Best suited to developers and builders looking to innovate, the highest of our three standards sets the lowest limits on CO₂ emissions and overall primary energy use

We estimate that the Gold Standard would reduce overall CO₂ emissions by 95% compared to the UK average for buildings of each type, since this standard is almost identical to the Passivhaus Standard in terms of thermal efficiency but sets even lower limits on CO₂ emissions and overall primary energy use. As well as a requirement for energy-efficient electrical appliances, this standard demands a greater emphasis on electricity-producing renewables to offset power used for lighting, appliances and ventilation. Building costs would be higher than those associated with normal properties, though careful design and planning, coupled with growing expertise and experience, could help reduce these additional costs in future developments. Again, specialist technology would need to be imported but is already catered for by UK agents.