The Standard is an initiative backed by the BBP, BRE, Carbon Trust, CIBSE, IStructE, LETI, RIBA, RICS and the UKGBC, which establishes a definition for a Net Zero Carbon Building for each of the main sectors and building typologies in UK real estate.

The Pilot Version of the Standard was published in September 2024, and over 200 individual projects are currently involved in a Programme of testing the detailed application of the rule book against real world issues of design, construction and operation.

In May 2025, an open tender and a PQQ was issued for the appointment of a Verification Administrator in order to put in place a structure for building owners and occupiers to apply for confirmation of their conformity to the Standard, once Version 1 is published at the end of this year.

Appointment of a chief executive

David Partridge, chair of the Governance Board of the Standard, explained: “It is hugely important that we put in place a robust and long lasting structure to take the Standard forward, after the publication of Version 1 at the end of this year – which has involved a truly radical collaboration between so many members of the UK real estate industry, over the last 3 years.

Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard Limited (NZCBS Ltd), is a not-for-profit company set up by the Founding Members behind the Standard, to own it and to operate the process of verifying compliance, as well as keeping the Standard updated and producing future Versions of it. Appointing Katie Clemence-Jackson as our CEO, is a big statement of intent – her job will be to set up the executive secretariat that will run NZCBS Ltd and the Standard and ensure that its future is secure.”

Katie Clemence-Jackson is a leading light in the Net Zero space, and she has been involved with the Standard for some years. She is a CIBSE member and the Chair of CIBSE’s Sustainability Special Interest Group. She previously chaired the Standard’s Technical Steering Group, culminating in the publication of the Pilot Version, last year.

She said, “Providing meaningful, measurable decarbonisation in the UK built environment sector is something about which I care deeply. Having previously chaired the Standard’s Technical Steering Group, I have seen first-hand the fantastic contributions that have shaped it; both from the Standard’s technical specialists, and from expert volunteers across the industry. In my new role as CEO, I will take the lead on continuing the Standard’s trailblazing trajectory, and building the firm foundations and connections it needs to continue making a huge impact across the country.”

To find out more about the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard please visit https://www.nzcbuildings.co.uk/