reduction targets. Only by aligning our common principles and a common
pathways to net zero for individual markets. One
of the key outcomes of this process has been the role. This report epitomises
ambitions with the latest climate evidence can
we determine credible mitigation strategies
roadmap, collaboration is within
recognition that the industry must take meaningful
leadership and establishes that and clearly identify actions. reach. I have every confidence that
actions to measure and reduce embodied carbon
emissions alongside its operational ones. the UK built environment has a This landmark report, created in partnership as a sector we can tip the scales
In this context, this Roadmap report provides comprehensive and rigorous plan
with industry, provides our sector with a detailed and achieve what is needed for
carbon pathway to net zero, in line with the
a much-needed clarification on what a whole
for abating its emissions across UK’s national carbon budgets and targets. By the future of our planet and for the
life carbon pathway entails for the UK built
environment. It lays out the necessary steps for the construction, operation, establishing a carbon budget for the UK built future of our sector.
environment, the Roadmap clearly articulates
the industry and government to deliver a net zero and demolition of buildings and the emissions reductions required.
built environment, and the timeframes in which they
need to be taken. Collaboration will be key to it all. infrastructure. I invite you all to
The Roadmap and its targets are aligned with the use this Roadmap for delivering
UK’s carbon budget and the trajectory they set a net zero future.
aims to provide clarity and coherence around the
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Figure 1: Total UK GHG emissions (2018 CCC Data) showing proportion of Built Environment emissions
Executive Summary 703 Total UK greenhouse
gas emissions:
CCC SECTORS (TOP CIRCLE)
MtCO2e (consumption basis, Residential buildings
outer grey band) Non-residential buildings
Introduction to the Roadmap across several of the CCC emission categories, and
the 6th Carbon Budget therefore does not provide 100% Manufacturing & construction
a clearly defined quantum of emissions for the built
ES The Net Zero Whole Life Carbon Roadmap for the Built
environment. Consumption emissions (i.e. emissions
Electricity supply
539
Environment (The Roadmap) provides a shared vision Total UK greenhouse Fuel supply
and set of actions for achieving a net zero carbon UK related to imported construction materials and
gas emissions:
built environment by 2050, in relation to the construction, products) are not considered within CCC analysis MtCO2e (domestic basis, Surface transport
operation, and demolition of buildings and infrastructure. of UK domestic emissions (i.e. emissions arising in inner circle) Waste
the UK) but are a significant element of the built
The Roadmap consists of four elements: environment’s carbon footprint. F-gases
‒ A carbon footprint of the UK built environment, The Roadmap’s approach, therefore, was to capture all Aviation
defined on a consumption basis (i.e. including of the emissions related to the built environment under Built environment influenced Shipping
emissions from imported construction Other sectors
one sectoral umbrella. The Roadmap trajectory can MtCO2e (consumption basis) Agriculture
products and materials) MtCO2e
thus be seen as compatible with the CCC’s balanced
(consumption basis) Land Use, Land-Use
‒ A net zero emissions budget and trajectory to 2050 pathway and national carbon budget, as near identical 42% Change & Forestry
292
for the UK built environment end points are reached - albeit with some differences in
411
the approaches taken to drive decarbonisation. BUILT ENVIRONMENT SECTORS
‒ Recommended policy interventions for central and
Buildings (Non Domestic)
local government
Impact of the Built Environment Embodied Carbon
‒ Recommended actions for industry stakeholders Buildings (Domestic)
The Roadmap created a carbon footprint of the Embodied Carbon
This Pathway report includes the carbon footprint and UK built environment based on the most up-to-date Infrastructure
the trajectory to 2050, together with an overview of emissions data. Figure 1 illustrates that the UK Built Embodied Carbon
the methodology used to create them. The report then Built environment controlled
Environment is currently responsible for (i.e., has Infrastructure
focuses on the actions required to achieve the net zero MtCO2e (consumption basis) Influence only
direct control over), 25% of total UK greenhouse gas Operational carbon
C trajectory, explaining them via a timeline and then in emissions (buildings and infrastructure). If surface
MtCO2e
25%
115
(consumption basis) Buildings
177
terms of the nature of the emissions (operational and transport (vehicle emissions) is included within the F-Gas
embodied) and the primary asset types (domestic, non- scope of the built environment, the total share of UK
A domestic, infrastructure). emissions increases to 42%.
Buildings (Non-domestic)
Operational Carbon
Figure 2 shows that over the last two decades, built Buildings (Domestic)
Methodology environment emissions (excluding surface transport) Operational Carbon
have reduced by c.30%. Most of this decrease occurred
A key aspect of the project approach was to ensure Surface transport
after 2010 and is largely due to a reduction in
that The Roadmap was co-created by the industry. To
operational emissions, most of which are attributable
facilitate this engagement, UKGBC convened a project
to rapid decarbonisation of the electricity grid in
Steering Group and four Task Groups, who focused
recent years, rather than improvements in the energy
Figure 2: Historic (1990-2018) Built Environment emissions (excluding transport), with business as usual projections
1.2
on New Build, Domestic Retrofit, Non-Domestic Retrofit
1
efficiency of buildings.
