THE Scottish Futures Trust has announced a review of the Net Zero Public Sector Buildings Standard and inviting stakeholders across the public sector and construction industry to provide feedback that will shape its future development.
Four years after its launch, the Standard is said to have had a significant impact on public sector construction in Scotland, with the value of registered projects now exceeding £3 billion. The Standard’s ban on polluting heating in new build projects has been incorporated into regulations, and its key outcomes for energy and embodied carbon are now embedded in major health and education initiatives, including the Sustainable Design and Construction Guide and the Learning Estate Investment Programme.
Recognising the Standard’s influence and evolving requirements, SFT is now seeking input from users and potential users to ensure it reflects real-world experience and meets the needs of those responsible for designing, delivering, and managing public sector buildings.
A feedback survey has been launched to gather views, which is being managed by Ryder Architecture. The survey adapts to each respondent’s level of familiarity with the Standard, making it suitable for anyone involved in client or project teams, including contractors, designers, and other stakeholders.
Ingrid Berkeley, associate director at the Scottish Futures Trust, said, “Our goal is to listen to those who interact with the Standard and understand how it can be improved. Feedback from the industry is crucial in shaping a Standard that is both user-friendly and fit for purpose in driving sustainable public sector buildings in Scotland.”
The survey will remain open until midnight on 23 December.
The Net Zero Public Sector Buildings Standard was developed for Scottish Government by the Scottish Futures Trust, Zero Waste Scotland, and NHS National Services Scotland in collaboration with industry stakeholders and launched in 2021. It includes a commitment to review its suitability every five years.
