UKGBC calls for urgent action on retrofit and energy optimisation in new reports

Our latest reports call for action to cut emissions from the UK's commercial building stock through retrofit and energy optimisation.

With most buildings set to remain in use by 2050, retrofit – not replacement – is critical to achieving the UK’s net zero targets. The reports highlight growing pressure from tightening regulation, evolving standards such as MEES, and rising investor demand for low-carbon, high-performing assets.

Retail and logistics buildings are a key focus. Central to the UK economy, these sectors are also major contributors to emissions, with retail driving significant non-domestic energy use and logistics linked to high-emitting transport and ageing warehouse stock.

Part of the Building the Case for Zero Series, the latest in the suite covering retrofit of retail and logistic buildings, the report provides practical, evidence-based guidance for owners, landlords, occupiers and designers. It outlines measures such as HVAC and lighting optimisation, electrification, and on-site renewables alongside cost considerations, while emphasising tailored, portfolio-wide approaches rather than one-size-fits-all solutions. It also highlights the importance of integrating resilience, climate adaptation and social value to create healthy, future-ready buildings.

Download the report here

Retail and logistics buildings are fundamental to the UK’s economy. They also represent one of our greatest opportunities for decarbonisation. With most of today’s assets still in use by 2050, the route to net zero depends on retrofit, not replacement. This report provides guidance to help the industry act now and invest wisely.”
Yetunde Abdul, Director of Industry Transformation at UKGBC

Also released, a report focuses on energy optimisation across non-domestic buildings, which account for 23% of built environment emissions from operational energy use. It sets out a clear, iterative four-step approach: engaging stakeholders, aligning incentives, using data effectively, and taking action. Drawing on real-world experience, the guidance shows how organisations can unlock meaningful energy and carbon savings through lower-cost, lower-disruption interventions.

Download the report here

Nearly a quarter of built environment emissions come from operating non-domestic buildings. Energy optimisation is one of the fastest and most effective ways to cut carbon, without major investment.”
Philippa Birch-Wood, Head of Climate Action at UKGBC

UKGBC is calling on organisations across the built environment to act now, collaborate across the value chain, and use this guidance to reduce emissions, improve performance, and accelerate progress towards net zero.

Commercial Retrofit

Energy required to heat, power and operate commercial buildings accounts for nearly a quarter of the built environment’s carbon footprint in the UK. Significant improvements in energy efficiency must be accelerated across all sectors. To address this challenge, UKGBC is working with a team of industry experts to accelerate the delivery of commercial retrofit programmes.

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Advancing Net Zero

Created in 2018 as part of a World Green Building Council former global Advancing Net Zero programme, UKGBC’s Advancing Net Zero programme has a mission to lead the UK’s transition to a net zero built environment. It has produced leading guidance such as the Net Zero Carbon Buildings Framework and the Net Zero Whole Life Carbon Roadmap, whilst working with organisations and experts across the industry.