Spec21 net zero in schools

What Spec21 requires

Net zero in operation is the headline; the specification translates that into fabric U-values, air-tightness, on-site renewables, all-electric heating with no gas, heat-recovery ventilation, lighting / controls, EV charging provision, and embodied-carbon reporting[Spec21].

Where the +10% goes

• Fabric uplift: 1-3% (better wall and roof build-ups, triple glazing on critical orientations).
• All-electric heating (heat pumps + buffer + emitter): 3-5%.
• MVHR / DCV ventilation: 1-2%.
• PV array sized to net-zero in-op modelling: 1-2%.
• Embodied-carbon-driven material choices and CDM uplift: 0.5-1.5%.

Which programmes mandate Spec21

Spec21 is mandatory for DfE-procured schemes including SRP[SRP] and Free Schools[Free Schools], and is the default for CF25 lots[CF25]. CIF[CIF] condition works should align where the package is large enough to make compliance feasible.

Toggle Spec21 in the calculator.