Question · Action Scorecards 2025
Two-tier criteria
First tier criteria met if the council requires new homes to be operationally net zero with the policy implemented from 2030 to 2040.
Second tier criteria met if the council requires new homes to be operationally net zero with the policy already implemented since 2019 or with implementation by 2030.
Any date to implement the policy after 2040 would not be awarded points.
This would be equivalent for Scottish authorities to mandate the 'Platinum' building standard for carbon emissions for all new buildings.
For operationally net zero policies, we will accept those that define this as only concerning regulated emissions. Definitions for operationally net zero and regulated emissions are below.
Operationally net zero: "When the amount of carbon emissions associated with the building’s operational energy on an annual basis is zero or negative. A net zero carbon building is highly energy efficient and powered from on-site and/or off-site renewable energy sources, with any remaining carbon balance offset.” Definition from:
https://ukgbc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Net-zero-carbon-buildings-and-infrastructure-pdf.pdf
Regulated emissions: "Emissions generated through building energy consumption resulting from the specification of controlled, fixed building services and fittings, including space heating and cooling, hot water, ventilation, fans, pumps and lighting. Such energy uses are inherent in the design of a building." For more information: https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Regulated_and_unregulated_energy_consumption
If the council is achieving net zero homes through cash-in-lieu contributions or offsets this will not count for this question. However, if the council provides an exception that offsetting is allowed where a net zero home may not be technically feasible this will still be valid.
When marking the Planning section we will assess a Regulation 19 draft local plan or the latest adopted Local Plan or Supplementary Planning Document from the council.