A new task group is being launched by the UK Green Building Council to help define and build support for an ambitious definition of zero carbon for non domestic buildings that works for industry.
The policy for all new non domestic buildings to be zero carbon from 2019 was introduced by the Labour Government in 2008. The Coalition Government has recommitted to the target and announced in July that it would strengthen energy efficiency standards for new non-domestic buildings from April 2014.

UK-GBC's members include architects, developers, contractors, product manufacturers and others who will be tasked with delivering zero carbon buildings from 2019.

However, there is still no clear definition of zero carbon for non domestic buildings. The new Task Group will enable industry to investigate and recommend a way forward, as well as building the business and economic case for action.

Chair of the new Task Group, Sarah Cary, who is sustainable developments executive at British Land, said: 'I'm delighted to be chairing this new Task Group to take forward the definition of zero carbon for non domestic buildings. The implementation date for zero carbon non domestic - 2019 - is not very far away and the earlier we can get clarity on the definition, the better for industry.

She continued: 'This group offers a chance for industry to set out what it thinks should happen next, and help build a strong business and economic case for action.'

Sponsored by British Land and Saint-Gobain, the Task Group will launch its final report in February 2014.