New global research from RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) reveals the UK is in the top three countries in the world in working towards zero carbon emissions in the built environment; however, there are still a number of areas to be improved on.
The RICS Global Zero Carbon Capacity Index (or ZC2 Index) has for the past three years assessed 34 individual countries on a number of factors, looking at how they are progressing towards a zero carbon built environment. Due to its carbon reduction policies, the UK ranked third in the index, just behind Norway and Brazil. Norway was top for the third year running, while Brazil moved up six places due to low energy use and high contribution of renewable energy.
The ZC2 Index assesses advances towards a decarbonized environment by using three indicators: the consumption of energy in the residential, tertiary and transport sectors; the contribution of renewable energy to total primary energy supply (TPES); and the policy frameworks countries have put in place to promote carbon reductions in the built environment.
Highlighting the inroads made towards zero carbon emissions in the residential sector, the UK’s ranking in this indicator improved from 2008, although it still remains firmly mid table. The worst performers in residential energy consumption were Luxembourg, Canada, Finland, US, and Germany. Germany was 12th in last year’s index but an almost 20 per cent increase in residential energy use has resulted in a poor performance for this sector this year leaving it the fifth worst performer.
Other findings of the index reveal overall renewable energy contributions remain similar to last year and there is no change in the five best performing countries. The UK remains one of the worst performers, although it gained one place, while Korea continues to rank lowest in the sector. The stability in these figures reflects the lead time in investment on renewable energy infrastructure and the effort required to significantly shift the basis of energy generation in a country.
In 2008, RICS commissioned the Environment Institute at UCL (University College London) to develop the RICS Global Zero Carbon Capacity Index (or ZC2 Index), as a way to look at how individual countries are progressing towards a decarbonized carbon built environment.
Key Findings from the 2010 ZC2 Index
- Norway has topped the Index for all three years 2008-2010.
- Brazil and the UK have been ranked second and third for the last two years. Brazil moved up from 6th place in 2008.
- The fourth and fifth places are taken by Australia and China in 2010.
- The most noticeable climb in the rankings is Finland who moved from 16th position in 2009 to 6th position in 2010. Other considerable improvements in the middle of the rankings between the periods 2008-2010 are Sweden, France, the Slovak Republic, USA and Belgium.
- The bottom of the Index rankings shows equal stability. Russia, Luxembourg and Canada are unchanged in the lowest positions. Greece and South Africa are only just above them.
- India, Ireland and Italy have fallen significantly in their rankings over 2008-2010.
About RICS
RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) is an independent professional body originally established in the UK by Royal Charter. Since 1868, RICS has been committed to setting and upholding the highest standards of excellence and integrity – providing impartial, authoritative advice on key issues affecting businesses and society in relation to land, property and construction. For more information, visit www.rics.org.
Source: RICS.
