Net Zero Carbon refers to achieving a balance between greenhouse gas emissions produced and those removed or avoided. In the built environment this is often split into operational carbon (energy used to run the building) and embodied carbon (emissions from materials, transport, construction, maintenance, end‑of‑life). An optimal pathway will prioritise demand reduction (fabric‑first), efficient systems, renewable energy generation, low‑carbon materials, and only uses high‑quality carbon credits as a last resort for any residual emissions.
