This guidance has outlined the approaches that can be taken to support the process that Authorities can use in the identification and implementation of carbon reduction opportunities within buildings to progress to NZ for Operational Energy.
However, it is unlikely that there will be sufficient technically and/or economically viable decarbonisation options available to 'achieve' NZ for Operational Energy on a PPP project in one go. Instead, NZ for Operational Energy should be considered as a longer-term target, potentially to 2045, that will require a process of continual review and assessment of decarbonisation options over time.
The viability of decarbonisation technology options could change over time as existing facilities approach end of life, market prices of technologies become more affordable and newer/emerging technologies come to market. Equally as important will be any change in national targets and/or stakeholder led initiatives on NZ, particularly where these might require a PPP project to achieve NZ for Operational Energy in advance of the national NZ target. As previously described, Scottish public sector bodies have targets consistent with the national target to achieve NZ by 2045, and in some cases are pursuing efforts to achieve an earlier NZ transition date. For example, that NHS Scotland becomes a net-zero greenhouse gas emissions health service by 2040 or earlier in line with Scottish Government policy for NHS Scotland on the climate emergency and sustainable development, and contained within the consultation draft NHS Scotland climate emergency and sustainability strategy 2022 to 2026 - draft.
Therefore, it is important to note that a NZ Roadmap will need to be updated and refined over time as more knowledge is gained - it will essentially be an iterative process of continual review and improvement.