Standards
Our values confirm we’re committed to achieving the highest levels of professionalism in our work. We therefore operate continuously in accordance with the most robust and recognised relevant national and global standards or frameworks. These include:
UK Green Building Council
Net Zero Buildings Framework
The UK Green Building Council framework sets out guidelines for achieving and verifying net zero carbon buildings during construction and operation. This has been superseded by the recent publication of the UK Net Zero Carbon Building’s Standard (see below) however the framework is to be revised to act as supporting guidance to the new standard.
An industry network, led by its more than 700 members, the UKGBC aims to “radically transform” the built environment’s sustainability. The organisation’s goals include influencing policy and encouraging change to buildings, communities, cities and infrastructure, so people and nature thrive.
UKGBC’s key output has included its Renewable Energy Procurement and Carbon Offsetting Guidance for Net Zero Carbon Buildings. Published in March 2021, that advice assists developers, designers, owners, occupants and policy makers.
An industry network, led by its more than 700 members, the UKGBC aims to “radically transform” the built environment’s sustainability. The organisation’s goals include influencing policy and encouraging change to buildings, communities, cities and infrastructure, so people and nature thrive.
UKGBC’s key output has included its Renewable Energy Procurement and Carbon Offsetting Guidance for Net Zero Carbon Buildings. Published in March 2021, that advice assists developers, designers, owners, occupants and policy makers.
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors’ Professional Statement on Whole Life Carbon Assessment
This document sets the standards for whole life carbon assessments in the built environment. It ensures a rigorous approach to measuring and reducing carbon emissions throughout a building’s lifecycle. The second edition of the statement became effective in July 2024.
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) is a leading professional body. With a heritage spanning over 150 years, it sets the standard for over 130,000 members and candidates.
These operators work in the development and management of land, real estate, construction and infrastructure, in more than 140 countries globally. They help to create and protect built and natural environments that are sustainable, resilient and inclusive for all.
RICS works in the public interest to advance knowledge, uphold standards, and inspire current and future professionals. Staff work with members, collaborating to support them in their practices and build connections.
The organisation sets qualifications and regulates independently chartered professionals and firms, with the aims of building trust and confidence among their clients and consumers.
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) is a leading professional body. With a heritage spanning over 150 years, it sets the standard for over 130,000 members and candidates.
These operators work in the development and management of land, real estate, construction and infrastructure, in more than 140 countries globally. They help to create and protect built and natural environments that are sustainable, resilient and inclusive for all.
RICS works in the public interest to advance knowledge, uphold standards, and inspire current and future professionals. Staff work with members, collaborating to support them in their practices and build connections.
The organisation sets qualifications and regulates independently chartered professionals and firms, with the aims of building trust and confidence among their clients and consumers.
ISO 14064-3, 14065 and 14066
These documents are produced by the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO), a global federation of national standard-setting bodies.
The ISO 14060 family of benchmarks provides clarity and consistency for quantifying, monitoring, reporting and validating or verifying greenhouse gas emissions and removals. It aims to support sustainable development through a low-carbon economy and to benefit organisations, project proponents and other interested parties worldwide.
ISO 14064-3 contains guidance for verifying and validating greenhouse gas claims. It advocates third party verification of all an organisation’s carbon reporting. GBTS staff have undertaken lead verifier training and we’re working towards accreditation as an organisation.
We also operate to the standards of ISO 14065 and 14066. The first of these specifies principles and requirements for bodies performing validation and verification of environmental information statements. The second sets out competence requirements for teams carrying out this work.
The ISO 14060 family of benchmarks provides clarity and consistency for quantifying, monitoring, reporting and validating or verifying greenhouse gas emissions and removals. It aims to support sustainable development through a low-carbon economy and to benefit organisations, project proponents and other interested parties worldwide.
ISO 14064-3 contains guidance for verifying and validating greenhouse gas claims. It advocates third party verification of all an organisation’s carbon reporting. GBTS staff have undertaken lead verifier training and we’re working towards accreditation as an organisation.
We also operate to the standards of ISO 14065 and 14066. The first of these specifies principles and requirements for bodies performing validation and verification of environmental information statements. The second sets out competence requirements for teams carrying out this work.
UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard
The pilot version of the UK Net Zero Buildings Standard was launched in September 2024. It is the UK’s first industry-wide standard stipulating net zero carbon requirements for all major building types. The standard has been the result of collaboration between major industry bodies including the:
The thinking behind the initiative is, while progress has been made in defining a net zero building, there’s a clear demand for one agreed methodology. The standard enables the built environment sector to prove its buildings are truly net zero carbon and in line with the UK’s overall climate targets.
We’re proactively integrating this upcoming standard into our services, thereby preparing to meet the latest industry benchmarks for carbon neutrality in the built environment sector.
We’re proactively integrating this upcoming standard into our services, thereby preparing to meet the latest industry benchmarks for carbon neutrality in the built environment sector.
Have Questions?
Get in touch
If you’re interested in our services or would like to discuss your needs further, please contact us.