Sustainability & Construction Newsletter #29
Mitsubishi Electric Living Environmental Systems UK
Cooling, Heating, Ventilation and Controls
Welcome to the 29th edition of our Sustainability & Construction newsletter!
In today's rapidly changing world, where environmental consciousness is at the forefront, the construction industry stands at a pivotal juncture. Embracing sustainable building practices is no longer a matter of choice; it's an imperative for creating a more resilient and environmentally responsible future. This newsletter edition explores the latest developments in the construction industry's efforts to achieve Net Zero. Discussing the challenges and opportunities of whole-life carbon considerations, the role of heat pumps in reducing carbon emissions, and the latest government policies and reports on climate change. We also highlight the importance of COP28 and the work of UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) in advancing Net Zero.
We delve into the critical topic of sustainability with David Partridge, Chair of the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard . He sheds light on groundbreaking initiatives that aim to eliminate greenwashing and promote sustainable building practices in the UK.
Join us as we explore the challenges and opportunities, the latest industry news, and prepare for COP28 .
Latest Mitsubishi Electric News:
Join NLA and Chris Newman , Net Zero Design Manager at Mitsubishi Electric on the 1st December webinar, to examine the impact of WLC considerations on specification decisions, looking at some of the critical areas designers and installers should consider and questions they should ask when making decisions around building services.
Why not try the system on your next project. Did you know that we collect old HVAC and take it away to be recycled? All the engineers I meet each month realise the important role that the HVAC industry plays in reducing energy use and carbon emissions.
Should getting to Net Zero be cheap? Perhaps a better question is, how much are we prepared to pay to reduce the carbon footprint of our buildings? And the answer to that will depend on the priorities of the building owners and tenants.
Gas removed from Civic Centre. As we look at ways of decarbonising our buildings on the road to Net Zero, Refurb Projects, Carole Titmuss looks at the work of Salford City Council which recently upgraded the heating at its Civic Centre and is now benefiting from a renewable heat pump system that has helped reduce the building’s carbon footprint by 70 tonnes, or around 54%.
Latest Industry News:
MP Chris Skidmore, author of the independent Net Zero Review, made a speech to Parliament in reaction to the recent policy frameworks put forward in the King’s Speech, covering everything from fossil fuels to COP28 . But what exactly did he have to say? Here, edie rounds up the key talking points.
In the run-up to COP28 , the Supply Chain Sustainability School aims to strengthen our members' and Partners' understanding of carbon and climate change by offering a variety of FREE resources, e-learning modules and training sessions as well as the Sustainability Tool's free Carbon Calculator.
The government response to the report outlines how much progress has been made since March’s Powering Up Britain publications and the progress continuing to be made.
The construction sector is the bedrock of infrastructural development in many countries, and the UK is no exception. It not only provides millions of jobs but also shapes our urban and rural landscapes. However, recent trends suggest that UK construction businesses are set to face some unprecedented challenges in the coming years.
New research has highlighted that while the early adoption of renewables in the UK has accelerated its path to delivering Net Zero, global challenges and the harder to abate sectors could impede further progress in the upcoming years.
Rishi Sunak's anti-green policies are isolating Britain and alienating other countries ahead of the COP28 climate summit. Only a Labour government can reverse this trend and bring the UK back to the forefront of the fight against climate change.
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The Mayor has set ambitious targets for London to be a zero-carbon city by 2030. If we are to achieve carbon neutrality our priorities must include retaining buildings and infrastructure while making them more environmentally sustainable and replacing the end-of-life concept with re-use, re-purpose and recycle.
UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) ’s Chief Executive Smith Mordak reflects on the importance of COP28 as a global forum for addressing climate change and the need for the UK to participate actively as it highlights the built environment sector's role in climate action and the potential for collaboration across sectors.
Created in 2018 as part of a World Green Building Council initiative, UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) Advancing Net Zero programme has a mission to lead the UK’s transition to a Net Zero built environment. It has produced leading guidance such as the Net Zero Carbon Buildings Framework and the Net Zero Whole Life Carbon Roadmap, whilst working with organisations and experts across the industry.
