Net Zero Carbon Consultancy

Reducing carbon emissions from buildings requires a coordinated approach to energy use, building performance, materials and operational requirements.

Our net zero carbon consultants provide practical advice to property owners, developers and project teams looking to reduce carbon emissions across new and existing buildings.

We help establish realistic carbon reduction strategies based on the characteristics of the building, its energy use and the objectives of the project.

Net Zero Carbon Strategy

A net zero strategy should consider the sources of emissions associated with a building and identify where meaningful reductions can be achieved.

For new developments, this can be considered from the earliest stages of design.

For existing buildings, the strategy can focus on energy consumption, building services, operational performance and opportunities for improvement.

Operational Carbon Reduction

Operational energy can represent a significant proportion of a building’s carbon emissions over its lifetime.

We can assess energy performance and identify opportunities to reduce consumption through improved building fabric, heating, cooling, ventilation, lighting, controls and renewable energy technologies.

The appropriate approach depends on the building and how it is used.

Embodied Carbon

Carbon emissions can also be associated with the materials and construction processes used to create and maintain a building.

Our consultants can provide whole life carbon and embodied carbon assessments to help project teams understand these impacts and consider lower-carbon alternatives.

Net Zero for Existing Buildings

Existing buildings can present particular challenges when developing a route to net zero.

We can assess current energy performance and identify practical improvement measures that can be introduced over time.

This can support a phased approach where immediate improvements are combined with longer-term investment and building upgrades.

Carbon Reduction Planning

Our approach focuses on practical and measurable carbon reduction rather than relying on a single technology or solution.

We work with project teams to establish priorities, assess potential measures and develop a strategy that reflects the building, available budget and operational requirements.

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Our expert team of planning specialists, sustainability consultants and Chartered Engineers are here to help.

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From bespoke M&E design, to specialist planning reports and our wide range of sustainability assessments the team here at THE Syntegra Group would be delighted to assist you.
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OUR LATEST PROJECTS

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Biodiversity Net Gain BNG: What the August 2026 Changes Mean for Your Project

Future Homes Standard 2027

Future Homes Standard 2027: When Developers Need to Make Key Energy Decisions

The 2027 Deadline: How to Future‑Proof Projects Starting in the Next 24 Months

Question: What does net zero carbon mean for buildings?

Answer: A net zero carbon building is one where the carbon emissions associated with its construction and operation have been reduced as far as possible and any remaining emissions are offset. The UK Green Building Council framework distinguishes net zero carbon in construction (embodied carbon) and net zero carbon in operation (operational energy), and the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard, launched in pilot form in 2024, sets performance limits for both.

Net zero carbon is now a central objective of planning policy, corporate ESG strategy and investor requirements.

 

Question: What is the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard?

Answer: The UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard is an industry-led, cross-sector standard that defines what net zero carbon means for buildings in the UK. It sets limits for operational energy use intensity, embodied carbon and other metrics by building type, with limits tightening over time, and requires measured performance data to verify claims. It brings together earlier frameworks from UKGBC, LETI, RIBA and BBP into a single verifiable standard.

 

Question: What is a net zero carbon pathway or roadmap?

Answer: A net zero carbon pathway sets out the steps a building, development or portfolio will take to reach net zero by a target date. It includes a baseline assessment, modelling of fabric, systems and renewable measures, a sequenced investment plan aligned with lease and plant replacement cycles, consideration of grid decarbonisation and a strategy for offsetting residual emissions. Pathways are used by developers, landlords, local authorities and corporates to plan and report on progress.

 

Question: How does net zero carbon relate to planning?

Answer: Many Local Planning Authorities, including all London Boroughs under the London Plan, require major developments to be net zero carbon in operation, with on-site carbon reductions of at least 35 per cent beyond Part L and a carbon offset payment for the remainder. Increasing numbers of authorities outside London have adopted similar policies. Net zero carbon consultants prepare the Energy Strategy Reports and carbon calculations that demonstrate compliance.

 

Question: What measures deliver net zero carbon in new buildings?

Answer: Net zero design follows the energy hierarchy: minimising demand through fabric efficiency, airtightness and passive design; using efficient all-electric systems such as heat pumps and MVHR; adding renewables such as solar PV; and reducing embodied carbon through material choices and design efficiency. Performance targets such as energy use intensity (EUI) in kWh/m²/year are used rather than compliance percentages to ensure real-world outcomes.

 

Question: Can existing buildings achieve net zero carbon?

Answer: Yes. Existing buildings can be retrofitted to net zero through fabric improvements, heating electrification, LED lighting, controls, renewables and, where necessary, offsetting. Retrofit typically has far lower embodied carbon than demolition and rebuild. Net zero consultants assess the current performance, model options and produce a phased retrofit plan aligned with MEES and investor requirements.

 

Question: Why choose Syntegra Group for net zero carbon consultancy?

Answer: Syntegra Group provides net zero carbon consultancy for new developments, existing buildings and property portfolios across the UK, including net zero pathways, energy strategies, whole life carbon assessments, TM65 building services carbon and post-occupancy verification. Our consultants and Chartered Engineers turn net zero ambitions into practical designs and investment plans.

Because we also design M&E systems, undertake energy modelling and provide certification and monitoring services, we can support clients through every stage from strategy to verified performance.

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