Climate Change Adaptation | UKGBC

An Introduction to Sustainability in the Built Environment (online)

Shereen — Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:32:10 +0000

The built environment currently contributes around 40% of annual CO2 emissions globally. Therefore, improving the sustainability of the built environment is imperative if we are to stay within a 1.5-degree world.

On this four-module online course, you’ll be introduced to the different approaches that can improve sustainability in the built environment. You’ll understand the importance of the built environment in fighting the climate and ecological emergency, and the role you can play in influencing change. By the end, you’ll feel equipped to advocate for sustainable building design and delivery and be empowered to apply this knowledge in your own context.

What will you achieve?

Describe the key concepts and examples of sustainability in the built environment
Apply your knowledge to your work, community or home
Contribute positively to influence sustainability outcomes within your own built environment Collaborate with your new-found sustainable building community to continue learning

About the course and course dates

This course runs every other month throughout the year. You’ll be part of a cohort of people from across industry taking the course at the same time; you’ll have opportunities to discuss the concepts raised in the course with your peers.

Alongside discussion and other activities, the UKGBC team will be on hand to support your learning and answer any questions.

6 January – 3 February

Sign-up for course dates that work for you via Eventbrite. You’ll received a confirmation email.

The Friday before your course starts we’ll add you our learning platform.

From the course start date, you’ll be able to log in and start learning!

You’ll have access to the course for four weeks, but you can progress through the course at your own pace.

Read through all modules to compete the course and receive a certificate.

What does the course cover?

Through your four weeks of learning, you’ll work through the following modules:

Module 1: Context. In this module, you’ll be welcomed into the course and begin the learning journey by exploring why sustainability in the built environment is so critical for the future, and the role that the built environment plays in either exacerbating or mitigating climate change and broader sustainability issues.

Module 2: Concepts. In this module, you’ll explore five key concepts of sustainability in the built environment and different building typologies including: Climate Change; Resource Use; Nature & Biodiversity; Social Value; and Health & Wellbeing.

Module 3: Cases. In this module, you’ll delve into a variety of case studies and also be given the opportunity to develop and share one of your own.

Module 4: Change: This is where you’ll take action! You’ll investigate the unique role that you can play in influencing the sustainability of the built environment around them. You’ll also be asked to make commitment to push your single most impactful action forward.

Who is the course for?

This course is designed for anyone working in the built environment and construction sectors who wants to develop their sustainability knowledge and skills.

You may already be working in the built environment and looking to upskill in the field of sustainability, or you may have knowledge of sustainability and want to apply this to the context of the built environment. If you have limited knowledge of both buildings and sustainability and want to learn more about sustainable design and delivery, this course will give you a solid introduction

CPD hours: 16

Tickets

Member tickets are £50
Non-member tickets are: £200
Keystone members are entitled to free places for this course. Please contact learning@UKGBC.org for more information.
If you’re unsure if your organisation is a member, please check our Membership Directory.

Do you want to enrol a whole team?

UKGBC can offer this course to closed cohorts, running at a time of your convenience – please get in touch with our learning team to get more information: learning@UKGBC.org.

Cancellation and refund policy

Please see our website for more details on our cancellations and refunds: https://ukgbc.org/ukgbc-cancellation-and-refund-policy/

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UKGBC at Futurebuild 2025

Marianne Juca — Wed, 22 Jan 2025 15:41:02 +0000

Celebrating its 20th anniversary, FutureBuild will take place from March 4-6, 2025, in London. This year’s theme, Impact, underscores two decades of driving positive change in construction and community development.

FutureBuild brings together around 15k professionals committed to sustainability, innovation, and collaboration in the built environment – architect, engineer, contractor, policy makers – and offers insights, cutting-edge products, and networking opportunities to support sustainability goals.

In partnership with: Mitsubishi Electric UK, Interface and Chetwoods Architects, we are returning to Futurebuild with our award winning stand, where you can learn more about our work, and our network. As part of the 3-day event, we are participating in two main stage events, and leading on three panel discussion as well as hosting a materials workshop on stand. See below for our full activity calendar.