and Infrastructure. All the groups were comprised applied (BEIS EEP to 2040, with trendline extended to 2050)
of representatives from commercial organisations, Embodied carbon emissions over the period have
professional institutions and other key sector bodies. reduced by almost 20% and are driven by two factors - 350
Acknowledgements of the approximately 100 individuals decreasing carbon intensity of construction and Buildings (Non Domestic)
and organisations involved can be found at the end of increasing construction growth. The former declined Embodied Carbon
this report. by 40% in the period 2000-2018, while the latter 300
Buildings (Domestic)
Embodied Carbon
only paused between 2007 and 2012 as a result of
The Task Groups developed the carbon trajectory, and Infrastructure
the financial crisis. 250
the policy and industry proposals, through a series Embodied Carbon
of workshops, working collaboratively with project Business as usual (BAU) projections1, informed by the Infrastructure
Operational carbon
technical partners. A formal industry consultation was existing government policy framework, indicate that 200
MtCO2e
undertaken on the draft proposals, alongside dialogue the sector will fall well short of 2050 net zero targets. Buildings
and engagement with government, local authorities, Only a 60% reduction will be achieved compared to F-Gas
key industry stakeholders and the Climate Change 1990 emission levels, which will leave 115 MtCO2e 150 BEIS EEP Comparison Buildings (Non Domestic)
Operational Carbon
Committee (CCC). of residual emissions that will need to be offset.
This is above the CCC’s projected 97 MtCO2e offset 100 Buildings (Domestic)
The Roadmap was also planned to be consistent with Operational Carbon
capacity for the entire UK in 2050 via land use and
wider UK carbon targets and budgets. These include
greenhouse gas removals.
the UK government’s 2050 net zero target and the 2035 50
interim target for emissions to be 78% lower than in These projections highlight the scale of transformation
1990. To ensure alignment, the Roadmap uses the CCC required across the built environment, with systemic
6th Carbon Budget this as an overarching reference, with interventions needed to incentivise change across 0
additional datasets and feedback provided by the CCC. the design, construction, operation, and demolition of 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040 2045 2050
buildings and infrastructure.
Emissions attributable to the UK built environment cut
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Net Zero Trajectory 2020s
‒ Mandatory measurement of Whole Life Carbon introduced into
2030s
‒ Progressive tightening of Building Regulation limits on em-
2040s
‒ Carbon pricing and anti-carbon leakage policies evolve to
2018 - 2050 Building Regulations.
‒ Building Regulations introduce initial limits on Upfront Em-
bodied carbon as measurement and mitigation via design
efficiency and optimised material selection becomes standard
drive final phases of industrial decarbonisation programmes,
including solutions for dispersed and smaller sites.
practice.
bodied Carbon once sufficient datasets established to inform ‒ Carbon intensity of construction significantly reduced through
targets across sectors. ‒ Upturn in embodied carbon as a result of home retrofit pro- improved design efficiency, optimised material selection, and
ES The Net Zero trajectory shows gramme. decarbonised supply chains, alongside a maturing circular
‒ Planning and VAT reforms prioritise the reuse of existing
projected emissions from the Built buildings and assets while disincentivising demolition ‒ Embodied carbon represents c.50% of Built Environment
economy.
Environment through to 2050. The and new builds. emissions by 2035 due to steeper reductions in buildings
operational emissions.
baseline year is 2018 as this is ‒ Commitment and investment in industrial decarbonisation strat-
egies including delivery of first CCS clusters. ‒ Industrial decarbonisation accelerates, supported by robust
the most recent year for which full carbon pricing and anti-carbon leakage policy framework.
emission datasets are available. Delivery of additional CCS clusters.
The trajectory was informed by data
inputs from the project team, setting out 0
180
F
the required pace and scale of mitigation
measures across the Built Environment. G
160 H
Policy recommendations to drive and
enable the transition were developed
collaboratively, building on recent industry 140
guidance and research.
Buildings (Non Domestic)
A summary of recommended interventions Embodied Carbon
120
is shown for the 2020s, 2030s and 2040s, Buildings (Domestic)
for both operational emissions (blue) and Embodied Carbon
embodied emissions (gold).
MtCO2e
100 Infrastructure
Embodied Carbon
C Key milestones and policy timelines are
mapped on top of the trajectory, as per Infrastructure
80 Operational carbon
the legend below.
A Buildings
60 F-Gas
B A Buildings (Non Domestic)
Key milestones and policy interventions Operational Carbon
40 C
Buildings (Domestic)
Operational Carbon D Operational Carbon
20
A End of sales of gas / oil boilers (domestic
& non-domestic) E
Mandatory minimum EPC “C” required at 0
B
point-of-sale for owner-occupied homes 2018 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040 2045 2050
and domestic rented sector (MEES)
C andatory Energy Disclosure introduced
M 2020s 2030s 2040s
for non-domestic buildings via
Performance Rating Schemes ‒ National domestic retrofit strategy established, setting out a UK ‒ Domestic retrofit strategy accelerates the integrated deploy- ‒ Final phase of domestic retrofit strategy completes, tackling
homes upgrade programme to 2040, fully coordinated with lo- ment of fabric improvements and low carbon heating technol- harder-to-treat homes.
