The UK Green
Building Council (UKGBC) has launched a consultation seeking feedback on
proposals for energy performance targets for the offices sector.
The consultation
includes a proposal paper detailing suggested energy performance targets for
commercial offices, alongside a survey where respondents can provide feedback
on the proposals.
The paper proposes
the introduction of ‘Paris Proof’ energy targets that commercial offices should
meet if they seek to be net zero carbon in operation. It also sets out three
levels of ambition for the targets, reflecting different data sets, for respondents
to consider.
The targets
developed will form part of the Net
Zero Carbon Buildings Framework, launched earlier this year, which sets out
high-level definitions for net zero carbon. The Framework acts as guidance for
buildings aiming to achieve net zero and is being developed in consultation
with industry to include further detail and stretching requirements.
The proposals have been developed by UKGBC in collaboration with Verco,
Better Buildings Partnership, the British Property Federation and others.
UKGBC is seeking
feedback from across the commercial offices sector. Interested parties can join
a webinar
on Wednesday 23 October where UKGBC’s policy experts will be on hand to answer
any questions arising from the consultation. The deadline for responses is
Friday 8 November 2019.
Richard Twinn,
senior policy advisor at UKGBC said: “The proposals launched today are intended
to challenge the industry to go further in driving down energy use in the
offices sector. We are keen to hear feedback on the proposals from across the
industry so we can build consensus around the action that is needed.
“Interest in net
zero has exploded in the past year and UKGBC’s Net Zero Carbon Building
Framework has helped to spark a lively debate in the industry about the role to
be played by the built environment. With the urgency of climate action becoming
ever greater, UKGBC is using the Framework to push the construction and
property industry to be more ambitious in tackling emissions.”
This consultation is
being run as part of UKGBC’s Advancing Net Zero
Programme. This programme has been made possible thanks to support from:
Lead Partner the Redevco Foundation and Programme Partners BAM Construct UK,
Berkeley Group, Grosvenor Britain & Ireland, Hoare Lea and JLL.