Day 1 – Tuesday 4th March

12:00-12:45 How the circular economy and degrowth can avoid catastrophic tipping points

We have known about ‘limits to growth’ since at least 1972. We know that society’s use of materials for all purposes has increased from 7 billion tons in 1900 to 92 billion tons in 2017, and this is just not sustainable. We can recycle as much as we can but if we keep trying to grow GDP no matter the environmental and social costs, we risk missing our climate targets and triggering catastrophic tipping points. We then try to put a price on nature that doesn’t prohibit growth. Thinking ‘circular’ goes beyond waste and influences every decision that we make particularly for those working in the built environment. Time for an honest conversation about where we should be in 12 months? By 2030? by 2035?

Chair: Smith Mordak, UKGBC

Panel: Dr David Greenfield, SOENECS; Elwyn Grainger-Jones, Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute; Teresa Domenech, University College London

Day 2 – Wednesday 5thMarch

13:30-14:15 How resilient is the UK built environment to climate impacts?

A session around the UKGBC Climate Resilience Roadmap, with a sneak peek at the roadmap content looking at how resilient and vulnerable the UK built environment is to climate impacts, including results of the Roadmap research as well as key insights.  We will explore ‘where should we be in 12 months / 2030 / 2035’ as we will tease the actions and recommendations.

Chairs: Hannah Giddings, UKGBC; Macarena Cardenas, UKGBC

Panel: Ashely Bateson, Hoare Lea; Christine Cambrook, Buro Happold; Anna Oxenham, Mace

Location: Buildings Impact Stage

14:30-15:20 Material Matters Workshop delivered by Chetwoods Architects (UKGBC Stand)

Chetwoods Architects dive into all things sustainability when it comes to materials, including embodied carbon, health and wellbeing, and the circular economy. Information and exploration of a range of exciting material samples for an interactive session where you can challenge yourself to pick out the more sustainable material options, and identify the red herrings.

16:15-17:00 The Futurebuild Conversation – Achieving our low carbon future? Why aren’t we there yet?

As we transition to our low carbon future we find ourselves at a pivotal moment as it is only 25 years to 2050 when we need to get to the legally binding target of reducing carbon emissions to net zero. So what are the opportunities and the barriers?Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning are major consumers of energy in any building and the HVAC equipment that is designed and installed over the next 5 years is likely to still be in use in 2050. That means that the decisions we all make now on both new-build, and more importantly retrofit must align with those net zero goals if clients are to avoid ending up with stranded assets. Yet the technology that can help on the road to net zero already exists.

Chair: Dr Anastasia Mylona, Technical Director, CIBSE

Panel: Yetunde Abdul, UKGBC; Steff Wright, Gusto Group; Chris Newman, Mitsubishi Electric

Location: Futurebuild Arena

Day 3: Thursday 6th March

10:30-11:15 What is a ‘Regenerative Place’? and how do we get there?

The word ‘Regenerative’ is being used with increasing frequency across industry, with a growing number of perspectives on what it the concept means. There is less understanding so far, of how it translates into practice and especially how we retrofit our homes and urban spaces to bring the vision into reality for UK communities. The session will focus on Improving biodiversity and green space; offering health and social value benefits, strengthening climate resilience

Chaired by: Joanne Wheeler, UKGBC; Anna Hollyman, UKGBC

Panel: Miles Lewis, Clarion Housing Group; Carl Walker, Hoare Lea

Location: Placemaking Impact Stage

13:30-14:15 Towards a nature-positive built environment

A reflection on the built environment’s role in the global transition to a nature positive future. This session will outline our current understanding of what nature positive entails and focus specifically on addressing embodied ecological impacts from materials. It will showcase best practice examples and key principles to make a difference.

Chair: Kai Liebetanz, UKGBC

Panel: Aaron Grainger, Buro Happold; Julia Baker, Mott Macdonald; Becky Gordon, Interface

Deep Dive into Supply Chain Decarbonisation

UKGBC will be showcasing Supply Chain Decarbonisation on our stand at Futurebuild, in a series of five sessions. We will be sharing details of our work to date including the aim, scope, plans, activity to date and our desired outcomes from this workstream. UKGBC programme leads will be heading this event, with support from Partners and Task Group members in attendance.

