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Net Zero Public Sector Buildings Standard

The Net Zero Public Buildings Standard, developed by the Scottish Government, is a voluntary standard for all new and major refurbishment projects in the built environment. 

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At SCAPE Scotland, we recognise the urgency of taking action now to shape a sustainable future. Together with our delivery partners, we are committed to providing solutions that support Scotland’s goal of achieving Net Zero emissions of all greenhouse gases by 2045.

Where to start with Net Zero

01

Know your estate

02

Planning and strategy

03

Interventions

04

Target setting

05

Delivery

Know your estate

understand the carbon footprint of what you have now, how much energy do your buildings use and how energy efficient are they.

    Planning and strategy

    work out how you’re going to get from where you are to where you want to be. Ask yourself as an asset operator what do I have to do to get to net zero.

      Interventions

      ask yourself is this a one hit fix or if I am going to retrofit progressively with small interventions.

        Target setting

        work out in specific terms, the building performance you want. Prioritise what is important in a project. Setting building performance and whole life carbon targets is a huge motivational factor on your team and the project supply chain.

          Delivery

          get a collaborative team to work to deliver those targets. You can no longer afford the inefficiency of working in silos. Put your project team together at the earliest stage.

            Net zero terminology

            It's important to understand key terminology when exploring the Net Zero Public Sector Buildings Standard.

            Net Zero definitions to be aware of:

            • Net zero embodied carbon | where total carbon emissions from construction processes and activity, as well as maintenance and end of life management are equal to or less than zero.
            • Net zero in operation | where total carbon emissions from energy use in the building are equal to or less than zero.
            • Offsetting carbon emissions | the process of reducing or removing carbon dioxide to compensate for emissions released.
            • Whole life carbon assessment | the analysis and review of a building's carbon impact on the environment.
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            Solutions for low carbon building

            We have identified vital steps to help you design, build, verify and maintain zero carbon developments throughout your projects lifecycle.

            Our delivery guide presents our Life Cycle procurement solution, the UK’s first framework procurement solution tailored to support delivery and accreditation of net zero buildings.

            Covering new build and refurbishment projects, our guide demonstrates how SCAPE Scotland’s construction frameworks enable simple compliance with the Net Zero Public Building Standard in Scotland - from strategy to in-use performance verification.

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            Your go to guide

            Discover essential steps for low carbon building

            Learn how you can design, build, verify and maintain zero carbon developments throughout your projects lifecycle.