Net Zero Carbon

Verte New Joiner and Team Promotions

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We’re delighted to welcome Laura Salinas-Manas who joins our Green Building Certification team as a Senior Sustainability Consultant.

Laura is a qualified SKA Assessor and LCA practitioner. A fit-out specialist, Laura will advise clients on the optimal certification strategy for their portfolio and assets to meet ESG goals.

We’re excited to have Laura on board. She’s already busy guiding clients toward more sustainable choices on their projects – making a real impact from day one.

If you would like to develop a certification strategy for a fit-out project, say hello@verteltd.com

We’re also proud of our amazing Verte team, so it’s our pleasure to announce four well-earned promotions.

Jasmine Rolison Choudhury has been promoted to Senior Sustainability Consultant. Jasmine advises clients on their Green Building Certification strategy and requirements. She is a qualified BREEAM Accredited Professional, BREEAM New Construction Assessor and WELL Accredited Professional.

Lucia Sadier has been promoted to Sustainability Consultant. Lucia leads on SKA and BREEAM assessments. She is a qualified SKA Assessor and LEED Green Associate.

Surabhi Sivadas has been promoted to LCA Consultant. Surabhi leads on Whole Life Carbon and LCA projects. She is a qualified LCA/LCC Practitioner.

Muhammad Abdulsalam has been promoted to LCA Consultant. Muhammad leads on Whole Life Carbon and LCA projects. He is a qualified LCA/LCC Practitioner and LEED Green Associate.

Huge thanks to Jasmine, Lucia, Surabhi and Muhammad for all your hard work – we’re excited to watch you become the next generation of sustainability leaders.

Futurebuild 2025: Key Sustainability Takeaways 

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The Verte team was on the ground at Futurebuild to explore the latest innovations in sustainable products and gain insights into how the industry is tackling complex sustainability issues. Here are our key takeaways from the event.

Retrofit

Retrofit continues to be a key focus for the industry, but we’re not making enough progress. Dr. Austin Entonu, Head of Net Zero Energy, GLA, highlighted that 65% of London’s emissions originate from buildings, emphasising the critical need for retrofitting. 

A major barrier is retrofit’s inherent complexity and to succeed we need policy shifts and incentives at an institutional level – the VAT exemption on New Construction and not Refurbishment projects being a case in point. 

Alastair Parvin, Director, Open Systems Lab, also called for a shift in the retrofit narrative to one that combines systems-based thinking with place-based solutions and demonstrated through case studies how localised strategies can deliver large-scale impact.

Decarbonisation

The UK Net Zero Carbon Building Standard team shared a helpful update on the Pilot including work being done to implement the Standard and potential costs to meet it. There’s also still an opportunity to submit projects for existing buildings, data centres, hotels and healthcare – so any interested parties should get in touch. 

Meanwhile from an operational energy standpoint, it was agreed that we can’t rely on heat pumps alone for reducing carbon. Instead of a silver bullet, a toolbox of innovation will be needed. Electricity pricing also needs to change, otherwise it will prove impossible to force a move away from gas.

EPC Reform

Major change is needed. The current EPC 10-year timeframe is too long, preventing real progress on reducing operational carbon. Focusing on updating building stock to EPC B will only push the problem out.

Circular Economy

This is a major focus with renewed momentum thanks to an increasing number of market players investing in new platforms and developing their own that drive the reuse of materials across the industry. 

It was great to hear from experts on how the circular economy will evolve in the next 5-10 years with Katerina Papavasileiou, Director, ESG and Responsibility, Federated Homes, anticipating an increased focus on integrating biodiversity, with more approaches that value natural systems and Brogan MacDonald, Head of Sustainability in Building Structures, Ramboll pointing to future standards being developed that mandate reuse to meet environmental benchmarks. 

Driving regenerative design is the industry’s increased focus on embodied carbon, but to accelerate progress we need to look beyond carbon alone and more is needed from a policy perspective, as there is still a lack of comprehensive circular economy policies. 

