Glossary definition
Zero Carbon
A development standard where a building produces net zero carbon emissions over its operational lifetime, achieved through energy-efficient design, renewable energy generation, and carbon offsetting. The Future Homes Standard, expected to be implemented through Part L of the Building Regulations, will require new homes built from 2025 to produce 75-80% less carbon emissions than current standards.
Definition
A development standard where a building produces net zero carbon emissions over its operational lifetime, achieved through energy-efficient design, renewable energy generation, and carbon offsetting. The Future Homes Standard, expected to be implemented through Part L of the Building Regulations, will require new homes built from 2025 to produce 75-80% less carbon emissions than current standards. Achieving zero carbon certification can increase build costs by 5-10% but may command premium sale prices and attract ESG-focused institutional investors.
See also
Closely related terms.
Building Regulations
The statutory standards that all building work in England and Wales must comply with, covering structural integrity, fire safety, energy efficiency, drainage, and accessibility.
Build Cost
The total cost of construction works on a development project, typically including materials, labour, preliminaries, and contractor margins.
Gross Development Value
The total market value of a development upon completion, encompassing all units and any commercial elements.
Further reading
Guides that touch this term.
Guide
Can I Get Development Finance With No Track Record?
An eligibility guide for developers without a completed scheme. We explain which lenders will consider you, exactly what they check, and the lower leverage and higher pricing to expect.
5 min read readReadGuide
UK Development Finance Market Overview: Lenders, Appetite, Outlook
An overview of the UK development finance market, covering the lender landscape, appetite by asset class and location, the trends shaping terms and what developers should expect over the coming 12 months.
9 min read readRead
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