Overview

The Carbon Emissions (Buildings) Bill aims to reduce the carbon footprint of buildings in England and Wales by mandating the reporting of whole-life carbon emissions and setting limits on embodied carbon during construction. This will apply to new buildings and significant renovations of existing buildings exceeding certain size thresholds.

Description

This bill amends the Building Regulations 2010. Key changes include:

• Whole-Life Carbon Reporting: For new buildings or extensions over 1000m² or creating over 10 dwellings, whole-life carbon emissions (operational and embodied) must be calculated and reported using an approved methodology and platform. This reporting is required before and after construction.
• Embodied Carbon Limits: The Secretary of State will set target upfront embodied carbon emission rates. Building work cannot exceed these limits.
• Accreditation Scheme: A whole-life carbon assessor accreditation scheme will be established to ensure consistent and accurate carbon assessments. Competent persons can also conduct assessments using approved tools until the scheme is approved.
• Phased Implementation: The reporting requirements for whole-life carbon will apply to non-dwellings from December 31st, 2023 and dwellings from January 1st, 2025. Embodied carbon limits will come into force on January 1st, 2027.
• Definitions: The bill provides clear definitions of terms like "whole-life carbon," "embodied carbon," "operational carbon," and "upfront carbon," referencing British Standard BS EN 15978:2011 for guidance.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't specify direct government spending figures. However, costs will likely arise from developing and overseeing the accreditation scheme, establishing the reporting platform, and potential enforcement activities. There may also be indirect costs for businesses needing to adapt their processes to comply with the new regulations.

Groups Affected

• Construction Industry: Builders, architects, and material suppliers will need to adapt their practices to comply with reporting and embodied carbon limits, potentially incurring costs for new technologies and methodologies.
• Local Authorities: Will be responsible for receiving and reviewing carbon emission reports and enforcing compliance.
• Developers: Will face new regulatory hurdles and may experience increased costs when developing large buildings or those exceeding the size thresholds.
• Homeowners: Will indirectly benefit from reductions in carbon emissions, but could potentially face higher building costs for new homes or major renovations if the costs are passed on.
• Whole-life Carbon Assessors: A new professional group will emerge to provide carbon assessment services, subject to the accreditation scheme.

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