UK Green Buildings Council urges members on towards net zero

The UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) has called on all its members to sign the World Green Building Council (WorldGBC) Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment. Julie Hirigoyen, Chief Executive of UKGBC, made the plea in a compelling call-to-arms for the 450+ organisations spanning the UK property and construction sector who comprise the membership of UKGBC.

Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment (colloquially known as The Commitment) was launched by the WorldGBC in September 2018. It challenges companies, cities, states and regions to reach Net Zero operating emissions in their portfolios by 2030 and to advocate for all buildings to be Net Zero in operation by 2050.

Aligned to Race to Zero – the COP26 (UN Convention on Climate Change) initiative for countries, companies and other entities to deliver structured net-zero pledges ahead of the COP26 talks in November 2021 – the thrust of UKGBC’s message is about traction and mutually beneficial results.

“Organisations should spearhead energy efficiency and shift to renewable energy for buildings under their control by 2030,” the UKGBC statement says. It then calls on developers committing to deliver buildings which facilitate these two targets.

By signing The Commitment, the UKGBC says that the signatory can:

• Add credibility and profile to their existing climate commitments and take their place alongside other signatories on high profile platforms such as We Mean Business, The Climate Group and WorldGBC.

• Take advantage of the long-term financial and health benefits inherent in reducing emissions and ensure they do not have to make financially punitive changes in the future.

• Contribute to a green recovery from Covid-19 by stimulating the green economy.

• Pool knowledge with fellow signatories and establish best practice strategies and solutions.

• Act in a leadership role to ensure that the net-zero message trickles down to all strata of business and society.

The latest UKGBC message comes shortly after the Government’s white paper on changes to UK planning regulations received a mixed reception.