Operational Carbon Clarifications

Operational carbon is addressed by reducing building energy use intensity and then meeting any remaining energy needs with on- or off-site renewable energy sources. Renewable energy sources must be new and owned by or attributed solely to the project in question. Combustion is not allowed in new Zero Carbon buildings.

As Zero Carbon is a performance-based standard, both the energy use of the building and the production of the renewable energy system(s) must be monitored to show that a net-zero energy balance is achieved over a continuous twelve-month performance period.

The sections below provide detailed guidance on satisfying the operational carbon requirements.