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THE UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard (NZCBS) is a step closer to launching this winter with the appointment of Bureau Veritas as the preferred bidder to become the standard’s Verification Administrator.

The Standard is a cross-industry initiative to develop the UK’s first Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard. Leading industry organisations BBP, BRE, the Carbon Trust, CIBSE, IStructE, LETI, RIBA, RICS, and UKGBC have joined forces to champion this initiative.

?As the Verification Administrator, Bureau Veritas is developing a verification framework and methodology. Bureau Veritas will then be formally confirmed in the role, for a two-year exclusivity period, upon launch of the NZCBS standard version 1.

Whilst progress has been made in defining what ‘net zero’ means for buildings in the UK, there’s clear demand for a single, agreed methodology. The UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard will enable industry to prove their built assets are net zero carbon and in line with the UK’s climate targets.

As the verification administrator, Bureau Veritas will run the standard’s verification process. It will also develop a verifier training and accreditation scheme that will open up verification services to the wider industry.

The verification administrator will carry out the initial verifications in-house until the training scheme is available. A key part of the current development work is to define the competencies a verifier will need, including around whole life carbon assessment.

Katie Clemence-Jackson, CEO, UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard, said: “Bureau Veritas is a great fit for the role of Verification Administrator due to their deep understanding of operational energy and embodied carbon, and world-leading experience as a verification body. Together, we are delivering a verification framework that will bring much-needed robustness and credibility to our industry’s Net Zero Carbon claims, and act as a catalyst for the Net Zero transformation we need.”

Niki Hutson, Sustainability Solutions Market Leader, Bureau Veritas, said: “The UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard will fundamentally shift how the industry approaches decarbonisation. Our verification process ensures that ‘net zero’ becomes more than a marketing term – it becomes a measurable, accountable commitment.

“This credibility will unlock green financing, prevent greenwashing, and create a competitive advantage for buildings that genuinely deliver on climate performance. We’re essentially future-proofing the built environment.”

After the launch of Version 1, other organisations will potentially be able to also take on the role, once Bureau Veritas’ two-year exclusivity period as the sole Verification Administrator ends.

Verifying Buildings as Net Zero Carbon Aligned Now

The UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard sets out limits and targets that need to be met in order for a building to be Net Zero Carbon Aligned. It describes the technical evidence needed to demonstrate this, and how it should be reported.

Verification will be launched alongside Version 1 of the Standard, due this winter. Ahead of its release, building owners can start measuring and reporting building performance against the Standard’s requirements, available in the Pilot Version, putting them in a good position to verify once the Standard has been launched.

Sam Wallis, Verification Lead for the Standard said, “We are working to make verification against the Standard the cornerstone of credible net zero carbon claims in the built environment. Third party verification ensures that every claim is backed by robust evidence, and can be benchmarked against real-world performance.

“With Bureau Veritas, we are working to deliver a verification framework built around credibility, rigour, usability and accessibility. The data collected will strengthen the evidence base to inform future versions of the Standard, and drive market transformation – shifting the focus from prediction to proven, measurable, low-carbon outcomes.”

The Process of Verifying a Building as Net Zero Carbon Aligned

Verification takes place after a ‘reporting period’, during which operational energy and upfront embodied carbon data is collected.

Verifiers must be independent third parties, with no involvement in the development or operation of the building being verified. They must also be skilled and knowledgeable in the technical subject areas within which they are verifying. They will review evidence and check that it is robust, following the Standard’s methodology, which is currently being developed with Bureau Veritas.

Buildings will be expected to measure and report data annually to keep their Net Zero Carbon Aligned status.

Steve Highwood, Director (UK Building & Infrastructure CAPEX), Bureau Veritas, said, “As the verification partner, we view the UK Net Zero Building Standard as essential for driving consistency, credibility, and transparency in the construction industry’s decarbonisation journey.

“This trusted benchmark enables us to verify genuine net zero performance, empowering developers, designers, and investors to demonstrate authentic climate leadership while building confidence in our low-carbon future.”

Transforming the Industry

Verification will start to transform the industry, with buildings being able to evidence that they are truly Net Zero Carbon Aligned in line with climate goals?.

