BPF launches Net Zero Pledge to tackle carbon emissions

21 Jun 2022

The British Property Federation (BPF) has launched its Net Zero Pledge – an industry-wide initiative to cut carbon emissions across the whole of the property sector. With the built environment accounting for up to 40% of global greenhouse gas emissions, the property industry has a vital role to play in supporting the government to reach its net zero targets.

The BPF, whose members range from developers to investors, lawyers to lenders, architects to agents, is uniquely placed to bring members together to support each other to speed up the pace of change. Members can now sign-up to the Pledge on the BPF website and will be expected to measure and report publicly on progress.

To take the Pledge and join the campaign, members must commit to three principal actions:

Sign-up: by setting verifiable net zero carbon targets and plans.
Share: research, knowledge and insight on an open-source basis.
Support: each other, and the wider industry, to accelerate the transition to net zero.

Buildings are responsible for approximately 40% of energy consumption and 36% of CO₂ emissions in the EU. Whilst some new buildings might be designed to good energy-efficient standards, utilising new technology that reduces waste and saves energy, much of the UK’s building stock is less efficient.

In order to comply with worldwide targets to reduce the impact of climate change, buildings need to become more efficient.

The BPF Pledge is designed to complement and support wider sector and industry net zero initiatives, with members encouraged to sign up to existing net zero carbon programmes and frameworks.

A core part of the Pledge is the sharing of best practice, knowledge and innovation among members. Those members who already have advanced carbon reductions plans in place will commit to supporting and mentoring those members who are just starting out on their net zero journey – speeding up the pace of change across the industry.

As part of this collaboration and cooperation, the BPF is launching a net zero network, which includes an online knowledge hub where resources will be collated and made readily available and members will be able to exchange ideas and best practice. Members will also have access to a programme of webinars and events.

A mentorship programme is also being piloted to connect sustainability leads at big and small businesses to share best practice and support each other to reach net-zero.

Melanie Leech, Chief Executive, British Property Federation, said:

“The built environment has a critical role in the UK reaching its net zero target by 2050. Currently responsible for up to 40% of emissions globally, the industry needs to be at the forefront of innovation. Our membership is broad and diverse, with members at different stages of their journey to net zero. The Net Zero Pledge aims to bring members together to support each other and share resources in order effectively to tackle carbon emissions before or by 2050 at the very latest.”

Guy Grainger, President of BPF and Global Head of Sustainability Services and ESG at JLL, said:

“I have spoken before about the need for radical collaboration in order to deliver on net zero and we need to see it happening. The onus is on every single organisation to commit to tackling the climate crisis, this means signing up to verifiable targets and reporting publicly as well as working together to share best practice and help each other. In the next 12 months during my Presidency at the BPF I want to see all of our members working together to start or accelerate their journey to net zero.”