Whether you’re in the commercial or residential sector, achieving a Net Zero building is a high priority for many within the built environment.
According to the 2019 government legislation, embedding a ‘Net Zero 2050’ target for carbon dioxide emissions is a key aim, and one which paves the way for a cleaner, more sustainable future for the UK.
What is a Net Zero Carbon Building?
Net Zero carbon buildings can be described in two ways: how it is constructed and how it is used.
Net Zero Carbon in Construction
Those within the construction industry can incorporate net zero carbon initiatives within the design of their project, through the use of offsets or the net export of on-site renewable energy.
Net Zero Carbon in Operational Buildings
This is important if you are responsible for the carbon emissions within your building (for example, your place of work).
When the amount of carbon emissions associated with the building’s operational energy on an annual basis is zero or negative, a building is classified as net zero carbon in operation.
A net zero carbon building is highly energy efficient and powered from on-site and/or off-site renewable energy sources, with any remaining carbon balance offset. (source).
The Sustain Quality Net Zero Offering
At Sustain Quality, we provide the following services to help you achieve your net zero aims, whether you are involved in the construction of a built environment, or in charge of the operations within a building. They are:
- SAP
- SBEM
- Energy Statement
- BREEAM
SAP Calculations to Achieve Net Zero
Standard Assessment Procedures, or SAP Calculations , are used to compile data for Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs), which are required for any new residential property.
Specifically, SAP calculations help define the design process of these developments, and they must pass certain criteria in order for Building Control to sign off on the development of any new residential property.
Required by law since 1995, if a development fails to pass an SAP calculation, then it’s likely not able to be legally rented or sold.
To learn more about our SAP calculation process, download our free guide today.
SBEM Calculations to Achieve Net Zero
Unlike SAP calculations, which are for residential properties, the Simplified Building Energy Model (SBEM) is required for commercial buildings. These include:
- Shops
- Offices
- Factories
- Schools
- Warehouses
- Pubs
- Restaurants
- Town halls
SBEM calculations are important during both the ‘as design’ and ‘as built’ stage of a construction, and it utilises the latest government approved energy assessment software to formulate its results.
Find your free guide to SBEM calculations here
Energy Statement
An Energy Statement is a detailed calculation report submitted with a planning application which shows that a development will achieve the local authority’s emissions target.
As previously stated, new houses or apartment blocks will each need a Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) calculation to be completed.
Any building, which is not a dwelling, will require a Simplified Building Energy Model (SBEM) calculation.
BREEAM
A BREEAM assessment helps clients manage and mitigate risk through demonstrating sustainability performance during planning, design, construction, operation or refurbishment. This helps to lower running costs, maximise returns through market value, and attract and retain tenants and employees with desirable places to live and work.
Conclusion
We hope you’re now clearer about net zero carbon buildings, and how we can help you achieve this. Contact our team today and let us help you start delivering on your net zero goals.
Simply call 01372 438 039 or fill out the form below.
Want to find out more? Fill in the form below and one of our team will be in touch soon.
About Us
Our friendly team of engineers deliver sustainability and compliance solutions for developments in the commercial and residential sectors. We help organisations to maximise the environmental, social and governance (ESG) value of their buildings with a sustainability strategy that can be measured and improved over time.
Contact us at:
Sustain Quality Ltd
PO Box 393
COBHAM
KT11 3EL
01372 438039