D erformance Rating Schemes introduce
P cal government, industry, and relevant stakeholders via a Cen- ogies to millions of homes, using digital building renovation
minimum standards tral Retrofit Agency. Phase 1 (capacity building) commences. ‒ Last remaining fossil fuel boilers are replaced ahead of 2050.
plans/passports to accurately describe Net Zero pathway(s) for
‒ Timelines confirmed for phase-out of gas & oil boilers (no individual homes. ‒ Some residual F-gas emissions due to widespread heat pump
E uilding Regulations Part L adopts Energy
B usage, to be minimised via rigorous F-Gas policy framework
Use Intensity (EUI) compliance approach further sales from 2030) ‒ A range of funding mechanisms and fiscal policies utilised to
and enforcement regime which meets or exceeds EU policy on
‒ Domestic EPCs reformed to better reflect energy performance. enable and incentivise widespread domestic retrofit for all,
refrigerants.
including variable stamp duty (adjusted in line with energy
Embodied Carbon ‒ Net Zero energy performance standards confirmed, with
performance), VAT reductions on retrofit works, and direct ‒ Progressive tightening of minimum standards for non-domestic
suitable triggers such as minimum EPCs at point-of-sale for
uilding Regulations introduce mandatory
B government grantsfor low-income households. energy performance in line with sectoral carbon budgets.
F owner-occupied homes (EPC “C” by 2028).
measurement of Whole Life Carbon ‒ Progressive tightening of minimum standards for non-domestic
‒ Mandatory energy disclosure for non-domestic buildings intro-
energy performance in line with sectoral carbon budgets.
duced via Performance Rating Schemes, followed by minimum
G Building Regulations introduces limits on standards per sector to drive sectoral performance. ‒ Building Regulations introduces peak load limits for new build-
Upfront Embodied Carbon
‒ Low carbon heating for all new buildings and Building Regula- ings. Building Regulations introduce peak load limits for new
tions Part L transitions to Energy Use Intensity (EUI) compliance buildings.
H Carbon pricing and anti-carbon leakage
policies approach in line with energy disclosure timeline per sector. Low
carbon heating for all new buildings and Building Regulations
Part L transitions to Energy Use Intensity (EUI) compliance ap-
proach in line with energy disclosure timeline per sector.
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Key Messages Future of the Roadmap
ES The built environment is directly responsible for 25% of UK Updates and Ownership The Roadmap datasets should inform the following
workstreams:
emissions. The urgency to act on climate change has never been The intention of this project is to create and share a ‒ Identifying Energy Use Intensity (EUI) target pathways
resource of lasting value and impact to both Government to 2050 within the Government’s Performance-Based
greater, and the built environment sector has a moral and legal and industry. The carbon trajectory data published in this Policy Framework for non-domestic buildings.
report is available online for download and review by
responsibility to address the climate emergency and accelerate stakeholders across the industry. ‒ New Building EUI targets (industry targets and future
regulatory standards).
sector decarbonisation. Tracking sector progress against the trajectory will
be crucial, and UKGBC is committed to refreshing the ‒ Developing science-based pathways for asset level
datasets on an annual or biennial basis to provide embodied carbon targets (industry targets in support of
progress updates to the sector. future regulatory limits).
Five Key Priorities Progress updates will enable the industry to track carbon ‒ Domestic retrofit stock modelling of different house
architypes to identify cost-optimal levels of fabric
reduction progress and identify sub-sectors which are not
moving fast enough. upgrades.
The Roadmap has identified five key priorities which 4. Whole life carbon measurements and
government and industry need to support and agreed limits. There is also potential to undertake periodic updates ‒ Asset level Net Zero Carbon standards and any verifica-
implement across the sector in order to deliver Net Zero and recasting of the trajectory, to identify the impact of tion scheme requirements.
To start with mandatory measurement, followed by
for the built environment: updates in national policy or strategy.
the phased introduction of embodied carbon limits
1. Nation-wide retrofitting of existing homes.
for new buildings to reduce demand, alongside Call to Action
changes to planning and VAT to incentivise the re-
To transform UK housing so it is efficient, warm, use of existing buildings.
Ongoing Roadmap Development
The Roadmap is a resource for the sector that establishes
and cheaper to heat, whilst phasing out fossil fuel
C heating. 5. National infrastructure investment based Sub-Sector Roadmaps urgent priorities and actions for decarbonisation.
Achieving the net zero 2050 target is feasible, but will
on the net emissions impact. The carbon trajectory provides an overarching require a transformative shift in industry practices, as well
2. Energy performance disclosure for non- carbon budget which will inform sub-sectors’ emission
A domestic buildings.
To consider all forms of carbon, alongside a
reduction plans and identification of interim targets. The
as Government policy and investment into key delivery
policy framework and investment to drive industrial programmes and technologies.
roadmap trajectory forms a consistent umbrella dataset,
To ensure that real-world performance of assets decarbonisation of key construction supply chains. A new context for addressing the climate emergency has
complimenting detailed pathways for sub-sectors or
is visible to the market, and can influence asset emerged that is moving radically faster than previous
industry stakeholder groups, ensuring a consistent sector
valuation, market transactions, and management years, with drivers towards net zero increasingly being put
approach while accounting for unique challenges and
decisions. into place by Government, industry, financiers, occupiers,
opportunities at a more granular level.
and wider society.
3. Adoption of a design for performance Asset Level Targets
approach. Extensive collaboration and efforts will be required to
The Roadmap carbon budget and sub-sector trajectories deliver the net zero scenario, but the science is clear on
To shift away from the theoretical “notional building” provide an invaluable resource to inform the development the dangers of failing to act. Everyone must play their
approach and to focus on how energy intensive of standards and targets to underpin the definition of net part, and while the work is only beginning, the path
buildings will be built in practice, alongside other zero carbon at an asset level, ensuring that targets are forward is clearer than ever before.
key net zero enablers such as peak demand limits. consistent with the sectoral Net Zero pathway.
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Methodology
The following section describes the approach
to establishing the scope, the concept of a
carbon budget for the Built Environment, and
the methodology and approach adopted.
