The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is the United Nations body for assessing climate change science. Its latest report warns that humans have warmed the earth at an unprecedented rate and, if we are to limit the damage, humanity must take immediate action to reduce CO₂ emissions.

The construction sector, as a significant emitter, will play a key role in meeting the UK government's net zero and decarbonisation goals. From a housebuilding perspective, the Future Homes Delivery Plan (Plan) gives the UK housebuilding sector a roadmap for achieving net zero by 2050. It aims for:

"Future high-quality homes that are zero carbon ready, sustainable, while being healthy, safe and comfortable from 2025; places and developments that are consistently low carbon, nature-rich, resilient, healthy, well designed and beautiful by 2025; production and construction methods that are net zero and sustainable by 2050 with substantial progress by 2025 and 2030; and businesses operations in line with the Race to Zero: net zero by 2050 with a 50% reduction by 2030".

Implementation of the Plan, which prioritises sector-wide collaboration and putting the customer "at the heart of change", will be supported by The Future Homes Hub (launching autumn 2021). The hub will be subject to independent governance, establish industry-wide metrics and monitoring methods, and support housebuilders in meeting the Future Homes Standard (which aims to reduce fossil fuel use and increase energy efficiency).

Net zero targets require housebuilders to reassess operations from design to end of life recycling as a matter of urgency. Many have decarbonisation plans already in place. For those that do not, the Plan is essential reading.

This article was first published by Construction Law on 1 October 2021 here.