New framework helps businesses forge a path to net zero carbon

A new tool designed to help businesses to navigate their way to becoming a net zero carbon business has been created by the Better Buildings Partnership.

The framework was designed to help the signatories to the BBP’s climate commitment, who all agreed to have their pathways published before the end of 2020, but it is free to use for any business.

The tool sets out the information that property owners should include in their net zero carbon pathways, including the investment boundaries, carbon scope and delivery strategies. BBP said it hoped that the framework would help to reduce ambiguities concerning the scope of net zero carbon commitments, by encouraging consistency and providing transparency in the way property owners are setting net zero carbon targets.

Nina Reid, chair of the BBP net zero carbon pathway working group, and director of responsible property investment at M&G Real Estate, said: “Climate change is one of the greatest threats of our time and has far-reaching implications for the real estate industry. The path to net zero carbon is complex, challenging and uncertain, with much of the detail still unknown. However, this is not a reason to delay action. It is critical that the real estate industry acknowledges the important role it has to play, embraces the challenge, and collaborates. This framework provides much-needed clarity in the way real estate owners should approach the development of net zero carbon pathways, providing collective action and transparency that will help move the industry forward.”

BBP chief executive Sarah Ratcliffe, added:  “The BBP Climate Commitment has already had a significant impact on the property industry, driving owners to understand the carbon footprint of their portfolios and to develop pathways to meet their net zero carbon commitments. This framework, co-created with BBP members, provides a vital tool to ensure that these pathways are comprehensive, in line with the intensions of the commitment and have every chance of delivering against the ambitious, but absolutely vital goal of net zero buildings.”

The tool can be accessed at the Better Buildings Partnership here

Don’t forget to tune into EG’s Future of UK Cities session on Wednesday 4 November, which looks at why making sustainability a key part of any investment strategy is a business imperative. Register for free at https://secureforms.egi.co.uk/the-future-of-UK-cities-2020 for access not just to the insightful discussion but for exclusive access to networking opportunities.

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Photo: Better Buildings Partnership