A Nature-Positive Future

The UK Green Building Council delivered an important session on the built environment’s role in achieving a nature-positive future, focusing on reducing embodied ecological impacts from materials. 

This revealed there’s currently a gap in industry-wide definitions of nature-positive and how to measure impact, but that regulatory shifts may start pushing this into project requirements – which would be welcome.

Sustainable Product Round-Up

As sustainability consultants we’re constantly investigating innovative products that look to reduce carbon and make the circular economy a reality. Here’s the solutions that stood out to us at this year’s event as ones to watch: 

Adaptavate – developing carbon-negative construction materials as a form of Carbon Capture and Utilisation. Breathaboard is a carbon-negative, lighter alternative to plasterboard, with enhanced thermal performance and compostability at end of life; and Breathaplasta – a fast-setting, natural alternative to cement-based plasters.

Agreka Build – collaborates with farmers to transform agricultural waste, particularly wheat straw, into sustainable building materials. Flagship product, WHEATEX, is a thermal and acoustic insulation made from 100% waste wheat straw. 

Barcham Trees – UK-based tree supplier with an eco-impact grading system (A–E) to quantify carbon offset potential. 

Bio-scapes – combined Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems and #BiodiversityNetGain (BNG) planters for managing rainwater run-off and BNG in compact spaces.

EcoCocon – modular, prefabricated straw and timber wall systems made of 98% natural renewable materials and cradle to cradle certified. The double wooden frame of the panels ensures the structural capacity of low-rise buildings and easily supports ceilings, roofs or facades. They also promote high indoor air quality with no harmful substances emitted, and reduce thermal bridging and increase air tightness when compared to traditional construction.

Prometheus Materials – ProZero Bio-Cement for Ready Mix Concrete is in development and one to watch. Offers a ready-mix concrete infused with Algae binders which proport to be zero CO2 (excluding any reinforcement).

Reco – tile panels made from 100% recycled PVC or Acrylic ABS and can be a replacement for ceramic or porcelain tiles.

STROCKS from HG Matthews – circular earth building blocks – a low carbon solution for structural and insulating internal walls made from 100% natural materials.

STROCKS from HG Matthews

Troldtekt (part of the Kingspan Group) – cement-bonded wood wool acoustic panels.

Thanks to the Futurebuild team for providing a platform for industry debate. The built environment cannot overcome complex sustainability challenges unless we tackle them directly, working together.

Additional contributions provided by the Verte team.

Retrofit: Operational energy in the spotlight

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The retrofit movement has gained momentum, but projects continue to face barriers.  

Cost is the one of the biggest barriers to reducing operational energy and carbon in retrofit projects. Money is expensive right now. But the industry recognises the importance of retrofit first and more stretching operational energy targets are on the horizon. 

A lot of built assets are sitting in prime locations that makes the economic case for refurbishment stronger. If project financing can be secured, how can operational energy be reduced?

Short-term gain, long-term pain

Project teams understandably have a focus on the practical completion alongside goals such as achieving a specific EUI target. But once practical completion has been reached and the tenant is in situ, operational energy consumption challenges arise that could have been overcome had they been considered at the design stage. 

As an industry we need to look beyond practical completion to the longer term, shifting the focus onto the whole life cost benefit analysis of equipment such as lighting or HVAC – and think if we spend a little more now what will the financial gain be once the building is in use? Most likely, a higher EPC rating and lower EUI – the opportunity to invest a little more today to bank future energy targets.  

If we are to accelerate change as an industry and hit Net Zero goals, we need to be more forward-thinking. The new UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard will drive the momentum behind this. Pressure will also come from investors to align with their ESG objectives. So, it makes sense to get ahead from the off. 

Future-proofing assets to meet energy targets beyond practical completion will support income generation and asset value retention across the building’s life cycle. 

The bigger picture

So, what is the answer to getting retrofit projects right when it comes to operational energy? 