The Standard’s metrics are published in the Pilot version, with building owners already starting to measure and report against them in preparation to pursue verification when it the Standard is published.

The robustness and credibility provided by third party verification will support the financing and development of Net Zero Carbon buildings.

Conforming to the Standard will be a badge of honour for buildings to show they are playing their part in the path towards a Net Zero Carbon UK. The data gathered from this process will contribute to industry learning, and the future evolution of the Standard.

Introduction of an “On Track” Check at Practical Completion

Feedback from the industry has highlighted a strong desire for a way to check that buildings are on track to meet the Standard at Practical Completion.

UK NZCBS have consistently heard feedback saying introducing some form of validation at this stage would reduce barriers to uptake, particularly in certain sectors, providing confidence to a range of stakeholders and ultimately supporting the funding and specification of Net Zero Carbon buildings.

In response, there will be an “on track” validity check at Practical Completion. Securing validation will provide evidence that a building could feasibly achieve the Standard in use.

The check will involve reporting progress against each of the Standard’s mandatory requirements. The evidence will be subject to third party verification, with known metrics being verified, and a plausibility check carried out for metrics based on in-use performance.

There will be specific rules about how “on track” validation can be communicated. Notably, it does not indicate that a building has achieved the Standard – which is only possible for buildings with in-use, measured data.

The methodology for “on track” validation at Practical Completion is being developed through a dedicated Working Group, with a new Annex to be launched alongside Version 1 this winter.

What’s Next?

In December findings from the Pilot Testing Programme will be published, including how feedback on the pilot is being addressed in Version 1.

The launch of Version 1 is set for winter 2025/26.

Organisations involved in the Standard include:

Energy emissions have been cut in half by the Zero Carbon Forum’s members over the past five years, according to a report set to be published next month.

The new five-year progress report shows emissions have fallen by 825,000tCO2e a year across the forum’s member businesses during this time.

Zero Carbon Forum convened hospitality and brewing sector CEOs and senior leaders recently to present early insights into sector progress ahead of the report being released.

Adnams, Greene King and Faber CEOs joined a panel to share how they are achieving scaled emission reductions, reducing costs and building resilience.

Andrew Cooke from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero spoke about government support now and in future.

The CEO panel brought together Greene King’s Nick Mackenzie, Adnams’ Jenny Hanlon and Faber’s Anthony Pender.

Adnams have reopened the brewery’s anaerobic digestion plant, funded through a new investment partnership, which will cut 20% of their carbon footprint while lowering energy costs and powering both the brewery and local communities.

“It’s a win-win for us, our investors and our customers,” said Hanlon. “Brewery waste becomes energy, and eventually fuel for our trucks and CO? for our drinks.”

Faber’s Anthony Pender revealed how electrifying kitchens has delivered unexpected value through improved staff welfare and retention.

He said: “We haven’t lost a chef in three years – the working environment is cleaner, safer and easier to run.”

Meanwhile, Greene King’s Nick Mackenzie highlighted how embedding sustainability across the business is driving measurable returns.

Mr Mackenzie said: “Every team has net zero in their KPIs. From building a new brewery using 30% less water to supplier bottle reuse and voltage optimisation, we’re scaling what delivers the strongest ROI.”

Forum founder and CEO Mark Chapman added: “From rethinking menus, reinvesting in waste-to-energy and embedding action into each function, these leaders are proving that sustainability is a driver of profitability and resilience, not a cost.

“My personal favourite is Faber’s twist on a classic to create the Beef and Oyster Pie – the oysters offset the beef’s carbon to create a delicious, carbon-neutral favourite.”

The event also featured a Q&A between Chapman and Andrew Cooke from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ).

DESNZ is working together with Zero Carbon Services, the forum’s climate tech and advisory arm, to deliver free carbon and cost cutting footprints, carbon reduction plans and coaching, to SMEs in the hospitality industry.

Cooke outlined current funding provided to the sector to cut carbon and costs and discussed what policy changes could make the net zero transition more affordable and achievable.

In closing discussions, CEOs identified shared priorities, including cutting energy and waste costs, collaborating to reduce food and drink emissions, and leveraging AI to shape the forum’s next phase of collective action.