In addition, attendees will have the opportunity to contribute to our testing of initial ideas for action, shaping our developing plans for future work. Whilst also learning how, as stakeholders in the built environment, you can get more involved in helping to drive progress.

The Deep Dive event will take place during the following time periods:
Tuesday 4 March 11:00-12:00, 14:00-15:00
Wednesday 5 March 11:00-12:00, 14:00-15:00
Thursday 6 March 11:00-12:00

Book here

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Trends in Sustainable Solutions for the Built Environment – Reflecting on 2024

Marianne Juca — Wed, 22 Jan 2025 15:00:23 +0000

This report summarises a range of sustainable solution trends that UKGBC has seen over the course of 2024, provides context on their use, and comments on the relevant driving forces in the UK market. The solutions discussed range from innovative new platforms and materials to transformative business models and processes. The analysis is based on engagement with innovation-focused UKGBC members (including input from UKGBC’s Solutions & Innovation Advisory Group), interviews with UKGBC topic leads, and desktop research.

Explore the analysis here

Fundamental change, regenerative design and organisational transformation

Densification and democratisation of space

Place-based approaches and community co-design

Supply chain sustainability

Renewable energy systems

Retrofit

Net Zero Buildings and Whole Life Carbon

Carbon offsetting and storage

Nature, biodiversity and embodied ecological impacts

Funding for nature, adaptation and resilience

Resilience and adaptation technology

Water use

Reuse hubs and marketplaces

Material passports

UKGBC does not formally endorse any of the solutions presented in this report. It is intended as a signpost and a source of inspiration for built environment stakeholders, who should always carry out their own due diligence before adoption. While this is a summary of some of the notable solutions of which UKGBC has become aware, there are likely to be other solutions available but not mentioned. Discover more solutions in our Solutions Library.

Solutions and Innovation

At UKGBC we take a collaborative approach to identify sustainability challenges across the built environment and help source and implement the solutions to them.

Learn more

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Site Visit to Coal House, Cardiff

Shereen — Tue, 07 Jan 2025 16:23:35 +0000

About this event

This site tour will kick off with short presentations to set out key concepts and the thinking behind the project, followed by tours of the building itself to explore practical examples of deep retrofit solutions. Afterwards there will be a networking session with industry peers, with light lunch and drinks provided.

Join UKGBC on a visit to Coal House, a deep retrofit office building in Cardiff City Centre with BREEAM Excellent and SKA Gold.

Coal House is a four-story office building located in Cardiff city centre with 30,000sq ft of net internal area. Vacant possession of the property in 2022 presented an opportunity to retrofit the building to maximise the sustainability whilst creating a vibrant and engaging workspace that also provides improved facilities for occupants and enhances user wellbeing.

There are growing regulatory and commercial risks associated with older, less energy-efficient buildings – particularly in the office market. As our awareness of the need to decarbonise our built environment grows, it is becoming clear that retrofitting existing buildings results in lower whole life carbon emissions than demolition and new build, whilst reducing the wider ecological impacts of construction waste and resource usage. Deep retrofit is able to achieve significant cuts in operational energy use (60-65%+), transition buildings away from fossil fuels, and meet best practice 2030-2035 energy performance targets for offices. (UKGBC Building the Case for Net Zero: Retrofitting Office Buildings).

To minimise the embodied carbon impact, the structure at Coal House was maintained and, instead, the building underwent an exterior refurbishment with solar PV and solar shading installed. The core plant and all heating and ventilation equipment were replaced. Alongside this, technologically integrated variable air flow valves were included which enabled automated air quality management on a localised basis. The lighting was upgraded to new, highly-efficient LED systems.

To support the ongoing running of the building, a new building management system (BMS) was installed, integrating a smart building server, sensors, access and visitor management systems. Furthermore, a building app called Coalhouse.life was introduced to facilitate interaction between the smart technology, building amenity and the building occupants.

Coal House featured as a case study in UKGBC’s report, Building the Case for Net Zero: Retrofitting Office Buildings. Visit page 56 for information about Coal House.

Book event

Deepen understanding of deep retrofit and how to minimise embodied carbon impacts.