It’s critical to think holistically. To consider the end occupier – who will the building be leased to, what will their energy requirements be? This must be thought about at the refurbishment’s design stage – how the energy performance gap can be closed. Too often projects only consider how the building will be used when it’s handed over. By then it’s too late to factor in the capability to make significant reductions and to flex the building to suit tenants. 

Once the occupier is identified, you can plan for their energy needs in conjunction with what the asset has the capability to provide. All buildings are individual, so the retrofit strategy must be aligned with the asset in front of you. What can be worked with, what are the deal-breakers? 

You need to look at the cost of upgrading the energy infrastructure. What’s feasible within the project’s budget and does the grid have capacity? Consider the acoustics – will heat pumps on the roof upset the neighbours? And space – is there room for new plant? What is the trade-off with valuable amenity space?

Active and passive carbon reduction opportunities

To navigate these challenges, it helps to think about the refurbishment design from an active and passive standpoint. 

In refurbishment projects, highly efficient building services tend to be cheaper to install than upgrading the building fabric. Heat pumps and mechanical ventilation are a typical solution as they’re straightforward and cost effective. You can also invest in systems that understand the way the building and occupants work, supplying fresh air, heating and cooling only to the spaces that require them, which reduces operational costs and energy – but these will carry a higher upfront cost. 

However, if there’s a red line of grid capacity, acoustics or space it’s critical to consider the passive options. 

Passive is your building fabric. Generally, it’s easier to push further here with new builds, but that doesn’t mean progress can’t be made on retrofits. How can insulation levels and glazing be improved to bring down the building’s energy demand? Less plant will deliver better acoustics, more space for amenities and reduce operational energy and carbon. 

You need to choose an approach that works for the asset in question and tenant’s requirements. More insulation will reduce the net internal area, so how can you get around that? If maximising internal area is key, then the compromise will be on cost – sourcing manufacturers that can provide compact insulation that still delivers on energy efficiency. You will also need to remember that upping the insulation will increase the Whole Life Carbon and the risk of overheating. All of these issues need to be carefully considered and worked through. 

But if budget is the deciding factor, it may be the tenant can accommodate the trade off in floor area through hybrid working policies. And if the building becomes more sustainable in the longer term, there may be the potential to charge more per square foot so that the increased rental value delivers a better yield.

Final thoughts

Ultimately, we need to accelerate change and reduce EUI as targets will become more demanding over time. Retrofit projects offer the opportunity to transition and future-proof an asset. To succeed, it’s a case of understanding what you’re working with, and developing an operational carbon reduction strategy tailored to that asset and occupier. 

This article first appeared on the UK Green Building Council’s blog: you can read it in full here.

Sustainability in the spotlight at EXPO REAL

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We’ve recently returned from EXPO REAL 2024 and wanted to share what the European real estate industry is talking about.

ESG is everywhere

ESG is only going to become more important in Europe. Strong ESG credentials are correlated with portfolio value and it will be a deal-breaker for investment. If projects are to proceed they’ll need to demonstrate they meet ESG requirements and have a viable Net Zero strategy in place. A deeper understanding by all stakeholders will be required.

For developers ESG is front of mind. They recognise its importance for investors backing projects. But for some mid-size players there’s a disconnect between ESG intentions and strategy and implementing these into developments and across existing portfolios. This is understandable; action is harder than words in the complex area of emissions, particularly when addressing Scope 3. More education and assistance will be needed to make Net Zero goals a reality.

Everyone’s talking about Embodied Carbon

Embodied Carbon – specifically the challenges it presents – was on everyone’s agenda. This is welcome, as reducing Embodied Carbon will be critical to transitioning to Net Zero. It was great to see this topic finally getting the airtime it needs.

That said, a lot of talk was surface level and centred on the scale of the challenge. As an industry, we must focus on decarbonising extraction, manufacture, transport and use, and innovation in key materials (concrete & steel), if we are to reduce Embodied Carbon to meet targets.