UK Green Building Council - Whole Life Carbon Roadmap
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Purpose Roadmap Overview each stakeholder group, which allows for a more A significant proportion of this is from the transport
consistent roadmap of actions to be developed with (vehicle usage), and energy (supply) sectors, and
The Net Zero Whole Life Carbon Roadmap for the Built The Roadmap consists of four elements: the end goal in mind. decarbonising these sectors is clearly critical in the
Environment (The Roadmap) aims to build a common context of the UK’s Net Zero 2050 commitment. They
In first principle terms, the built environment
vision and agreed actions for achieving net zero are also integral parts of the wider Built Environment,
‒ A CARBON FOOTPRINT FOR THE UK BUILT encompasses all elements of man-made infrastructure
carbon in the construction, operation and demolition of and ultimately a systems viewpoint is required to
ENVIRONMENT , defined on a consumption and buildings. If the construction, operation and use of
buildings and infrastructure in the UK. evaluate the wider interconnected carbon impacts
basis all these elements are included for scoping purposes,
ES The UK has a legal commitment to achieve Net Zero such as the supply and distribution of fuel and power,
and reduction opportunities.
by 2050, with pathways and recommendations for how ‒ A NET ZERO SCENARIO calculating an and all vehicle usage on our transport networks, the
this could be achieved set out by the Climate Change emissions budget and trajectory to 2050 for resultant quantum of emissions is approximately 75% of
Committee (CCC) through their UK Carbon Budget the UK Built Environment. the UK emissions total.
analysis and reports.
‒ A suite of POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS for
The Roadmap highlights and provides focus to the central and local government
emissions footprint specific to the UK Built Environment
and presents a view of the specific actions and steps ‒ A STAKEHOLDER ACTION PLAN describing Figure 3: Total UK GHG emissions (2018 CCC Data) showing proportion of Built Environment emissions
needed throughout the sector to reduce emissions, the specific actions for key stakeholder
703
through the lens of whole-life carbon (i.e. construction, groups in support of the Net Zero Scenario. Total UK greenhouse CCC SECTORS (TOP CIRCLE)
operation, end-of-life stages). gas emissions:
MtCO2e (consumption basis, Residential buildings
The Net Zero Scenario methodology builds on the work outer grey band) Non-residential buildings
Key Project Objectives of the Green Construction Board 2013 Low Carbon
100% Manufacturing & construction
Route-map for the Built Environment. The 2013 Route-
‒ Build consensus on a pathway to net zero map analysis carbon model has been utilised and Electricity supply
539
carbon for the built environment among updated to incorporate key changes. Total UK greenhouse Fuel supply
businesses and industry bodies. gas emissions:
The Net Zero trajectory was informed by data inputs MtCO2e (domestic basis, Surface transport
‒ Identify key interventions required and any from the Steering Group and Task Groups, setting out inner circle) Waste
critical interdependencies. the required pace and scale of mitigation measures.
Policy recommendations and stakeholder actions were F-gases
C ‒ Develop sectoral carbon targets.
informed by recent industry guidance and research, and Aviation
‒ Set out actions, owners and processes to further refined by the project team.
achieve these targets. Built environment influenced Shipping
Other sectors
A MtCO2e (consumption basis)
‒ Identify a range of policy recommendations Scope of UK Built MtCO2e Agriculture
to support, incentivise, and where necessary, (consumption basis) Land Use, Land-Use
Environment Emissions 42% Change & Forestry
regulate carbon reduction measures.
292
‒ Highlight the role of industry. Within its analysis and reporting, the CCC splits UK
emissions into the categories or ‘sectors’ shown in Figure 411 BUILT ENVIRONMENT SECTORS
‒ Encourage and enable greater consistency Buildings (Non Domestic)
3 below, with associated mitigation measures and
between sector-based action plans that are Embodied Carbon
recommended actions per sector.
published or in development. Buildings (Domestic)
Emissions related to the UK Built Environment cut across Embodied Carbon
several of these CCC sectors, most obviously Buildings, Infrastructure
Approach but also elements of Manufacturing and Construction, Built environment controlled
Embodied Carbon
Waste, Surface Transport, F-Gases (i.e. fugitive emissions MtCO2e (consumption basis) Influence only Infrastructure
A key aspect of the project approach was that the from refrigerants), and others. Furthermore, although Operational carbon
MtCO2e
proposals would be co-created with industry. To
25%
115
a proportion of embodied carbon emissions from (consumption basis) Buildings
177
deliver the objectives, four project Task Groups were construction are captured within UK Manufacturing and F-Gas
established, with representatives and expertise from Construction, a significant proportion (c.30%) relate to Buildings (Non-domestic)
across the industry. The task groups developed the non-territorial ‘consumption’ emissions, i.e., construction Operational Carbon
carbon trajectory, and policy and industry proposals, materials and products produced overseas and
through a series of workshops, working collaboratively Buildings (Domestic)
imported to the UK. Operational Carbon
with project technical partners.
In order to accurately determine a carbon footprint Surface transport
The industry-wide Steering Group provided strategic for the UK Built Environment and identify tailored
input throughout the process and acted as a reviewing stakeholder actions, an appropriate system boundary
body for the Task Group outputs. A formal industry and sub-categories are required. The Roadmap scope
consultation was undertaken on the draft proposals, attempts to capture all the emissions related to the built 1.2
1
alongside dialogue and engagement with government, environment under one sectoral umbrella, including
local authorities, key industry stakeholders and the consumption emissions.
