UCL Sustainable Building Standard

UCL Sustainable Building Standard (2026)

The UCL Sustainable Building Standard (SBS) sets out the minimum sustainability requirements for construction projects across the university. This includes design, construction and refurbishment, as well as planning for ongoing monitoring and maintenance.

The Standard helps to ensure that all our project work contributes to the objectives set out in the UCL Sustainability Plan 2025–35, including our commitments to net zero carbon, climate resilience, responsible resource use, biodiversity enhancement and healthy, inclusive environments.

Purpose of the Sustainable Building Standard

The SBS provides a consistent, institution‑wide framework that:

• Embeds sustainability and whole‑life value into all project stages, from inception to post‑occupancy.
• Ensures alignment with UCL’s net zero targets (Scopes 1 & 2 by 2030; all scopes by 2040).
• Supports the delivery of a resilient, efficient and future‑ready estate.
• Strengthens governance by making sustainability performance a core part of project approval and monitoring.

Governance and Compliance

The SBS is a core component of UCL’s Estates governance framework and feeds into work on the Estates Vision & Strategy. Compliance is confirmed at project gateways, and performance is monitored through environmental assessments, building modelling, post‑occupancy evaluation and ongoing building management. The Standard also aligns with external guidance and requirements including the London Plan, Camden’s emerging Local Plan, and sector best practice.

UCL expects the highest standards for all our construction projects, as set out in our Sustainable Building Standard. 

Key Requirements

Net Zero Carbon & Energy

• All new build and major refurbishment projects must meet the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard.
• Projects must set energy use intensity (EUI) targets and be informed by the energy hierarchy: reduce demand, improve efficiency, and use low‑carbon systems.
• Climate mitigation and adaptation measures must be integrated throughout the building lifecycle.

Responsible Consumption & Circular Economy

• Projects must maximise the value of existing assets through reuse, retention and resource‑efficient design.
• Whole‑life and embodied carbon assessments are required to support Scope 3 reduction.
• Construction waste must achieve 100% diversion from landfill.
• Environmental assessments such as BREEAM, Ska Gold or UCL’s Mini-Ska apply as relevant.

Healthy, Inclusive & Resilient Environments

• Landscaping projects must contribute to UCL’s 20% biodiversity net gain target.
• Designs must prioritise user comfort, wellbeing and inclusivity, including air quality, thermal comfort, lighting and acoustics.
• Climate resilience measures must address overheating, flooding and extreme weather.
• Projects must support sustainable and active travel in line with campus Travel Plans.

Whole‑Life Value & Performance

• All requirements will be justified in relation to financial and non‑financial life cycle value.
• Major projects must include life cycle cost analysis to inform governance decisions.
• The UCL Soft Landings Framework is mandatory from project inception to post‑occupancy review, ensuring lessons learned and performance verification.
• Sustainability targets must be embedded in tender documentation and contracts.

Content includes: 

• Introduction
• Part 1: Managing Sustainable Projects
• Part 2: Sustainable Project Requirements
• Appendices

Document author Ben Stubbs. 

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