image for illustration: Palace of Westminster from the dome on Methodist Central Hall, © User: Colin / Wikimedia Commons
The UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard (NZCBS) is a voluntary standard, derived from ‘an unprecedented collaborative effort’, that is applicable to new build, existing buildings and retrofits, with a version 1 consultation now out.
NZCBS writes:
It is science-led, created by the industry, for the industry, through an unprecedented collaborative effort. Version 1 was published in March 2026. It has been updated for clarity and usability following Pilot Testing and wider industry feedback. It includes additional Annexes covering landlord- and tenant-only routes to verification, and an optional verified check at Practical Completion to determine whether a building is on track. A summary of changes can be found in Resources.
If you have any comments about version 1, please submit your feedback via this survey. Verification to the Standard will open soon, in Q2 of 2026.