Climate Change Committee.
Sub-sector categories provide increased visibility
in relation to the degree of control or influence of
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Figure 4: Historic (1990-2018) Built Environment emissions (excluding transport), with business-as-usual
However, in order to provide adequate focus and depth
to the industry, the focus of this report is on embodied projections applied (BEIS EEP to 2040, with trendline extended to 2050).
and operational carbon of buildings and infrastructure,
350
and excludes emissions related to surface transport (i.e.
Buildings (Non Domestic)
“tailpipe” emissions from vehicles) and energy distribution. Embodied Carbon
300
For the purposes of this exercise the following scope of Buildings (Domestic)
Embodied Carbon
emissions and sub-categories have been established to
ES represent the UK Built Environment. 250
Infrastructure
Embodied Carbon
Infrastructure
Operational carbon
200
MtCO2e
Table 1: Scope of Built Environment Emissions Buildings
F-Gas
150 BEIS EEP Comparison Buildings (Non Domestic)
Operational Carbon Operational Carbon Operational Carbon
Embodied Carbon (Regulated) (Unregulated) F-Gas Buildings (Domestic)
100
Operational Carbon
Domestic Buildings Embodied carbon Carbon from Carbon emission F-Gas leakage
from Construction, regulated energy from unregulated from refrigeration, 50
Maintenance & uses: energy uses: heat pumps and air
Demolition. conditioning plant 0
- Heating - Cooking
within buildings. 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040 2045 2050
Both domestic
- Cooling - Appliances
and consumption
Non-Domestic (imported) - Ventilation & Pumps - Lifts Figure 5: Total UK building energy usage, related carbon emissions, and grid electricity carbon intensity, expressed
emissions.
Buildings - Lighting - Small power / plug as a percentage against a 2000 baseline
loads
- Hot Water
120%
- IT servers
C Infrastructure Carbon from Not in scope Not in scope 100%
the operation of (i.e. “User Carbon”)
Buildings: Energy Consumption
infrastructure:
80%
A - Street & public
realm lighting Buildings: Operational Carbon
60%
- Communication
networks Grid Electricity: Carbon Intensity
40%
-W
ater supply &
treatment
20%
- Waste treatment
0%
2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 2018
UK Built Environment Emission Reductions
Using the established emissions scope, historical Only a 60% reduction will be achieved compared to 1990 Figure 6: Total Built Environment embodied carbon emissions, carbon intensity of construction, and construction
emissions within the Built Environment can be reviewed emission levels, which will leave 115 MtCO2e of residual economic growth, expressed as a percentage against a 2000 baseline.
to understand the specifics of where progress is being emissions that will need to be offset. This is above the
160%
made, and where further efforts are required. CCC’s projected 97 MtCO2e offset capacity for the entire
UK in 2050 via land use and greenhouse gas removals.
Figure 4 shows that over the last two decades, built 140% Construction Demand
environment emissions (excluding surface transport) Embodied carbon emissions over the period have
have reduced by 30%. Most of this decrease occurred reduced by almost 20% and are driven by two factors - 120%
after 2010 and is largely due to a reduction in decreasing carbon intensity of construction and increasing
operational emissions, most of which is attributable construction growth. The former declined by 40% in the 100%
to rapid decarbonisation of the electricity grid period 2000-2018, while the latter only paused between
in recent years, rather than improvements in the 2007 and 2012 as a result of the financial crisis. 80% Total Embodied Carbon
energy efficiency of buildings.
The net result is an overall reduction in emissions, but
60% Construction Carbon Intensity
Business as usual (BAU) projections, informed by the data demonstrates the challenge of decoupling
the existing government policy outlook, indicate that embodied emissions
40%
the sector will fall well short of 2050 net zero targets.
20%
0%
2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 2018
16 UK Green Building Council - Whole Life Carbon Roadmap UK Green Building Council - Whole Life Carbon Roadmap
17
A Carbon Budget for the Any residual emissions related to the Built Environment Carbon Modelling Methodology this report equate to 6.9MtCO2e considering domestic
must be limited to embodied carbon (manufacturing (territorial) emissions, and 9.1MtCO2e including all
UK Built Environment and construction). They will also need to sit within the The objective of the Net Zero Whole Life Carbon consumption emissions (i.e., imported materials).
available total UK removals budget as defined by CCC Roadmap model is to provide a calculation platform
One of the overarching objectives of the Roadmap is to The CCC projection for total UK removals by 2050 is 97
and not exceed the sector proportion of UK-wide natural that can be used to develop an emissions profile, setting
identify and set out a forward emissions budget to 2050 MtCO2e (territorial). Therefore, the built environment’s
and engineered carbon removals. out the pace and scale of actions across the sector to
for the built environment, consistent with the wider UK residual domestic emissions equate to approximately
The UK Built Environment Net Zero target therefore takes support it to achieve net zero by 2050. This has been 7% of the estimated total. Figure 7 shows the CCC
carbon budget, and with a suitable system boundary.
