The Climate Change Committee (CCC), has outlined a new pathway to achieving a decarbonised nation. The UK’s Seventh Carbon Budget outlines a critical pathway to achieving Net Zero by 2050, with significant reductions in emissions from residential and non-residential buildings, as well as direct actions for households. The report highlights key measures that the building services sector must address to support decarbonisation across the built environment.
Residential buildings currently represent one of the largest sources of emissions in the UK, primarily due to fossil fuel-based heating and hot water systems. In 2023, emissions from this sector stood at 52.2 MtCO2e, with gas accounting for 80% of these emissions. The Balanced Pathway set out in the Carbon Budget projects a 66% reduction in residential building emissions by 2040 and near-complete decarbonisation by 2050.
Key strategies for residential buildings
- Electrification of heating: The transition to low-carbon heating, particularly heat pumps, is central to eliminating emissions. The report assumes that 68% of existing homes will have heat pumps by 2040.
- Energy efficiency measures: Enhanced insulation, draught-proofing, and glazing upgrades will contribute to reducing overall heating demand.
- Phase-out of fossil fuel heating: From 2026, all new homes must be built with low-carbon heating systems, with no connection to the gas grid.
- Consumer engagement and support: Policies must counter misinformation about heat pumps and provide financial support, such as grants and green mortgages, to accelerate adoption.
The non-residential building sector accounted for 20.8 MtCO2e in 2023, with emissions largely stemming from heating and energy use in commercial and public buildings. The Carbon Budget sets a target to reduce emissions by 87% by 2040 and to nearly zero by 2050.
Key strategies for non-residential buildings
- Heat pump deployment: Heat pumps are considered viable for most non-residential buildings, either as standalone systems or through district heat networks.
- Public sector leadership: Government buildings are expected to decarbonise faster than commercial properties, setting an example and stabilising heat pump supply chains.
- Energy efficiency improvements: Measures such as building automation, improved insulation, and energy management systems will be crucial in reducing operational emissions.
- Electricity price reform: The high cost of electricity relative to gas is a barrier to the transition. Government action is needed to rebalance energy prices to incentivise electrification.
Households play a significant role in emissions reduction, contributing to one-third of the total abatement required by 2040. The Carbon Budget identifies key changes that will help drive this transition.
Key household actions
- Adopting low-carbon technologies: Transitioning to electric vehicles and heat pumps are the most impactful actions.
- Reducing energy use: Households can lower emissions through energy-saving practices, such as thermostat adjustments and improved insulation.
- Sustainable consumption: Reducing meat and dairy consumption and making informed choices about travel and product usage will further contribute to emissions reduction.
- Government and industry support: Policies must ensure affordability and accessibility of low-carbon solutions, particularly for low-income households.
The role of the building services industry
The Seventh Carbon Budget makes it clear that rapid decarbonisation of the built environment is essential to meeting Net Zero targets. The building services sector must adapt to new regulations, enhance energy efficiency, and accelerate the transition to low-carbon heating and ventilation solutions.
The UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard (UKNZCBS) is a comprehensive framework designed to guide the construction industry in creating buildings that align with the UK's Net Zero Strategy. It provides mandatory performance and construction quality requirements, focusing on areas such as upfront carbon and operational energy efficiency. This Standard is crucial for meeting the decarbonisation targets outlined in the UK's Seventh Carbon Budget, which emphasises significant emissions reductions in the building sector. CIBSE plays a pivotal role in this initiative, collaborating with leading organizations to develop and promote the Standard, ensuring the industry has the necessary guidance to achieve net zero carbon buildings.
Dr. Anastasia Mylona, CIBSE's Technical Director commented: "The path to Net Zero for the built environment is both challenging and transformative. It requires coordinated action from all stakeholders, particularly within the building services sector. At CIBSE, we are committed to supporting the industry in adopting low-carbon technologies and driving innovation to ensure a sustainable and energy-efficient future."
Key actions for the industry include expanding the installation of heat pumps and district low carbon heating networks, fostering innovation in energy-efficient building designs, working with policymakers to ensure enabling regulations, and leading public awareness campaigns to encourage sustainable building choices. The Seventh Carbon Budget presents both challenges and opportunities for the building sector. By embracing this transition, the industry can play a critical role in achieving a Net Zero future while promoting economic growth and sustainability.
The Seventh Carbon Budget can be accessed HERE