Across Ethiopia’s farmland, soil is losing something crucial: organic carbon. This hidden ingredient helps crops grow, holds water in the ground, and keeps the land soft and fertile. When it’s gone, farmers face failed harvests, dry fields, and fewer ways to feed their families.

For rural households that grow crops and raise animals, this kind of loss hits hard. It means less food on the table and more stress during dry spells.

But it’s not just a local issue – soil organic carbon also helps keep carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere. When soils lose carbon, it adds to global warming as well.

Soil sacrificed for survival

One of the biggest problems is that everything that could go back into the soil – straw, manure, and branches – is also needed elsewhere.

Families burn crop residues for cooking. They feed straw to livestock, and manure might be used to heat homes. Every handful of organic matter becomes a choice: warm the house, feed the animals, or protect the soil.

This isn’t just about farming. It’s about survival. And the pressure is getting worse. Scientists expect that by 2070, Ethiopia will be about 4°F (2.2°C) hotter and much drier. That kind of heat makes organic matter in the soil break down even faster. The land loses nutrients, and it happens faster than it can recover.

Time machine for soil carbon

Instead of measuring every field, which would take forever, scientists built a computer model of the soil. It’s called RothC, and it simulates how carbon levels in the soil change over time.

The experts ran this model using real data on local soils, weather patterns, and farming habits. Then they tested eight different scenarios.

Four farming methods – ranging from business-as-usual to using 50 percent more organic material in fields – and two climate conditions: one like today, and one reflecting the hotter, drier future.

This created a kind of time machine. It showed what could happen to soil carbon from now through 2070 depending on how people farm and how the climate shifts.

Tiny soil changes, lasting results

The computer model produced very tangible results: adding more manure to fields, leaving straw in place instead of burning it, planting legumes and cover crops, and growing hedges along the edges of fields to slow erosion. These are small steps – but they add up.

The tricky part is that someone has to do that extra work – and in many Ethiopian households, that someone is usually a woman.

Building manure sheds, hauling straw, and planting extra crops all take time and energy. They also require community decisions: Who gets to graze their animals where? Who buys the seeds? Who sets the rules?

Tailoring survival to the land

The study found that solutions must fit the land. In western Ethiopia, where rainfall is higher, soils can store significant amounts of carbon when farming practices improve.

But in the east, where it’s much drier, even big efforts don’t make as much of a difference.

That means there’s no single plan that works everywhere. Instead, the science gives a roadmap. It shows which areas have the most potential to store carbon and which areas need to focus on adapting to tough conditions instead.

Warming speeds the loss

In the best-case scenario – no additional warming and improved farming practices – some areas could gain up to 13 tons of carbon per hectare (about 5.2 tons per acre) over 50 years.

But with hotter, drier weather, those gains are cut in half. In some cases, the soil still loses carbon even with major efforts to restore it.

This also means inequality will grow. Some regions might earn income by storing carbon – through future carbon credit systems or climate funding. Others may just have to do what they can to hang on.

Choices that shape the land

The people most affected by these changes make hard choices every day. Do they burn wood to cook dinner or leave it on the land to protect the soil? Do they feed the cow now, or leave straw in the field to help next season’s crops grow?

These aren’t just technical questions – they’re political ones. Keeping carbon in the soil requires more than good advice – it requires investment.

Communities need access to cleaner energy so they don’t burn crop residues. They need shared manure storage and financial support to make these changes possible.

Grassroots action for the soil

The study suggests starting with what’s doable: keeping some crop residues in the field, storing manure more effectively, and setting clear rules about grazing. These are low-cost actions that communities can manage themselves.

From there, they can scale up – adding legumes and cover crops, planting trees, and building up organic matter. But none of this should fall entirely on women’s shoulders.

Making this transition fair means reducing their workload and giving them better access to tools, training, and inputs.

Local governments also play a crucial role. They must focus their efforts – investing where it matters most and offering tailored solutions where potential is lower. They also need to support regulations on how biomass is used and promote clean energy options that reduce pressure on natural resources.

Funding the fight for fertility

Then there’s the issue of funding. Without financial backing, these plans won’t move beyond paper. But if farmers are compensated for storing carbon – or if incentives can cover the extra labor – then carbon farming could become a genuine opportunity rather than just more work.