ES the form of a sector emissions budget, which aligns with delivered by updates to the 2013 Low Carbon Routemap Balanced Pathway in comparison to the Roadmap Net
The CCC recommends emission reduction targets the UK’s Net Zero 2050 strategy and identifies the lowest model for the UK Built Environment. Zero Scenario. For the purposes of comparison, the final
aligned with the UK’s 2050 net zero goal, as defined by possible residual emissions. Roadmap position is shown for domestic emissions only,
The emissions model is based around a key number of
the 2015 Paris Agreement. In 2020, the CCC proposed i.e., with imported emissions excluded.
calculation modules covering aspects such as historical
a legally binding emission target for the period of 2033-
37, known as the ‘Sixth Carbon Budget,’ which would
Identifying the Pathway outturn emissions, embodied carbon via the use of
commit the UK to lowering its emissions to 78% below
the UKMRIO model, and building energy models for CCC Engagement
Project team members considered which measures, domestic and non-domestic buildings operational
a 1990 baseline by 2035. In April 2021 the UK adopted
interventions and solutions should be implemented in carbon. The calculation modules are driven by a wide The Roadmap trajectory has been developed in
the CCC’s recommendation as a legally binding target.
the drive towards Net Zero and in the context of the range of specific datasets. In the cases of the baseline dialogue and engagement with the CCC, benefiting
The benefit of identifying carbon budgets is that climate crisis, with consideration of the following criteria: year and historical emissions these are authoritative from additional data breakdowns provided by CCC
they provide a ceiling for allowable emissions, whilst national sources (DUKEs, ECUK, etc). specific to the Built Environment.
‒ Technological feasibility: Solutions and
enabling choices within that budget around how emissions
measures reflect what is currently considered The model provides a timeseries approach to its This engagement process has enabled the Roadmap
are allocated between sub-categories and different carbon
to be technically feasible, as we look to the calculations including historical outturn emissions project team to effectively translate the CCC analysis
emitting activities. Value judgements may be made around
future. Technical feasibility of implementation is from 1990 to a baseline calculation year of 2018 (the and targets into a dataset and forward trajectory
competing priorities and preferred pathways based on
referenced through technical studies and background most recent year in which full emissions datasets are aligned with built environment sub-sectors, mapping
economic or technical considerations.
evidence, with the quality, transparency, objectivity, available); and then the ability to apply projected out the decarbonisation pathway into a recognisable
Determining and agreeing an overarching consumption- scalability, and applicability of different resources emissions scenarios to 2050. landscape for industry stakeholders.
based carbon budget for the Built Environment creates considered throughout the process.
The full details of the modelling approach can be found The Roadmap trajectory can be seen as compatible
a top-down dataset that can be used to support the ‒ Economic viability: The scenario includes measures in the technical report. with the CCC’s balanced pathway trajectory, as
evolution of asset and project level targets. which may not be currently viewed as economically near identical end points are reached, albeit with
viable, or do not have a positive return on investment
C To determine a carbon budget for the Built Environment,
(i.e. large scale retrofit of hard to treat domestic Final Residual Position some differences in the choices taken to drive
once boundary conditions have been established decarbonisation.
to identify the starting position, projections can then properties) and which would therefore require
In the Roadmap carbon trajectory, operational
be made for the pace and scale of required carbon financial mechanisms, incentives or alternatively
A regulation to encourage or mandate adoption.
emissions from buildings are effectively reduced to zero
reduction interventions over time. The resultant projected by 2050, however, a small level of embodied and F-gas
emissions form the pathway, or emission trajectory, with ‒ Market viability: Measures proposed for emissions remain. The final residual emissions for the
the interventions forming the projected scenario. implementation in the short and medium-term are built environment resulting from the trajectory detailed in
cognizant of current market position and enabling
Net Zero 2050 Target actions required, (unrealistic step changes were
avoided). Measures proposed further into the future Figure 7: CCC balanced pathway and Roadmap Net Zero trajectory comparison
The CCC 6th Carbon budget sets out a balanced are likely to increasingly rely on positive progressions
pathway for carbon reduction towards Net Zero across in policy and market landscapes. .
600
all sectors. Some sectors, such as Buildings, are
The project team worked on the following basis for the
projected to decarbonise completely, whereas other UK National Carbon Budgets
direction of travel over the 30-year period from 2020-
sectors, such as Manufacturing and Construction (which
2050 for the Net Zero Scenario, Policy Recommendations
includes embodied carbon emissions from buildings), 500
and Stakeholder Action Plan: CCC Balanced Pathway
are not projected to reach full decarbonisation, and are
left with a degree of residual emissions. ‒ An overarching shift in the national and local policy
landscape towards Net Zero as part of a green
Total residual emissions across all UK sectors are 400 Roadmap Pathway
recovery strategy.
then proposed to be offset via both nature-based
removals (i.e., land-use change, increased forestation, ‒ Increasing urgency for the implementation of Net
MtCO2 e
peatland restoration), and engineered greenhouse Zero solutions, including fundamental changes in
approach where necessary. 300
gas removals (i.e., Bioenergy with carbon capture and
storage (BECCS), Direct Air Capture of CO2 with storage ‒ Strong drivers toward Net Zero from both the
(DACCS) across multiple sectors, and increased use of investment community and occupiers.
timber in construction) to permanently remove carbon ‒ A responsibility, ownership and drive from within 200
from the atmosphere and achieve the UK’s Net Zero the construction industry and supply chains to
target by 2050. accelerate change.
To align with the UK’s Net Zero 2050 target, the Built ‒ Increasing consumer and societal pressure 100
Environment is therefore required to deliver the full and appetite for climate action, and higher
decarbonisation of direct emissions from buildings acceptance of disruption.
(energy usage).
