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RICS has commissioned the third Global Zero Carbon Capacity Index (ZC2 Index) to measure the progress towards a zero-carbon built environment in a sample of countries. Using data from the International Energy Agency and World Bank, the index takes into account

energy consumption, the share of renewables in the energy supply and the number of policies in place targeted at reducing carbon emissions. Norway has topped the index each time, with Brazil and the UK ranking second and third respectively in the past two years,

followed in 2010 by Australia and China. Russia, Luxembourg and Canada remain in the lowest positions. Finland, Sweden, France, the Slovak Republic, the US and Belgium have shown notable improvement over three years.rics.org/zc2

Towards zero carbon

The battle against climate change and resource depletion will be lost or won in the world’s cities. Cities present huge environmental challenges, but also offer huge opportunities because they create economies of scale in technology deployment and access to capital, both of which are vital if we are to make the existing built environment of our cities sustainable and resource-efficient by 2050.

The top 20 cities in the UK, for example, are responsible for more than 20% of national carbon emissions and 20% of energy consumption, so local action is vital if we are to meet the national target of an 80% reduction on 1990 levels by 2050. Research also shows that more densely populated cities are more carbon and energy efficient, in per capita terms, than less densely populated cities. Increased wealth is also associated with more emissions, and cities that create more waste also tend to produce more carbon emissions.

However, driven by a need to reduce energy costs, green jobs/economic growth, and the increasing issue of fuel poverty, UK cities are beginning to put low-carbon plans into action. Having these in place can make a significant difference to the overall reduction in emissions over time. Worldwide, the cities that are succeeding with their low-carbon plans are those that set ambitious targets within an integrated low-carbon and climate change framework, have innovative financing in place and use partnerships creatively.Professor Tim Dixon, director of the Oxford Institute for Sustainable Development

Tim Dixon’s analysis of the low carbon transition plans of UK cities will be published by RICS in March at rics.org/research.

RICS has warned consumers to be vigilant when opting to let their roof space for green energy schemes. Many UK companies have been looking to benefit from the government’s Feed-in Tariff scheme by renting roof space from homeowners to host solar panels. Under the scheme, the leasing company can then sell the generated energy to power suppliers for a profit. However, with many leases running for up to 25 years, often without a break clause, homeowners can find themselves tied to agreements that could put them in breach of their mortgage arrangement, discourage prospective buyers and even create structural problems in their property. Furthermore, until next year, installers will not be formally accredited in line with the Green Deal, meaning that installations can be carried out by individuals poorly qualified to properly assess the potential impact. ‘While we wholeheartedly support the use and production of green energy, it is important that consumers are aware of the potential dangers, consult their mortgage provider and seek legal advice,’ said RICS Director David Dalby.

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