Commercial Playbook

Over 230 local authorities across the UK have declared a Climate Emergency and key local leaders are putting increasing pressure on central government for meaningful Climate action. Considering this appetite for change, the Commercial Playbook, shares policy recommendations for local authorities for new non-domestic buildings, such as offices, retail and industrial sheds. Its intention is to fill the gap left by national policy, which is not currently delivering change at the pace that is required to meet the UK’s environmental commitments.  

Although some local authorities are already demonstrating leadership through ambitious policy, we believe more assistance across the board is needed to drive up sustainability. Indeed, UKGBC advocates for support for net-zero development across the country. This would enable local authorities to benefit from shared learning, common resources, and mutual confidence, while providing stability for industry on the requirements across different regions. 

Considering the individual requirements of different parts of the country is crucial when following the advice in this playbook, so this collaborative document will allow local authorities and built environment professionals to work together on the best route forward.   

Within the playbook there are minimum and advanced – or stretch – requirements that are designed to reduce embodied carbon, reduce energy use and ensure low carbon energy sources, amongst other themes. The recommendations are designed for commercial, non-domestic, buildings – for example office developments.  

This report has been drafted by UKGBC with the assistance of the partners from Lendlease, Rockwool Bennetts Associates, Bruntwood, Landsec, and Tuffin Ferraby Taylor.  

R e s o u r c e s

Related

Local Authority Retrofit Accelerator ‘Getting Started Toolkit’

A guide for Local Authorities who want to set up 'Retrofit Facilitation Services' for households in their area.

National and Regional Collaboration Retrofit Guidance

BMS agnostic building optimisation

Solution using hardware and calibrated Digital Twins to automate and optimise building controls.

Climate Change Mitigation Retrofit Solutions

Draught Sealer

Liquid sealing system to reduce air leakage through windows and doors.

Climate Change Mitigation Retrofit Solutions

Wet heating system deaerator

Removing dissolved gases from wet heating systems to improve efficiency and lifespan by reducing corrosion and blockages.

Climate Change Mitigation Retrofit Solutions