The Circular Economy has huge potential

More and more suppliers and manufacturers are considering the Circular Economy and sustainable manufacturing. In Europe specifically, modular construction is a big deal. Lots of companies are doing modular construction or pre-fabricated developments. This includes timber companies, which is not something we are seeing enough of in the UK.

Reusing materials is recognised as an area that has huge potential, but to drive this forward the industry will need to collaborate to create a viable market and overcome issues such as storage.

We had a great time connecting with everyone we met in Munich and look forward to returning in 2025.

What the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard means for your project pipeline

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The Pilot of the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard (“the Standard”) has arrived. The Standard will enable the real estate sector to robustly prove its built assets are Net Zero Carbon and in line with the UK’s climate targets.

Performance benchmarks align with science-based trajectories needed to achieve Net Zero by 2050, and a 78% reduction by 2035 in the UK (i.e. what is known to be required to stand a reasonable chance of mitigating global warming to 1.5°C).

So what do you need to know?

‘Whole Building’ approach

The Standard adopts a ‘Whole Building’ approach to Net Zero. To claim your building is ‘Net Zero Carbon’, it must meet performance targets for both Embodied and Operational Carbon.

Projects will need to drive down upfront carbon emissions, but also prove how operational energy is effectively reduced once buildings are in use, for a minimum duration of 12 months. Licensed verifiers will then review submissions against a defined Reporting Period.

This is welcome and necessary. A holistic approach will be critical in accelerating the industry’s Net Zero transition to meet climate deadlines.

Evolving targets and annual verification

The Standard’s performance benchmarks are not static. Targets will evolve to 2050, becoming more demanding. This ensures the industry keeps pace with what is required to get to Net Zero.

The decarbonisation of the grid will do some of the heavy lifting, but this alone can’t be relied on.

Projects will need to be aligned with target completion year Standard benchmarks. Design teams must consider low carbon materials and reuse from the offset to achieve such targets. On-going flexibility will be important to incorporate innovative materials as they come to market.

Operational energy will be reviewed on an annual basis. This is an important step forward, demanding continual Energy Use Intensity (EUI) improvement. This is a marked improvement compared to EPCs that can result in years of inaction once awarded. To succeed here, Landlord and Tenant engagement and cooperation will be key.

The Standard’s requirements. Source: The UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard.

New Build vs. Retrofit

The inclusion of separate targets for New Build and Existing Buildings could be a game-changer. For refurbishment projects, which typically face more barriers than their new construction counterparts (e.g. 20% tax compared to new builds that are exempt), the differentiation is an advantage.

This presents an opportunity for the industry to focus on transitioning standing assets – which will form 80% of buildings in 2050. In a step change it may be future New Builds that become the stranded assets (a trajectory most often reserved for older buildings), unable to meet the Net Zero performance targets of their projected completion year – stranding before they are occupied.

Let’s now look at the Embodied and Operational Carbon performance targets in more detail.

Embodied Carbon

There are Embodied Carbon benchmarks for new builds, refurbishments and fit-outs, across building typologies. These are also split for ‘Whole Building’ and ‘Shell & Core’ boundaries for New Build. ‘Retrofit’ and ‘Reportable Works’ which would cover ‘in-cycle’ upgrades such as secondary refit or upgrade of individual systems. Targets are incremental across each right up to 2050.

The inclusion of Retrofit and Reportable works within the Standard is welcome. These will help with repositioning and cut & carve project target setting.

Embodied Carbon targets for Offices across key dates (N.B. Whole Building should include Cat B Fit-Out allocation):

YearNew Building (Whole)New Building
(Shell & Core)		Existing Building (with One-Go Retrofit)
2030550 kgCO2/m2355 kgCO2/m2450 kgCO2/m2
2040235 kgCO2/m2150 kgCO2/m2195 kgCO2/m2
205060 kgCO2/m235 kgCO2/m250 kgCO2/m2
Source: The UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard Pilot Version

Our view is that the Embodied Carbon benchmarks have been adjusted from previous LETI & RIBA levels to provide a more realistic trajectory, which hopefully provides a tangible framework to work towards. At the same time, in the past three years so much more has been learned in the industry and measurement practices have improved, making for more detailed and higher results.