0
2018 2022 2026 2030 2034 2038 2042 2046 2050
18 UK Green Building Council - Whole Life Carbon Roadmap UK Green Building Council - Whole Life Carbon Roadmap
19Category 2018 2025 2030 2035 2040 2045 2050
Net Zero Trajectory Emissions are categorised
within the trajectory as follows:
176.5
2018 – 2050 Built Environment
128.2
94.8
Embodied Carbon (Domestic and Non- (Total - MtCO2e)
42.7
Domestic Buildings, and Infrastructure) 24,2
ES Approach to evaluating UK Built 14.3 9.1
Total GHG emissions associated with materials
Environment Greenhouse Gas (GHG) and construction processes across all life cycle % Reduction vs 2018 Baseline 0% -27% -46% -76% -86% -92% -95%
emissions (referred to as ‘carbon stages of assets (Lifecycle Assessment Modules
A1-A5, B1-B5, C1-C4). % Reduction vs 1990 Baseline -37% -54% -66% -85% -91% -95% -97%
emissions’ or ‘emissions’ in this report):
This includes total annual sectoral emissions Buildings (Non-domestic) -
As the trajectory estimates sectoral emissions over a relating to material extraction and product Baseline -17% -44% -57% -67% -75% -82%
finite time period (2018 - 2050), by definition, full whole Embodied Carbon
manufacture, transport to site and construction 16.9 14.0 9.5 7.2 5.5 4.2 3.0
life carbon emissions are not captured in their entirety processes, in-use maintenance, repair and
for any particular asset. refurbishment, and end-of-life processes.
Buildings (Domestic) -
Instead the trajectory quantifies total sector emissions Baseline -37% 46% -50% -76% -84% -90%
Embodied Carbon
on an annual basis, from all buildings and infrastructure, 18.8 11.7 27.4 9.4 4.5 3.1 2.0
in their various life-cycle stages. I.e. each year the
trajectory estimates all operational emissions from Infrastructure Operational Carbon
energy usage within buildings, and all embodied Infrastructure -
Total GHG emissions arising from energy Baseline 0% -3% -31% -47% -63% -70%
carbon emissions from construction, maintenance and Embodied Carbon
consumed, water supply and wastewater treatment, 7.1 7.1 6.9 4.9 3.7 2.6 2.1
refurbishment activity, per sub-sector, per year. and other emissions associated with the operation
Carbon
of infrastructure required to enable it to operate
and deliver its service (Lifecycle Assessment Infrastructure -
Baseline -62% -71% -82% -87% -91% -93%
Modules B6, B7, B8). Operational Carbon
2.9 1.1 0.9 0.5 0.4 0.3 0.2
This includes total annual emissions from street &
C public realm lighting, communications networks,
water supply and treatment, and waste treatment. Buildings -
F-gas Baseline -43% -63% -77% -81% -82% -81%
A 6.4 3.6 2.3 1.5 1.2 1.2 1.2
Buildings F-Gas
Buildings (Non-domestic) - -41% -68% -81% -90% -99% -99%
Baseline
Although part of wider embodied carbon Operational Carbon
emissions, fugitive (F-gas) emissions from domestic 39.7 23.5 12.8 7.5 3.8 0.5 0.3
and commercial refrigeration, air conditioning plant
and heat-pumps have been split out as a separate Baseline
Buildings (Domestic) - -21%
category, primarily to identify the potential impact -59% -86% -93% -97% -99.6%
Operational Carbon
of increased usage of heat-pump technology within
84.8 67.2 35.1 11.7 5.7 2.6 0.3
the built environment.
Buildings Operational Carbon Baseline -8% -29% -40% -49% -57% -59%
Total Energy Usage -
198.0 181.4 139.6 118.5 100.9 85.0 81.5
Energy
GHG emissions arising from all energy consumed Non-Domestic Buildings (TWh/year)
by assets in-use (Lifecycle Assessment Module B6),
but with data estimated on an annual basis for Baseline -3%
each sector (using annual average carbon factors Total Energy Usage - -31% -56% -61% -63% -64%
per fuel type). Domestic Buildings (TWh/year) 458.4 443.7 317.4 203.1 179.2 171.3 162.9
For further information please refer to “Carbon
Definitions for the Built Environment, Buildings and
Infrastructure” published by the Whole Life Carbon
Network (https://www.leti.london/carbonalignment)
Domestic Retrofit
No. Heat-pump installations
0.2 1.4 9.0 18.3 20.7 21.9 23.0
in existing homes (millions)
No. Existing Homes
Retrofitted (millions) 0.1 1.5 12.3 25.2 27.3 27.3 27.3
20 UK Green Building Council - Whole Life Carbon Roadmap UK Green Building Council - Whole Life Carbon Roadmap
21Net Zero Scenario The following section describes how the Net Zero Scenario is defined and outlines the recommended policies and industry actions needed to deliver the scenario. The analysis is split into the following sections: – Operational Carbon: Existing Homes – Operational Carbon: Non-Domestic Existing Buildings – Operational Carbon: New Buildings – Embodied Carbon: All Buildings – Embodied and Operational Carbon: Infrastructure
Operational Carbon:
OP ER ATIONAL C ARBON: E XISTING HOMES
Other categories have been greyed out
Existing Homes
350
300
ES 250
48% of emissions from the UK built NATIONAL RETROFIT PROGRAMME
environment are produced by energy
200
MtCO2e
The UK housing stock is one of the oldest in
usage within the existing housing stock. Europe (potentially in the world2) with 20% of homes 150
built pre-1919, influenced by housing growth during
This represents 16% of total UK domestic the industrial revolution. 85% of homes in the UK use
emissions. Of this, 62% are produced by
100
a gas boiler for heating3, and approximately 50%
heating, predominantly via fossil fuel boilers. have uninsulated walls4. 50
Our Net Zero 2050 target is in part influenced by
This situation is incompatible with the UK the UK’s role in historical emissions, and the moral 0
target of Net Zero 2050 and improving
1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040 2045 2050
imperative to demonstrate global leadership in emission
domestic energy efficiency and enabling reductions. Upgrading our housing stock to create safe,
healthy and zero carbon homes must be a central
a transition away from fossil fuel heating element of the UK’s net zero future.
