The Good Homes Alliance (GHA) has co-hosted an online workshop centered on the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard (NZCBS), in partnership with Bioregional and Etude.
The event also featured contributions from key organisations instrumental in developing the Standard, including LETI, UKGBC, RIBA, and BRE.
The workshop followed the publication of the pilot version of the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard in September. This voluntary best-practice framework aims to support the industry in achieving Net Zero carbon goals.
As the Standard enters its pilot testing phase, there have been questions about whether it could be integrated into local policy, prompting the organisers to seek input from local authorities.
A range of local authorities, either developing or implementing Net Zero carbon policies, participated in the workshop. The discussion explored how the NZCBS could support local policy development and help those authorities that have not yet introduced such measures.
Key discussion points included:
- How the NZCBS could address specific challenges faced by local authorities.
- The Standard’s potential as an evidence base for policy-making.
- Feedback on the technical, reporting, and verification requirements, and how these could be improved to better support local policy efforts.
Focusing on policy rather than technical details, the session provided a valuable platform for participants to share their perspectives on how the Standard could be effectively applied in practice.
The GHA has been closely monitoring planning policy, working with its Vanguard Network of local authorities to share insights on policy development, implementation, and to address challenges and barriers. The GHA strongly supports ambitious policies and recently led a major demonstration of industry concern. In response to the proposed Future Homes and Buildings Standard, the GHA spearheaded a joint letter expressing disappointment, which was sent to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing, and Communities (DLUHC). The letter was endorsed by 250 prominent industry and community leaders.
The GHA also maintains a Net Zero Planning Policy Hub, highlighting and promoting the local policies of authorities that have taken ambitious steps. The hub offers valuable tips and insights on creating and implementing bold local plans, provides a timeline for local plan development, and features the latest news and updates in the field.
