Delivering Net Zero: Practical Actions for Optimising Energy Use

This report supports greater reductions in the energy use and associated carbon emissions of operational non-domestic buildings, outlining key steps for success and lists practical actions, which will be applicable to many buildings.

Climate Change Mitigation Resource Use Advancing Net Zero Guidance

23% of the UK’s built environment carbon emissions come from the energy used in non-domestic buildings. On average, this can be reduced by a quarter through optimisation actions. This guidance has been created to support greater reductions in the energy use and associated carbon emissions of operational non-domestic buildings.

Every organisation and building has its own unique characteristics and so there is no one size fits all answer for energy and carbon optimisation. However, based on case studies and the industry experience of the working group, this report outlines key steps for success and lists practical actions, which will be applicable to many buildings.

This guidance has been developed for anyone who is overseeing, creating or running an energy and carbon reduction strategy for a commercial building, estate or property portfolio. This is likely to include individuals in within the following roles: owners/landlords, occupiers/tenants, property managers/facilities managers, mechanical and electrical (M&E) and building management system (BMS) engineers, energy and carbon consultants, design and project teams.

Delivering Net Zero Practical Actions for Optimising Energy Use

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.