Sarah Butler, Business Case lead at Drees & Sommer UK, explores what the NHS Net Zero Building Standard means for NHS Trusts, the challenges they may face, and why the role of the Net Zero Carbon Coordinator is vital. Scott Rushton, Associate at Drees & Sommer UK, adds his expertise as a Net Zero Carbon and Sustainability specialist to explain the purpose of the role, and why engaging with sufficiently qualified experts is key.
Published in February 2023, the NHS Net Zero Building Standard (NHS NZBS) represents a critical step towards sustainable, energy-efficient healthcare facilities in the UK, supporting the NHS’s goal of achieving Net Zero carbon emissions by 2040. The scale of the sustainability challenge facing the NHS is underlined by the fact that its estate currently accounts for 15% of all of the organisation’s annual emissions, while the NHS itself makes up more than 40% of all public sector emissions each year.
To address the organisation’s carbon footprint, the NHS NZBS provides detailed technical guidance for the development of new buildings and major upgrades to existing facilities. This guidance aligns with the UK Government’s sustainability targets, requiring adherence to specific criteria for energy efficiency and resilience.
The NHS NZBS is mandatory for every investment in new buildings and upgrades to existing facilities that are subject to the HM Treasury business case approval process, making compliance with the NHS NZBS a cornerstone of project planning and execution. However, the lack of a widespread public roll-out has left many NHS Trusts unaware of the standard, which could potentially stall vital infrastructure projects, as it risks them not getting the sign-off they need.
The Net Zero Carbon Coordinator
Log in or register FREE to read the rest
This story is Premium Content and is only available to registered users. Please log in at the top of the page to view the full text.
If you don't already have an account, please register with us completely free of charge.
