UKGBC launches new initiative to scale sustainable solutions for the built environment
‘Scaling Sustainable Solutions for the Built Environment’ is seeking to build on UKGBC’s existing work on solutions an innovation to accelerate the uptake of sustainable solutions in the built environment.
Many solutions currently struggle with issues of “pilotisation” in the built environment, where they go through many trials, but struggle to scale across assets, projects and portfolios. In other words, they fall victim to the infamous “valley of death” (the gap between R&D and widespread deployment).
Backed by a growing network of partners and informed by UKGBC’s engagement with industry, the initiative will involve targeted matchmaking between solution providers and adopters, new research into barriers to scaling, and the sharing of practical learnings from live projects.
UKGBC is deeply embedded within the built environment and works directly with those who adopt solutions, including developers, contractors, asset owners and local authorities. With a trusted voice and a strong cross-sector network, UKGBC can bridge the critical gap between innovation and implementation. This initiative isn’t about duplicating what’s already out there, it’s about leveraging UKGBC’s convening power, market insight, and systems perspective to tackle the specific barriers to scaling solutions in the built environment.
This marks a new chapter in UKGBC’s Solutions & Innovation workstream, building on previous work around showcasing sustainable solutions through the Solutions Library, Trends Reports and Showcase Webinar series, and engagement with our expanding community of Innovative Start-Up Members. With this next step, UKGBC is shifting from showcasing solutions to actively enabling their adoption across a fragmented industry landscape. This focus on real-world deployment represents a wider move by UKGBC towards more focused action and implementation, with greater engagement on live projects.
Yetunde Abdul, Director of Industry Transformation, UKGBC:
Many of the solutions we need to address the climate and ecological crises already exist, but they aren’t scaling at the pace required and adoption is often fragmented. This initiative seeks to build bridges between innovators and real-world project opportunities, share learnings from previous projects, understand systemic barriers to solutions scaling and identify ways these can be overcome. Ultimately, this represents a targeted and action-orientated area of focus for UKGBC, to drive real-world sustainable transformation.”
Emily-Rose Garnett, Senior Advisor – Solutions & Innovation, UKGBC:
UKGBC has closely collaborated with many innovators over the past few years as part of our Solutions & Innovation workstream. We are hearing of many facing the same challenges including procurement, risk aversion, complexity of projects and supply chains, and a knowledge and skills gap (to name a few). The solutions to many of these challenges lie in better collaboration, coordinated action and the sharing of learnings, which UKGBC is uniquely positioned to help facilitate.”
Year one of the initiative will include:
UKGBC invites members and industry stakeholders to get involved — whether you’re a solution provider, adopter, or enabler looking to play a role in shaping a more sustainable built environment.
This initiative is made possible thanks to the support of our valued partners on the Scaling Initiative:
Related
UKGBC launches consultation on Nature-Positive Framework Definition for the Built Environment
UKGBC responds to DEFRA’s land use consultation
UKGBC urges action on Scotland’s building decarbonisation amid political delays
Solution trends driving the sustainable transformation of the built environment
