A study by the University of Bath examines the impact of the first net zero carbon planning policy in England. While the policy has successfully pushed developers toward energy efficient technologies and renewable energy at the planning stage, researchers warn of a potential gap between design targets and actual building performance. The findings suggest that current embodied carbon targets for large projects are too lenient and should be lowered to drive real decarbonization. The report emphasizes the need for post construction testing and better worker training to ensure that air tightness and energy goals are met in practice.
