The UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard (UK NZCBS) has launched 'Performance Evaluations' which is set to recognise buildings’ progress on the path to Net Zero Carbon Alignment. Simon Wyatt has actively advocated and encouraged this implementation through his involvement with the BCO. 

Version 1 of the Standard, launched earlier this year, details what a building must do to be net zero carbon aligned in the UK. Setting out limits based on the UK’s carbon and energy budgets, all the requirements outlined in the Standard must be met to achieve conformity. This approach may discourage contributions, therefore, the new Performance Evaluation will recognise progress, allowing buildings to be evaluated against the Standard’s requirements, even if they do not meet all of them. This is part of a mission to drive market transformation towards net zero carbon and create consistency within the industry. 

Commenting on the Performance Evaluation, Simon said: 

“The introduction of the Performance Evaluation designation responds directly to industry concerns about the binary pass/fail approach to Net Zero Carbon Aligned status. By recognising projects that are making measurable progress, even if they have not yet met all criteria, this initiative encourages broader engagement with the Standard. BCO fully supports this approach and encourages office developers and owners to participate. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with the Standard to address our members’ concerns and to further drive adoption across the industry.”

A verified Performance Evaluation acts as a “report card” for the building, using the same metrics and measurements as the Standard. It also shows how closely a building performed against the applicable limits in the Standard. This represents an important step on a building’s decarbonisation journey through reporting of in-use performance.