BPF report highlights decarbonisation challenges for property sector

The British Property Federation (BPF), in partnership with JLL, has released a report identifying the key challenges the property sector faces as it decarbonises and provides a series of policy recommendations.

The research found that access to data is a major challenge, making it difficult to calculate accurate operational carbon and set realistic carbon reduction targets.

Policy and regulatory uncertainty and a lack of financial incentives to support the retrofitting of buildings are also hindering progress.

The report reveals that 9 in 10 senior leaders surveyed do not believe current policy will deliver a net zero property sector by 2050.

To ensure the property sector can meet net zero targets the BPF has set out several essential policies:

1. Mandate the sharing of energy consumption data between property owners and occupiers of large commercial buildings, and set up a Task Force to explore the particular data challenges faced by owners of residential buildings
2. Confirm urgently the detail of the planned changes to the MEES regulations for both the domestic and non-domestic private rented sectors, and the details of the proposed new performance-based energy rating system
3. Zero rate VAT on residential repairs and maintenance and reform capital allowances to incentivise investment to decarbonise
4. Move towards the mandatory installation of PV and/or green roofs on large residential, commercial and public buildings
5. Strengthen the criteria for a green tariff label
6. Allow Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) to invest in off-site renewables
7. Align, and resource, the planning system to enable the net zero transition
8. Mandate the use and disclosure of Life Cycle Assessments, and set embodied carbon reduction targets

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

The property sector is fully committed to decarbonisation but there are huge barriers and costs to overcome. We need clear long-term policies, regulation and incentives to support the industry’s efforts.  We urge the government to adopt the policy recommendations in this report and to work with us to make sure we can deliver a net zero built environment by 2050.

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

There is no denying that the real estate industry is committed to net zero, with pledges being made at a global, national and local level, but these pledges need to be turned into credible action. Without clear incentives and regulation from government we will continue to fall short of targets. The report highlights the insight we can garner when we collaborate and this collaboration, along with government support is critical.