BRE Welcomes 'Carbon Reduction In New Non-Domestic Buildings' Report

BRE welcomes the publication this week of the UK Green Building Council’s new report 'Carbon Reduction In New Non-Domestic Buildings'. Commissioned by CLG, the report is the result of several months of work by a number of UK-GBC members, including BRE, who have shared data and collaborated in the project.

The report confirms:

• It is possible to reduce carbon emissions from energy use down to zero in the majority of new non-domestic buildings, as long as onsite, near-site and offsite renewable solutions are employed.
• There is a cost associated with building to zero carbon. Cost varies widely with both the form and the use of the building. However, preliminary modelling suggests that the premium could range from over 30% down to as low as 5 or 10% of current baseline costs.
• A challenging yet achievable timeframe for achieving zero carbon new non-domestic buildings along the lines set for housing is needed. With a trajectory in place similar to that adopted for the Code for Sustainable Homes, then a deadline of 2020 could be adopted.

A full copy of the report is available (PDF file, opens new window) from Communities and Local Government’s website.

Welcoming the report, Dr Martin Wyatt, Chief Executive of the BRE Group said: 'BRE has worked long and hard to provide tools and advice to reduce carbon emissions in the non-domestic sector. Our BREEAM methodology is widely adopted by developers, designers and others in commercial buildings, especially offices and we look forward to fully participating in UKGBC efforts and with others to bring about the report’s recommendations.'