CIBSE and LETI have launched industry FAQs on delivering net zero buildings. The free-to-download document aims to drive real progress by providing clarity on what net zero means for buildings, in practice and in detail.
Led by Julie Godefroy, Head of Sustainability for CIBSE and Clara Bagenal George, founder of LETI and Associate at Elementa Consulting, and building on definitions from the Whole Life Carbon Network (WLCN) and LETI, the definitions and FAQs cover whole life, embodied – referring to total emissions and removals associated with an asset throughout the whole life cycle of an asset; upfront carbon – referring to emissions associated with materials and construction processes up to practical completion; operational energy; and operational water.
These new definitions are based on meeting operational energy and embodied carbon targets and generating energy from renewable sources.
An industry consultation sought to identify the areas where more clarity was needed. Following this, a set of FAQs and an accompanying survey were developed, seeking industry consensus on technical details and terminology relating to net zero carbon .
The aim is to see the WLCN-LETI definitions applied consistently and robustly in as many real-life situations as possible. This guidance adds to existing resources from CIBSE and LETI, such as the LETI Climate Emergency Design Guide and CIBSE TM65 Embodied carbon in building services: A calculation methodology to support a collaborative transition to net zero.
These FAQs do not provide a definitive answer to what net zero means, but they provide a direction of approach to address common situations in most building types. CIBSE and LETI are committed to reviewing and adding to these resources, such as energy use and embodied carbon targets. This will include working together and independently, for example for CIBSE, continuing its work on assessing the impact of building services to feed into industry targets.
Julie Godefroy said: “There are huge benefits in the whole sector having a common set of definitions as well as guidance on detailed implementation in practice, so all disciplines, clients, investors, and occupants are clear on what is being achieved or aimed at.”
Download the document here: cibse.org/news-and-policy/april-2022/cibse-and-leti-launch-industry-faqs-on-net-zero-op