The BREEAM V7 consultation presented an opportunity for stakeholders to preview and influence key features of the upcoming BREEAM V7, set for release in 2024. With a focus on updating whole life carbon and energy credits, BREEAM V7 will apply to the New Construction, In-Use, and Refurbishment and Fit-Out schemes.
This guidance from UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) builds on existing industry outputs to improve the transparency of embodied carbon assessments, helping industry to accurately model and report on embodied carbon within construction projects.
Construction Voices:
Here we invite industry leaders to share their valuable insights and expertise on creating a sustainable built environment. This week, we include extracts from the upcoming podcast from David Partridge, Chair of the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard.
Charting a Path to Net Zero Carbon: Insights from the Front Lines of Sustainable Buildings
The quest for sustainability in the building industry has reached a pivotal juncture with the emergence of the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard . In a recent podcast, David Partridge, Chair of this groundbreaking initiative, provided profound insights into its development, goals, and future implications. The conversation, joined by team members from Mitsubishi Electric, sheds light on the evolving landscape of sustainable building in the UK.
The Evolution of Sustainability
The concept of sustainability has undergone a dramatic transformation. Once a diverse field with varying interpretations, it's now unified under the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Reflecting on past roles, including as chair of the trustees of the UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) , David noted a significant shift in industry attitudes. What started as a crusade to raise awareness has evolved into active engagement in reducing emissions, signifying a deepened understanding and commitment to sustainability.
The UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard: A Definition of ‘Good’
Central to the podcast discussion was the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard . This initiative represents a paradigm shift, offering a clear definition and measurable criteria for what constitutes sustainable practices in building. It addresses the need for a single, comprehensive metric for assessing greenhouse gas emissions from building projects, including both new constructions and retrofits, and considers both embodied and operational carbon.
Addressing Greenwashing
A key issue the Standard confronts is greenwashing – the practice of making misleading sustainability claims. The inconsistency in current Net Zero claims, with varied focuses and methodologies, hinders genuine progress. The Standard's comprehensive approach enables a uniform evaluation, thus promoting transparency and accountability in the industry.
Practical Implications and Financial Incentives
The Standard is not just a theoretical construct; it carries significant practical implications, especially in financial contexts. David shared an example of a potential loan for a project, where adherence to the Standard could result in favorable loan conditions. This example underscores the financial incentives for sustainability, offering tangible benefits for compliance.
Industry-wide Alignment and Integration
An important aspect of the Standard is its alignment with various existing and upcoming sustainability metrics and initiatives. David emphasised the integration with other Standards like BRE's upcoming version with a Net Zero element, demonstrating an industry-wide shift towards a unified approach. This alignment simplifies sustainability efforts, making it easier for stakeholders across the board to adhere to and benefit from these Standards.
The Role of Self-Policing and Future Compliance
Looking ahead, the Standard aims to be self-policing, with the industry taking a proactive role in its adoption and enforcement. This approach is expected to lead the way for future government legislation, setting a high bar for sustainable practices. The process of ensuring compliance and verification is still being finalised, with industry feedback playing a crucial role in shaping these mechanisms.
The Challenge of Verification and Enforcement
One of the ongoing challenges is determining the most effective way to verify and enforce compliance with the Standard. David discussed the possibilities, from having qualified professionals as Standard verifiers to establishing a dedicated body for verification. The final decision will significantly impact how the industry demonstrates and maintains conformity with the Standard's requirements.
Conclusion: A Unified Effort Towards Net Zero
The UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard represents more than just a set of guidelines; it is a collective commitment to a sustainable future. By establishing a clear and measurable Standard, the initiative aims to eradicate greenwashing and foster genuine sustainability efforts. Its alignment with other standards and initiatives signifies a united front in the industry, setting a clear course for achieving Net Zero carbon emissions.
The conversation with David highlighted the critical role of collaboration, transparency, and innovation in this journey. As we move forward, the Standard promises not only to guide the industry but also to transform the very foundations of sustainable building in the UK, shaping a greener and more responsible future for all.
We hope you've found the content of this newsletter useful and relevant. In each edition, we'll focus on bringing you the latest news and topics around sustainability and construction. If there are any news articles you would like us to feature, or if you would like to be a guest contributor for Construction Voices, please get in touch with us .
Find out more about our new Sustainability and Construction team here .