Riba calls for more flexibility on zero carbon targets

Office design news from Morgan Lovell

Published on 25-03-2009

The Royal Institute of British Architects (Riba) has called for the government to implement a "more flexible" definition of "zero carbon" for non-domestic buildings.

In response to the Definition of Zero framework which outlined the government's plans for 80 per cent emissions reductions by 2050 the organisation has claimed that more needs to be done to enable businesses to achieve their low-carbon goals.

However, the organisation stated a need to clarify the difference between renewable energy sources and true zero carbon output and further, that measures such as biomass and district heating systems to be classified under energy efficiency rather than energy generation.

Alan Shingler, head of sustainability at Sheppard Robson - who led Riba's response - said: "It is imperative that the definition and its implication become more transparent for both prospective purchasers and investors. The industry will always need a trailblazer and the ultimate aspiration to achieve true zero carbon should be encouraged."

Meanwhile, John Alker, of the UK Green Building Council, recently commented that the government has to come up with new policies regarding sustainable design for non-residential buildings across the country.