Explore solutions, challenges and lessons learned first-hand from the design and delivery teams.

Network with fellow built environment professionals.

UKGBC cancellation and refund policy
Please see our website for more details on our cancellations and refunds: https://ukgbc.org/ukgbc-cancellation-and-refund-policy/

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An Introduction to Sustainability in the Built Environment (on-demand)

Shereen — Thu, 28 Nov 2024 11:20:53 +0000

The built environment currently contributes around 40% of annual CO2 emissions, and has a huge impact on biodiversity globally. Improving the sustainability of the built environment is imperative if we are to reduce our impact on the planet, and adapt to a changing climate.

On this four-module online course, you’ll learn about the current context – the climate and ecological emergency, and the built environment impact. You’ll read and discuss the core concepts, and the ways we can improve sustainability of the built environment. You’ll understand the importance of the built environment in fighting the climate and ecological emergency, and the role you can play in influencing change. By the end, you’ll feel equipped to advocate for sustainable building design and delivery and be empowered to apply this knowledge in your own organisation.

Describe the key concepts and examples of sustainability in the built environment

Apply your knowledge to your work

Contribute positively to influence sustainability outcomes within your own built environment

About the course

This self-directed online course runs every other month throughout the year. The course is a combination of reading, self-led activities, quizzes and discussion. You’ll be part of a cohort of people from across industry taking the course at the same time; you’ll have opportunities to discuss the concepts raised in the course with your peers.

Alongside discussion and other activities, the UKGBC team will be on hand to support your learning and answer any questions.

3 – 31 March

Book now

5 May – 2 June

Book now

7 July – 1 August

Book now

1– 26 September

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3 – 28 November

Book now

What does the course cover?
Through your four weeks of learning, you’ll work through the following modules:

Module 1: Context. In this module, you’ll be welcomed into the course and begin the learning journey by exploring why sustainability in the built environment is so critical for the future, and the role that the built environment plays in either exacerbating or mitigating climate change and broader sustainability issues.

Module 2: Concepts. In this module, you’ll explore five key concepts of sustainability in the built environment and different building typologies including: Climate Change; Resource Use; Nature & Biodiversity; Social Value; and Health & Wellbeing.

Module 3: Cases. In this module, you’ll delve into a variety of case studies and also be given the opportunity to develop and share one of your own.

Module 4: Change: This is where you’ll take action! You’ll investigate the unique role that you can play in influencing the sustainability of the built environment around them. You’ll also be asked to make commitment to push your single most impactful action forward.

Sign-up for course dates that work for you via Eventbrite. You’ll receive a confirmation email.

The Friday before your course starts, we’ll add you on our learning platform – you’ll receive a notification.

From the course start date, you’ll be able to log in and start learning!

You’ll have access to the course for four weeks, but you can progress through the course at your own pace.

Read through all modules to compete the course and receive a certificate.

Who is the course for?

This course is designed for anyone working in the built environment and construction sectors who wants to develop their sustainability knowledge and skills.
You may already be working in the built environment and be looking to upskill in the field of sustainability, or you may have knowledge of sustainability and want to apply this to the context of the built environment. If you have limited knowledge of both buildings and sustainability and want to learn more about sustainable design and delivery, this course will give you a solid introduction.

CPD hours: 16

Tickets

Member tickets are £150
Non-member tickets are: £300
Keystone members are entitled to 15% off this course. Please contact learning@UKGBC.org for more information.
If you’re unsure if your organisation is a member, please check our Membership Directory.

Do you want to enrol a whole team?

UKGBC can offer this course to closed cohorts, running at a time of your convenience – please get in touch with our learning team to get more information: learning@UKGBC.org.

Cancellation and refund policy

Please see our website for more details on our cancellations and refunds: https://ukgbc.org/ukgbc-cancellation-and-refund-policy/

The post An Introduction to Sustainability in the Built Environment (on-demand) appeared first on UKGBC.

UK Climate Resilience Roadmap Second Industry Consultation

Marianne Juca — Wed, 20 Nov 2024 12:00:00 +0000

What does climate resilience and adaptation mean for the built environment? What would a climate-resilient UK built environment look like, and how can the industry achieve it? During our second industry consultation, we presented a proposal and collected feedback from individuals and organisations across the built environment sector.

