Stage 7: Use

Work Stage Actions & Internal Guidance

01
Net Zero Operational Carbon Dioxide emissions

Net Zero operational carbon for new build and retrofit, measured as kWh/m²/year and kgCO₂e/m²/year, validated in use.

Stage Goals
Design Team Actions

Undertake post-occupancy review

Compare measured energy to design intent.
Produce performance review.
REQUIRED OUTPUTS
✓ Stage 7 POE One-Pager
02
Net Zero Embodied Carbon

Net Zero embodied carbon across the building lifecycle, measured in kgCO₂e/m², using whole-life carbon assessment and verified data.

Stage Goals
Design Team Actions

Embodied carbon is only truly mitigated if buildings last, adapt, and avoid premature replacement.

Review as-built data against design assumptions.
Capture lessons learned on material durability, maintenance, and adaptability.
Feed findings back into Stage 0–1 templates.
REQUIRED OUTPUTS
✓ As-built carbon summary
✓ Practice learning loop update
03
Sustainable Water Cycle

Minimise potable water use and manage surface water sustainably, measured through litres/person/day, runoff rates and flood-risk compliance. Achieve 40% reduction in potable water use per person per day

Stage Goals
Design Team Actions

Water systems frequently underperform due to misuse or lack of understanding.

Review actual water consumption against targets.
Capture issues with SuDS maintenance or occupant behaviour.
Feed lessons learned back into Stage 0–1 templates.
REQUIRED OUTPUTS
✓ In-use water performance review
✓ Practice water benchmarks update
04
Sustainable Land Use & Ecology

Achieve biodiversity net gain and responsible land use, demonstrated through measurable habitat uplift, soil protection, and long-term management.

Stage Goals
Design Team Actions

Biodiversity net gain is only realised if habitats establish and persist.

Review habitat establishment against targets.
Capture maintenance and performance issues.
Feed lessons learned back into Stage 0–1 templates.
REQUIRED OUTPUTS
✓ Post-completion ecology review
✓ Practice biodiversity benchmarks update
05
Sustainable Connectivity & Transport

Maximise sustainable travel and minimise car dependency, demonstrated through mode share, accessibility, and reduced transport-related emissions.

Stage Goals
Design Team Actions

Transport outcomes depend on behaviour and management post-occupation.

Review mode share against targets.
Capture issues with access, safety, or usability.
Feed lessons learned back into Stage 0–1 templates.
REQUIRED OUTPUTS
✓ Post-occupancy transport review
✓ Practice transport benchmarks update
06
Sustainable Health & Wellbeing

Deliver healthy, comfortable, and safe environments, demonstrated through indoor environmental quality, thermal comfort, and occupant wellbeing indicators.

Stage Goals
Design Team Actions

Health and wellbeing outcomes are only proven in use.

Review occupant feedback and performance data.
Identify comfort or health issues early.
Feed lessons learned back into Stage 0–1 templates.
REQUIRED OUTPUTS
✓ Post-occupancy wellbeing review
✓ Practice health benchmarks update
07
Sustainable Communities & Social Value

Deliver measurable social value and inclusive community outcomes, demonstrated through access, use, safety, participation, and long-term community benefit.

Stage Goals
Design Team Actions

Social value is only proven through use and experience over time.

Review how spaces are used and perceived by occupants and communities.
Capture issues related to access, safety, or exclusion.
Feed lessons learned back into Stage 0–1 templates.
REQUIRED OUTPUTS
✓ Post-occupancy social value review
✓ Practice social value benchmarks update
08
Sustainable Life Cycle Costing and Procurement

Achieve demonstrably lowest whole-life cost consistent with performance objectives, assessed through structured life cycle cost analysis.

Stage Goals
Design Team Actions

Life cycle cost assumptions must be tested against reality.

Review actual operational and maintenance costs.
Identify deviations from assumptions.
Feed lessons learned back into Stage 0–1 templates.
REQUIRED OUTPUTS
✓ In-use cost performance review
✓ Practice LCC benchmarks update

Recommended Reading

No specific resources listed for this stage.