Insights from the UK Net Zero Pilot Programme

The Pilot Programme offers an opportunity to test the application of The Standard to real-world projects at various stages of development, thereby ensuring that the methodology is both practical and effective. It is designed to test and refine the pilot version of the new, voluntary UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard. The programme gathers data from a range of projects from early design through to occupation to help finalise the technical requirements and verification process ahead of the official release, expected in January 2026. This collaborative initiative aims to ensure that The Standard becomes a practical, robust, and consistent tool for achieving net-zero carbon across the UK’s built environment.

Hadley’s retrofit and regeneration masterplan for the former GSK headquarters at 980 Great West Road was selected as a case study within the Pilot Testing Programme. The project, which will deliver a sustainable mixed-use community, provides an ideal opportunity to examine The Standard’s mandatory requirements and assess design outcomes against its developing methodology.

As a B Corp-certified regenerative developer, Hadley is committed to embedding sustainability, social value, and design excellence across all its projects. The transformation of 980 Great West Road demonstrates this commitment through:

• Reducing embodied carbon by prioritising retrofit and re-use of existing structures
• Balancing site constraints and placemaking to ensure community value and wellbeing
• Minimising waste and supporting circular economy principles
• Delivering high-quality homes and public spaces that foster connection and resilience

Between June and October 2025, Hadley took part in a technical survey and a series of forums discussing embodied carbon (the total greenhouse gas emissions generated in producing building materials), PV installation (the setup of solar photovoltaic panels for renewable energy generation), water use, and verification procedures (the process of confirming compliance with The Standard). These sessions also explored the practical challenges of applying the Standard on real projects. Feedback from the surveys and the closing webinar will help refine the Standard, including updated energy limits and allowances for technical constraints, ahead of the publication of Version 1 in early 2026.

The insights we’ve gained are already shaping the design strategy for 980 Great West Road and future Hadley projects. We firmly believe that collaboration, transparency, and testing are the only way forward, and we’ll continue looking for ways to raise standards and improve delivery. Through close engagement with the Pilot Programme, Hadley is helping build a clear, practical path to net-zero carbon buildings across the UK.

To find out more, visit: www.nzcbuildings.co.uk