DELIVERY PLAN It is also paramount that approaches to heating systems
and building fabric improvements are treated as
must therefore form a fundamental Achieving transformational change across UK homes will The ambitious home retrofit target will interdependent. For example, it is crucial that heat pumps
element of the UKs Net Zero pathway. only be possible with a coordinated national strategy require an unprecedented pace and scale of investment are deployed in tandem with sufficient home insulation to
which enables and supports all facets of delivery, to enable capacity building and delivery. The avoid poor system performance, higher running costs, and
With this in mind, there can be no including costs, capacity, quality, standards, consumer NRS proposes a partnership approach to funding, with associated risks to consumer confidence).
both government and private investment. A progressive
further delay in embarking on a protection and public engagement.
policy framework will be essential in building market Integrated and holistic performance standards will
C national programme of home retrofitting, The Construction Leadership Council (CLC) National confidence and incentivising consumers, alongside be key in this regard, whilst also mitigating risks
to consumers around poor-quality building works.
which will transform UK housing, Retrofit Strategy5 (NRS) sets this out in a clear and reliable and clear information for the public.
Improved building fabric also results in higher internal
compelling vision for the retrofit of almost all UK homes
creating warm and cheaper to heat over the next 20 years. It highlights that successful Initial investment to create a secure retrofit pipeline will surface temperatures within dwellings and reduced
A homes while bringing health and wider delivery of the programme is dependent on a suite of enable capacity building within the workforce, which cold draughts. This helps occupants to turn down room
can then be scaled up to deliver the skills, material and heating thermostats, or use lower temperature heating
societal benefits. This process will interdependent modules, and if any are left out, the
local partnerships needed to drive retrofit. systems, whilst still feeling comfortable.
whole ceases to function. Local engagement will also be
eradicate fuel poverty, create 500,000 critical, with significant work currently underway in the The CLC NRS sets out four clear phases for delivery, There should be caution around expectations that
green jobs, and positively contribute to devolved nations and across many local authorities. with the initial focus on capacity building, supply chain occupants will be able to simply turn down heating
the national levelling up agenda. The Roadmap trajectory for existing homes adopts and readiness, and skills and training, building towards an thermostats and maintain comfort without any upgrades
builds on the proposals and vision set out in the NRS, accelerated deployment of retrofit from the late 2020s to the fabric of their homes.
which is also embedded within CLC Construct Zero. to the mid-2030s:
The Roadmap home retrofit roll-out is based on a stock
‒ Phase 1 (2020–2025): Underpin capability, including average target for space heating demand (energy
BENEFITS TO SOCIET Y Government endorsement of the NRS strategy. output of the heating appliance) of 50 kWh/m2/year,
in alignment with CLC NRS, the AECB retrofit standard
‒ Phase 2 (2025–2030): A slower start focussing on
Upgrading our homes will also bring multiple benefits target, and LETI retrofit guidance. Further work will be
education of householders and wider industry through
‘Operational emmisions existing to wider society, as set out by the CLC NRS: required to identify cost-optimal approaches across
a clear communications campaign, as well as an
homes’ photo different housing architypes.
‒ Up to 500,000 new, higher skilled jobs intensive training programme for new entrants to the
across the country industry. Piloting and field trials would also be taking Additional ‘performance gap’ factors are included
place. within the modelled pathway on the basis that targets
‒ Significant economic boost for existing Repair, are rarely fully realised in operation. These factors
Maintenance and Improvement (RMI) firms & ‒ Phase 3 (2030–2035): A ‘quick’ middle period based
start at 20% in 2020, but are projected to decrease to
supply chains on a mature supply chain eco-system and strong
5% by 2050, due to a clear focus on skills, quality and
customer protection.
‒ Lower energy bills for consumers (£430 average continuous improvement within the retrofit programme.
energy bill savings per home, 2% increase in ‒ Phase 4 (2035–2040): A ramp down of pace
household disposable income) towards the end, focussing on hard-to-treat
properties, and a phased redeployment of HEATING TECHNOLOGY MIX
‒ £56bn health benefits linked to improved resources to alternate sectors.
air quality and thermal comfort, with 6,000 The wholesale transition from a dependence on fossil
avoided deaths per year. fuel domestic heating to zero carbon technologies is
FABRIC FIRST one of the fundamental challenges the UK faces in its
‒ Accelerated progress towards statutory fuel path to Net Zero by 2050, with a significant role for heat
poverty targets The Roadmap pathway for existing homes builds on pump technologies. The starting point for the Roadmap
the ‘fabric first’ approach set out in the CLC NRS, as a domestic heating pathway is that there must be no gas
‘no regrets’ strategy in reducing energy demand and a boilers in operation by 2050.
fundamental step in eradicating fuel poverty.
24 UK Green Building Council - Whole Life Carbon Roadmap UK Green Building Council - Whole Life Carbon Roadmap
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