Ultimately, the answers are in decarbonising extraction, manufacture, transport and use; technological advances in key materials (concrete & steel); genuine circular solutions; robustness and longevity; and, evidently, less new build.

Energy Use Intensity

Energy demand reductions projected to be required to enable a Net Zero Carbon energy supply sector are included as Energy Use Intensity (EUI – kWh/m2/yr) targets.

EUI targets are provided for a broad range of building types and subtypes, on an annualised stepped basis. For example, the Offices sector includes General / Call Centre / Trading Floors, which recognises varying consumption needs.

As mentioned, there are different trajectories for New Build vs. Retrofit. A Stepped Retrofit plan is suggested to enable existing and distressed assets to better respond to the benchmarks and demonstrate alignment to the Standard. This is good news, as it recognises the asset cycle and encourages alignment across the board.

Approach taken to operational energy limits. Source: UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard Pilot Version

The benchmarks have also been presented against Gross Internal Area (GIA) but also Net Internal Area (NIA) which is helpful considering the drive to amenity rich assets (reduced NIA) and “flex-office” uses.

EUI targets for Offices across key dates:

YearNew BuildingExisting Building (with One-Go Retrofit)Existing Building (with Stepped Retrofit)
203072 kWh/m2GIA/yr85 kgCO2/m299 kgCO2/m2
2040 & 205045 kWh/m2GIA/yr55 kgCO2/m255 kgCO2/m2
Source: The UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard Pilot Version

In both cases, by 2040, the EUI target must be met. This is 15 years away; the average length of MEP equipment life cycle. This means any MEP overhauls being undertaken currently and over the next five years will have to address the challenge. Any assets requiring fabric overhaul to meet the Retrofit benchmark will have to budget the works in the current / next cycle.

While MEES / EPC regulation is driving a lot of activity currently, asset owners cannot ignore this is the time to review projects using CIBSE TM54 and identify and improve their EUI. EPC upgrades will not be enough. Every existing building will need a Net Zero Carbon Action Plan.

Our final thoughts

This is a welcome cross-industry initiative that presents a real chance to hit Net Zero. The targets will challenge the industry, but they’re needed given the scale of transition required.

We’re looking forward to seeing how the Pilot develops. There are elements that could be added into the final version, and some areas for refinement. We’re interested to understand how delineation in buildings between landlord and tenant is shaped, especially regarding energy and carbon responsibility. Also, how the equivalencies of other standards in the market such as NABERS shape the success of the new Standard and the ultimate goal of aligning to 1.5C.

If you’d like to understand more about how the Standard will impact your current and future projects, say hello@verteltd.com.

Additional contributions provided by Lee Cleeton, Director, and Salem Qunsol, Principal Sustainability Consultant.

Science Based Targets initiative guidance – what you need to know

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The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has released its first guidance for the built environment sector to achieve Net Zero emissions.

Buildings and the built environment contribute over 25% of global energy-related emissions and are heavily impacted by the climate crisis. The guidance outlines four key actions:

  • Stop Fossil Fuel Installations: By 2030, companies must halt installing fossil fuel-based heating, cooking, power generation, and hot water equipment to cut direct emissions.
  • Reduce Operational Emissions: Companies must lower in-use operational emissions, with regional pathways developed by SBTi and CRREM to reflect local power grids and building usage.
  • Target Embodied Emissions: With a 15% growth in global built area expected by 2030, companies must reduce emissions from raw materials, manufacturing, transportation, and construction.
  • Retrofit Buildings: As 80% of current buildings will still be standing by 2050, retrofitting rates need to more than double by 2030 to meet the IEA’s Net Zero by 2050 Scenario.

Speak to us at Verte to help you plan and implement your Net Zero journey: hello@verteltd.com.