SERVICES / BUILDINGS
Decarbonisation and the built environment
Planet Mark works with businesses across the built environment, supporting them to verify and reduce carbon emissions across the lifecycle of developments through our Development and Property certifications.
These certifications provide a strategic advantage by strengthening credibility, enhancing operational efficiency, and driving growth from practical completion through to post‑occupancy stages.
REQUIREMENTS AND BENEFITS
Development Certification
Benefits
- Increased asset value
- Alignment with other accreditations: UK Net Zero Carbon Building Standards, BREEAM, Considerate Constructors Scheme
- Support planning requirements
- Third party verification
What is Development Certification?
Planet Mark’s Development Certification is aligned to the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard, and is designed to help developers, contractors and other relevant stakeholders understand impact, identify opportunities for improvement and demonstrate their action transparently. It recognises buildings that embed sustainability into their design from the outset by considering the full lifecycle of a project.
To achieve Planet Mark’s Development Certification, a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of the building is required, for comparison against the limits required by the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard. This is then verified in accordance with ISO 14064-3, providing a limited level of assurance.
Measurement requirements
To achieve Development Certification, your project will need to meet the following criteria at practical completion:
- Measure the whole life carbon of the development over 60 years, aligned with recognised LCA standards
- Do not exceed the carbon limits for the development type and year, as set out in the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard
- Avoid fossil fuel use on site (limited exclusions apply under UKNZCBS)
- Report onsite renewable electricity generation and the upfront embodied carbon of any solar PV, demonstrating alignment with UKNZCBS targets and limits
Related Certifications
Following the achievement of Planet Mark Development Certification, and 12 months of building occupancy, applicants may work towards Planet Mark Development Certification – Net Zero Carbon Aligned Building. The certification is fully aligned to the measurement and certification requirements of UKNZCBS Net Zero Carbon Aligned Building.
REQUIREMENTS AND BENEFITS
Property Certification
Benefits
- Achieve long-term cost reductions
- Actionable insights for energy savings
- Futureproof compliance and risk management
- Enhance brand reputation and trust
What is property certification?
Measure and manage the ongoing operational carbon footprint of your building, setting achievable reduction targets.
Engage and upskill staff in sustainability, optimising energy efficiency to cut costs and reduce waste.
Receive support in communicating commitments and achievements to landlords and tenants for transparent sustainability practices.
Prologis’ Journey to Net Zero Buildings with Planet Mark
FAQs
Discover the key aspects of building life cycle assessments and sustainability certifications. Including the processes involved, differences between types of carbon emissions, and the benefits of obtaining sustainability certification for your building.
What is the difference between embodied carbon and operational carbon?
Embodied carbon is associated with a building’s construction materials, while operational carbon relates to its ongoing energy use during its lifespan.
Can you help with net zero commitments?
Yes, we can build a credible net zero pathway for your portfolio that aligns with your sustainability vision. Our approach aligns with the UK Green Building Council’s framework for net zero carbon buildings.
What are the benefits of my building holding a sustainability certification?
Sustainability certification enhances your building’s market value, attracts environmentally conscious tenants, showcases your commitment to responsible practices, and can also contribute to reducing costs through energy-efficient and sustainable operational measures.
We verify the whole-life carbon of the development at practical completion and certify that it meets the carbon limits and energy sourcing requirements stated by UKNZCBS.
Following Planet Mark Development Certification, an optional in‑use measurement can be completed after 12 months of occupancy. This assessment verifies that the building is operating as intended and meets the targets, limits and reporting requirements of the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard.
What does BREEAM stand for, and what does its assessment involve?
BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) is a leading sustainability assessment framework for buildings and infrastructure. It evaluates environmental performance across categories such as energy efficiency, water use, health and wellbeing, materials, waste, pollution, transport, land use and ecology, and management. Based on these factors, buildings receive ratings ranging from Pass to Outstanding. Planet Mark Development Certification is aligned with BRREAM
Building Certification
More services
Net Zero Certification
Social Value
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