UK-GBC launches zero-carbon taskforce

The UK Green Building Council is launching a new Task Group. The Group is made up of major companies who face the task of delivering zero carbon non-domestic buildings from 2019. This includes organizations such as John Lewis, Whitbread, Argent and British Land.

It is tasked with informing the upcoming zero carbon building standards and intends to explore Allowable Solutions and how they can deliver a high value carbon saving solution.

There is an existing policy in place requiring all commercial buildings to be built with zero carbon standards by 2019. The construction industry together with industry companies have taken steps to explore different approaches for achieving zero carbon buildings.

The Task Group seeks to understand the solutions and approaches to the industry and which methods might be most effective. The Group has received sponsorship of Lafarge Tarmac and Saint Gobain.

Julie Hirigoyen, Chief Executive of the UK Green Building Council, said:

“The zero carbon policies for both new homes and non-domestic buildings are vital for decarbonising our building stock and meeting the UK’s climate change targets. Confirming their trajectories should be a key priority for the new Government.” “Although the policy for non-domestic buildings remains under-developed, UK-GBC members are already pushing ahead. The overwhelming response we have had to this Task Group proves how many of our members are keen to start designing and delivering zero carbon new buildings, in view of the clear business benefits.” Julian Sutherland, Design Director for Sustainable Development at Atkins and joint Chair of the Task Group, said: “The Task Group will look at the impacts and opportunities on our journey to zero carbon buildings in 2019. I have long been a proponent of the fabric first approach, which continues to represent best value for demand reduction. High quality design solutions and demand reduction are the foundation for zero carbon buildings and will unlock the huge potential of low energy systems and Allowable Solutions.” David Mason, Senior Sustainability Manager at Skanska and joint Chair of the Task Group, said: “I am delighted to be Chairing the work on Allowable Solutions within this new Task Group. The Allowable Solutions framework will be vital to delivering the zero carbon buildings policies and it presents a huge opportunity for the industry to innovate and find new ways of delivering carbon savings in the built environment.”