The recent report jointly authored by the Landscape Insitute and BALI highlighted the importance of carbon, calculation and working methodologies across the Landscape Industry.
But where is the rest of the industry in their journey to Net Zero?
Turns out - definitely further ahead than we are.
But we shouldn’t be seen in isolation. I think there is a strong argument to begin aligning our standards with the hard work that has already been undertaken by UKGBC, RICS, LETI et.al. The LI are beginning this journey now so this may change as our understanding improves, but at least we have a starting point.
There’s an opportunity here to set ambitious targets for material reuse, c02eq/m2 limits, waste, and sequestration targets per project type, specific to the Landscape Sector.
Current Standards
Currently, the UKGBC are producing an agreed Standard for Net Zero buildings set to be released in 2024. They have gone through a consultation and collaboration process, with the latest update linked below:
Link to UKGBC Standards update
This does not apply to infrastructure, or external works.
UKGBC Net Zero Standards:
- Due for release 2024, but the principles have been consulted among a wide volunteer group and their relevant sector organisations (RIBA, RICS, ICE, etc).
- No inclusion of External Works within the initial standard (primarily due to a lack of data).
- Biogenic carbon (carbon stored in timber products) to be calculated separately.
- Limits set for C02eq/m2 for different types of buildings (homes, schools, offices, etc)
The RICS has a standard for measuring whole life carbon which will outline the standard for measurement of carbon in the built environment. A good summary is quoted below from RICS
In the UK, RICS is part of a cross-industry group collaborating to develop the UK Net Zero Carbon Building Standard (NZCBS), which will set out metrics by which net-zero carbon performance is evaluated for buildings. The measurement of carbon emissions to meet the standard will be in accordance with the RICS WLCA standard, and the repository where the data is submitted and stored for benchmarking will be the Built Environment Carbon Database (BECD).
So to put it even more simply:
Other Standards
Other relevant standards and a brief summary
‘PAS2080 2023 Carbon management in buildings and infrastructure’
PAS 2080 is a high-level framework that guides carbon management in infrastructure projects but does not provide detailed calculation methods, specific technical guidance, or enforceable compliance mechanisms. Anyone using PAS 2080 will need to complement it with other standards, tools, and best practices to achieve comprehensive carbon management.
ISO 14040 and ISO 14044: • ISO 14040: Environmental management – Life cycle assessment – Principles and framework. • ISO 14044: Environmental management – Life cycle assessment – Requirements and guidelines.
These standards provide the framework and guidelines for conducting life cycle assessments (LCA), which are crucial for calculating embodied carbon, and EPDs
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