In a pioneering move, NHS England has published the world’s first healthcare-specific Net Zero Carbon Building Standard. This groundbreaking document provides clear guidelines on the methodology, scope, and approach for achieving net zero carbon in NHS construction projects. The development of this standard was a collaborative effort involving Archus, NHS partners, and the wider NHS supply chain.
The new standard applies to any new build or refurbishment building project subject to the HM Treasury business case approval process. It mandates the collection of energy and carbon performance data across a project’s entire lifecycle, which will inform future decision-making. By standardising requirements for both embodied carbon and operational energy, the standard aims to bridge the gap between the ambition and performance of new healthcare infrastructure schemes across the country.
Chris Turner, Director of Technical Advisory services at Archus, commented on the significance of the standard, stating that it is a critical part of the broader NHS strategy for achieving a net zero estate by 2040. He highlighted the standard’s balance of significant ambition with a pragmatic approach, and the extensive consultation process that involved nearly 50 different organisations.
Rebecca Stubbs, Principal Net Zero Carbon Advisor at Mott MacDonald, expressed her delight at the launch of the standard, noting that it provides much-needed clarity on the NHS’ expectations for net zero carbon performance of new projects. Greg Chant-Hall, Director at Square Gain, emphasised the importance of combatting climate change, and how the new standard helps everyone involved in building and operating healthcare facilities understand what is required to meet the aims of Net Zero by 2040.
The development of the Net Zero Carbon standard is part of a multi-year programme to update a number of Health Building Notes (HBNs) and Health Technical Memoranda (HTMs), which provide “best practice” guidance on the design and planning of new healthcare buildings or adapting existing facilities.
With the launch of this ground-breaking standard, the NHS is leading the way in the global healthcare sector’s fight against climate change, setting a benchmark for other healthcare systems around the world.
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