Even with the challenges of climate change, Ethiopian soils can grow strong again. But recovery isn’t just about the weather or the science – it’s about organizing communities, investing in smarter systems, and ensuring that the people who work the land have the resources they need.

Soil carbon isn’t just chemistry – it’s the foundation of future harvests, family meals, and national survival.

The full study was published in the journal Environmental and Sustainability Indicators.

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Jakarta, 21 May 2025 – ASEAN, the Government of Japan, and UNDP officially launched the ASEAN Blue Carbon and Finance Profiling (ABCF) Project today in Jakarta, marking a major step forward in the region’s efforts to strengthen the sustainable management of blue carbon ecosystems. The blue carbon profiling will involve identifying, mapping, and valuing carbon stored in marine and freshwater ecosystems, using the best available science, satellite technology, and field assessments. This ambitious initiative aims to unlock innovative financing solutions that drive climate resilience and inclusive economic growth across the region in all ASEAN countries and Timor Leste.

Funded by the Government of Japan and implemented by UNDP Indonesia in coordination with the ASEAN Coordinating Task Force on Blue Economy (ACTF-BE), the ASEAN Blue Carbon and Finance Profiling (ABCF) Project is aligned with the objectives of the ASEAN Blue Economy Framework. The project aims to strengthen technical capacity to assess carbon stocks, develop robust blue carbon profiles, and integrate blue carbon strategies into national and regional development plans across ASEAN and Timor Leste.

Building on the earlier ASEAN Blue Economy Innovation Project—also supported by the Government of Japan—the ABCF Project underscores ASEAN’s commitment to a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable blue economy. By aligning policy, finance, and science-based approach, the project helps unlock the untapped climate and economic value of the region’s marine and coastal ecosystems.

“Blue economy has emerged as a vital driver of growth while ensuring the preservation of water resource ecosystems in ASEAN,” said H.E. Mr. Satvinder Singh, Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for the ASEAN Economic Community. “The blue carbon market, though nascent, is emerging as a potential revenue stream for countries investing in conservation and restoration. The ABCF Project will support the Member States in developing strategic, science-based, and finance-ready policies to unlock the full potential of blue carbon ecosystems.”

Southeast Asia is home to approximately 33% of the world’s seagrass beds and nearly 40% of known tropical peatlands, representing about 6% of global peatland resources. Despite their critical role in climate mitigation, these ecosystems remain underutilized due to technical, financial, and policy gaps.

“Japan is honoured to support this important initiative,” said H.E. Mr. KIYA Masahiko, Ambassador of Japan to ASEAN. “The project reflects our joint commitment to climate resilience, ecosystem protection, and regional collaboration. Together, through strategic collaboration and partnerships, we can establish a regional platform to measure Blue Carbon and Blue Finance for climate action and sustainable growth,” he continued.

The launch event brought together over 100 stakeholders from ASEAN Member States, Timor-Leste, and ASEAN Dialogue Partners, experts from academic institutions such as Gadjah Mada University, international organizations such as the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA), development partners, and media representatives. A high-level panel discussion was also held, highlighting global and regional experiences on blue carbon and finance, including Japan’s integration of blue carbon in its national climate strategies.

“Seagrass and peatlands are among the most effective and affordable nature-based solutions for mitigating climate change,” said Mr. Norimasa Shimomura, UNDP Indonesia Resident Representative. “Through the ABCF Project, UNDP is proud to collaborate with ASEAN and the Government of Japan in bridging science, policy, and finance to unlock the potential of blue carbon for sustainable development. This initiative will deliver actionable blue carbon profiles and practical tools to attract investment and scale up impact.”

The ABCF Project represents a strategic effort to position blue carbon as a key driver of Southeast Asia’s sustainable and inclusive future. Implemented in close partnership with a network of national experts and regional advisors, the ABCF Project will deliver findings and policy recommendations to inform ASEAN-level dialogues. These outcomes will support ASEAN and Timor Leste in mobilizing climate finance for coastal ecosystem restoration and protection.

***Media Contacts:Nabilla Rahmani, Head of Communications, UNDP Indonesia, [email protected] L. Hapsoro, Media Officer, Community Relations Division, ASEAN Secretariat, [email protected]