Hospitals and healthcare buildings are central to the UK’s Net Zero ambitions, and roofing systems now play a vital role in achieving those targets. For NHS Trusts, estate managers, architects, and contractors, roof design and specification influence compliance, carbon, and procurement outcomes, as well as long-term performance.
In 2023, NHS England introduced the Net Zero Building Standard. This framework applies to most new NHS buildings and major refurbishments and sets clear expectations on energy performance, whole-life carbon, and material transparency. Roofing systems sit directly within its scope.
Why the roof matters in Net Zero buildings
The NHS Net Zero Building Standard outlines what compliant projects should now include. That means whole-life carbon modelling at the design stage, verified reductions in embodied carbon, and integration of climate-responsive systems, such as solar PV and green roofs.
These requirements form part of the NHS roadmap to reach Net Zero direct emissions by 2040 and indirect emissions by 2045. As one of the most extensive and emissions-intensive elements of the building envelope, the roof can have a major impact on whether a project succeeds or falls short in terms of sustainability.
Roofing systems influence upfront carbon, long-term maintenance needs, thermal performance, and waste intensity. They can also affect procurement outcomes, particularly where public sector frameworks and carbon-related contract scoring are involved. That’s why IKO has focused its product development and service model on helping clients meet modern standards with clarity and confidence.
Carbon reduction and circular roofing systems
For healthcare buildings to achieve Net Zero ambitions, roofing systems must demonstrate credible, measurable environmental performance. IKO supports this through a range of UK-manufactured solutions that are backed by third-party certification and detailed carbon data.
IKO Permatec LI, a next-generation hot melt waterproofing system, has been independently verified to deliver more than 50% lower embodied carbon than standard alternatives. Its formulation enables up to 150 kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent to be sequestered per tonne, locking carbon into the built environment for the full design life of the building.
Its zero-waste packaging melts into the membrane during installation, for added environmental integrity. Meanwhile, IKO Permascreed LI offers fast curing for flat roofing and walkways, with up to 38% lower upfront embodied carbon than traditional screeds, which is a valuable benefit on busy, operational hospital sites.
IKO Spectraplan is the only TPE single ply membrane manufactured in the UK, helping to reduce carbon emissions from material transportation. It is UV-stable, applied without flame, and achieves a high Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) of 91, supporting passive cooling and safe installation on healthcare projects where temperature regulation and site safety are critical.
With NHS sustainability priorities now extending to biodiversity net gain, urban greening, and on-site renewable energy, the roof has become a critical delivery platform. IKO Elements enables blue, green, solar, and biosolar roof configurations that integrate seamlessly with IKO’s roofing systems.
These solutions help manage surface water, create habitats, and generate renewable energy, while supporting hospital projects in meeting planning and sustainability requirements without adding design or construction complexity.
Traceability and compliance across the project lifecycle
Hospital roofing projects demand complete traceability and alignment with long-term sustainability goals. IKO delivers full visibility, from raw material sourcing to installation and sign-off, backed by the documentation needed for audit, assurance, and procurement.
Every system is supported by BBA certification, third-party Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), BROOF(t4) fire testing, and documented supply chain data. On-site, IKO provides inspection services and structured evidence packs to help NHS estates teams maintain accurate records and meet ongoing reporting requirements.
Our four UK manufacturing sites hold ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, and BES 6001 certifications, ensuring consistent quality, safety, sustainability, and responsible sourcing. We have also committed to science-based targets, aiming to cut Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 42% by 2030 and achieve Net Zero by 2050. Supply chain targets are equally ambitious, with 70% of suppliers to be SBTi-certified and 100% to have decarbonisation plans in place.
For NHS clients, this provides reassurance that their roofing specification supports not only today’s compliance standards but also the responsible, futureproofed procurement strategies that public sector frameworks increasingly demand.
Meeting the NHS social value mandate
Public Procurement Notice (PPN) 06/20 requires all NHS tenders to include a minimum 10% weighting for social value. This includes commitments to employment, skills development, waste reduction and carbon reduction.
Social value is embedded in our operations. We run a national apprenticeship scheme and have partnered with SIMIAN to deliver hands-on training to future roofing professionals using IKO systems. Across our UK facilities, we prioritise local employment, invest in skills development and maintain short supply routes to reduce transport emissions and support regional economies.
We also actively invest in community resilience, partnering with eight grassroots organisations that support youth sports, inclusive play, holiday programmes for vulnerable families, and community infrastructure. These include Wigan Youth Zone, ABUK Soft Play, and a range of local football, rugby, and cricket clubs where our support enables access, participation and development opportunities for young people.
Our zero-waste-to-landfill achievement across all UK sites and a 59% reduction in Scope 1 transport emissions further strengthen the social and environmental value we deliver. For NHS procurement teams, this means clear evidence of impact, as well as policy alignment.
A partner in performance, compliance, and accountability
Delivering roofing for healthcare buildings goes beyond simple waterproofing. It requires a partner who can provide verified data, transparent reporting, and practical support throughout the project lifecycle.
IKO combines low-carbon innovation with end-to-end delivery – from science-based targets and Scope 3 tracking to site support and post-handover documentation. All systems are backed by independent certification, UK manufacturing, and measurable social value outcomes.
As a signatory to the Anti-Greenwash Charter, we ensure every claim is clear, evidence-based, and compliant.
Partner with IKO
For NHS estates and project teams seeking a roofing partner who can deliver measurable carbon reductions, meet stringent compliance requirements, and add value throughout the build, IKO is ready to work with you to achieve your Net Zero goals.
