Abstract

The NHS has recently published the new Net Zero Carbon Building Standard to consider the whole-life carbon implications of the healthcare estate in England. This ground-breaking, first-of-a-kind, healthcare standard sets specific project targets for performance, energy consumption and embodied carbon.

The standard sets out the aspirations for operational and embodied carbon within NHS England healthcare projects, providing guidance on approaches to achieve project-specific targets.

To meet the aspirations of the standard, clients, designers and advisors will need to embed ‘carbon thinking’ into a project; whether new-build or refurbishment.

But what does this mean practically?

Achieving a low-carbon design will need us to think differently about the way we procure, design, and construct building projects. Traditional approaches will need to be challenged, embedding holistic design from the outset and setting clear key performance indicators for the future construction phase.

Early engagement is crucial – ensuring the right people are at the table to make data-driven decisions, supported by better modelling of the proposals made.

Suppliers will need to provide better information on their environmental credentials to support specification and procurement.

And all of this comes in the context of supporting and competing drivers of digitisation, social value, modern methods of construction, and, of course, excellent clinical service delivery.