The UK is currently not on track to meet its buildings-focused 2030 Net Zero targets, resulting in the introduction of more ambitious standards like the UKNZCBS as a means to accelerate industry change.

Specifically, the built environment is one of the biggest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions (CO2e), with the UK commercial sector producing a significant amount of CO2e. In fact, the UK commercial sector’s average operational carbon emissions are around 20% more than the average for Europe in 2025, according to Deepki research.

From an economic perspective, there is an increased risk of communities, physical assets and workers becoming stranded if we continue to delay this. Research published in IOP Science warns that if the industry doesn’t cut back on carbon intensive investments soon, the value of global stranded capital could rise from $117 trillion to $557 trillion between 2020 and 2030.

To this effect, it’s clear that a “business as usual” approach isn’t enough. Stakeholders need to adopt stronger actions as set out by the Standard to ensure a sustainable future for our communities and the environment. 

What steps can be taken to align with the UKNZCBS?

There are various measures that clients can adopt from decarbonisation strategies to broader sustainability delivery plans to achieve Net Zero Carbon Aligned Buildings. Below, we’ve identified some tactics we have already implemented in our efforts to decarbonise our projects.

Repurposing and modernising existing buildings is usually more effective in limiting carbon emissions than demolishing and constructing new buildings. This typically leads to significantly less upfront carbon, reduced construction costs and faster project delivery.

Clients can add additional value to these projects by using lightweight and lower-carbon alternatives for vertical extensions. For example, our team utilised Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) floor cassettes for the Kensington Building to add two additional floors. This led to a significantly low embodied carbon value of 220kgCO2e/m2 for the whole structure of the building. WSP’s CLT-steel composite floor research with the University of Warwick will help drive further material, money and carbon savings for similar refurbishment projects.  

Applying circular economy to procurement

Manufacturing new materials for construction contributes greatly to fossil fuel emissions. According to a 2024 UN Environmental Programme report, raw material extraction is projected to grow by a whopping 60% by 2060 globally. Comparatively, reusing structural steel can reduce embodied carbon by 97%. Industry uptake is vital to enable materials like steel to be retained at its highest value state to support future reuse. The following materials should be prioritised before using new manufactured items.

Closed loop recycled materials

Closed loop recycled materials refer to products or materials that can be recycled continually into the same product without any degradation to its quality like aluminium, glass and steel. Steel in particular has excellent circular economy properties, and almost all structural steel in the UK comprises entirely of recycled steel – with this being recycled and reused for future projects. We provide pre-demolition audits and utilises material passports to help clients scale closed loop recycling and maximise the use of these materials as much as possible for projects.

Open loop recycled materials

Open loop recycled materials are products or materials that have been recycled into different products with a lower quality, such as concrete. We are currently working with a number of innovative companies who utilise waste materials as aggregates in asphalt and concrete. We reused timber sea groynes for the facade of the Durley Chine Environmental Hub.  

Biogenic materials 

Biogenic materials are derived from living organisms and are usually biodegradable like hemp, eucalyptus, timber bamboo and mycelium. The EU Council has greenlighted a new certification framework for permanent carbon removals, farming and storage of biogenic products – which is expected to significantly increase uptake of these materials in the coming years. We are working with a number of manufacturers to implement MMC hemp-based systems, including Greencore Developments for the delivery of ultra-low carbon homes.  

Integrating passive design 

Passive design leverages the natural environment in place of energy intensive heating, cooling, ventilation and lighting. This can lead to increased energy efficiencies and reduced embodied carbon emissions, as less building services plant is required from the outset.

This was the case with Paddington Square, where our experts worked with the architect to implement double-skin curtain wall units with a ventilated cavity towards the external environment. This utilises BMS-managed blinds and external brise soleil to minimise the amount of sunlight infiltrating the facade, reducing the building’s cooling loads. This meant heat-treated glass could be avoided, limiting embodied carbon in the building services design and creating greater glazing transparency and colour neutrality for broader health and wellbeing benefits.

Additionally, we recently collaborated with the Centre for Window and Cladding Technology (CWCT) to develop a robust carbon calculation methodology and FaCE tool, which our team gifted to the CWCT. Before this tool, calculating embodied carbon for facades was extremely complex, resulting in underreported carbon figures. By creating this valuable tool for the CWCT, we aim to support the industry’s drive towards low-carbon facades.

Creating high performing buildings with smart building solutions 

A smart building integrates data across systems, enabling operational efficiencies and simplified experiences. One such example is our work on the JJ Mack office. Smart building analytics were implemented, allowing the building’s access, climate, lighting operations and lift use to be optimised.

We’re also working with NHS Lanarkshire and Curry & Brown to implement Scotland’s first fully digital hospital. This will integrate three distinct and interconnected digital twins, with each covering a different layer of performance across facilities, clinical processes and patient care to transform operations.

Smart building solutions are critical as they can help close the energy performance gap between design stage assessments and a building’s real-world operational energy use.  

Leveraging flexible and multi-functional designs

Flexible and multi-functional design aims to build spaces that can be easily adapted over time. This allows future modifications to be made without any significant construction needing to take place, thereby, optimising the amount of carbon emissions generated during the work. Examples include adaptable ceiling grids, appropriate structural spans, demountable fittings and connections, and workplaces that can be modified to suit varying requirements. 

With four of our projects being part of the UKNZCBS Pilot Testing Programme, we have extensive experience trialling and testing the limits, targets and reporting requirements set out in the Standard. We’re also members of industry-leading initiatives like SteelZero, ConcreteZero and the Advance Market Commitment (AMC), working with our clients, partners and industry to adopt next-generation, low-carbon solutions on projects.

Our multidisciplinary teams combine technical rigour with practical innovation, from circular economy thinking and modern methods of construction to digital modelling and sector‑specific advisory support, to help you move towards Net Zero Carbon Aligned outcomes.

Want to learn more about how to achieve a Net Zero Carbon Aligned Building status? Get in touch with our sustainability experts today.