The NHS Net Zero Building Standard, published on 22nd February 2023, provides technical guidance to support the development of sustainable, resilient, and energy efficient buildings that meet the needs of patients now and in the future.

Developed together with healthcare, industry, and sustainability partners, the Standard will support the NHS to get ready for and align with UK Government building requirements, as well as meet its commitments to deliver a net zero health service by 2045. The NHS became the world’s first health service to commit to becoming net zero in response to the profound threat to health presented by climate change.

While the approach to managing whole life carbon in the Standard is relevant to all healthcare buildings, the Standard will apply to all investments in new buildings and upgrades to existing facilities that are subject to HM Treasury business case approval process and are at pre-strategic outline business case approval stage from 1 October 2023 onwards. This will result in reduced carbon emissions and incremental improvements in the NHS building stock, ensuring consistency, standardisation, and equity across the NHS estate over time.

The Standard will be periodically updated in collaboration with NHS organisations, partners, and suppliers, to ensure it remains current and relevant, as technology and modern methods of construction advance and evolve.

NHS Net Zero Building Standard
NHS Net Zero Building Standard User Guide
Net Building Standards Compliance Matrix
NHS Net Zero Building Standards Whole Life Carbon Compliance Tool
NHS Net Zero Building Standards Design Management Tool
NHS Net Zero Building Standard – Operational Energy and Carbon Compliance Reporting Tool