In close collaboration with various organisations across all of the UK’s subsectors of the built environment, UKGBC is co-creating the country’s first UK Climate Resilience Roadmap for the built environment—a robust, evidence-based guide to help the industry adapt to climate change, protect people, and support ecosystems.

This was an opportunity for UKGBC members and the wider industry to review and feedback on the current proposals to ensure industry alignment and consensus on of this roadmap.

The consultation is open from the 20^th November 2024 until 12pm on 6^th January 2025.

The consultation process is based on an online survey, which takes 20 to 30 minutes to complete.

You will be able to provide responses to the consultation form from Wednesday November 20th 2024, when the consultation opens.

Respond to the consultation here.

This is an opportunity for all built environment stakeholders to provide feedback on progressed work, which includes:

Our vision for a climate resilient built environment
Definitions of core concepts
Information on hazards & risks
Industry aims and goals
Initial industry actions
Key metrics and indicators
Five key policy recommendations

If you missed the Industry Consultation period and would like to provide feedback, please contact us at resilience.nature@ukgbc.org We are happy to consider organisational or individual input until 31st January 2025.

UK Climate Resilience Roadmap

As climate change impacts continue to occur, the built environment must prepare for hazards such as heatwaves, floods, and storms whilst cutting carbon emissions. To start, we first need to understand how to measure our resilience, establish industry-wide targets and pinpoint essential actions and policies to achieve them.

Climate Change Adaptation

As the climate crisis intensifies and extreme weather events become more common, the UK’s buildings, cities and critical infrastructure, and the communities that use and occupy these, are in increasing danger. It’s vital to address how our buildings and infrastructure can be adapted to remain fit for the future.

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UKGBC at COP29

Marianne Juca — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 12:08:39 +0000

Our Deputy Chief Executive, Simon McWhirter, is attending various events and engagements at COP29. Learn more below.

Where?	When
COP29 will take place at Baku Stadium in Baku, the capital city of Azerbaijan	11th November – 22nd November, 2024

Time: 11:00 – 12:30

Location: UK Pavilion, Blue Zone

UKGBC attendee: Simon McWhirter

This live recorded Outrage+Optimism podcast will provide an opportunity to celebrate the UK’s publication of its high-ambition NDC, reflect on how to turbocharge its implementation, and explore how collaboration between major international powers can help tip the balance on climate action before the mid-way point this decade.

Learn more here and stream the event here.

Time: 9:00-10:00
Location: Blue Zone, 6th Capacity Building Hub / room 4

UKGBC Speaker: Simon McWhirter

With growing climate risks impacting 85% of the global population, this session aims to bridge finance, policy, and the built environment to enable resilience and adaptation. This includes co-creating decarbonisation and resilience roadmaps aligned with NDCs, fostering policies, and aligning investments to build a sustainable, resilient future.

Learn more here.

Time: 11:25 – 12:10

Location: Climate Action, Baku Marriott, Main stage

UKGBC Moderator: Simon McWhirter

85% of the world’s population will be in emerging markets by 2050 and 70% of them will be living in cities. Understand the importance of sustainable procurement and design to ensure cities’ prosperity and credit worthiness.

Learn more here.

Time: 15:00 – 16:00

Location: Climate Action, Baku Marriott, Nagiyev Room

UKGBC co-chair: Simon McWhirter

The Buildings Breakthrough was launched at COP28 by the Governments of France and Morocco, together with the UN Environment Programme. Its mission is to make near-zero emissions and climate resilient buildings (NZERBs) the new normal by 2030. One year on, this roundtable will look at priorities for the next 12 months, aligning the Buildings Breakthrough with the NDCs 3.0 and how businesses and organisations in the buildings sector can contribute to these national plans in an impactful manner.

Learn more here.

Time: 10:00 – 11:30

Location: Buildings and Cooling Pavilion, Blue Zone, pavilion ICC – International Code Council, Number G10

UKGBC Speaker: Simon McWhirter

This session will address the importance of bringing all stakeholders together to identify pathways and set targets to decarbonize the building sector. It will discuss the importance of buildings and construction roadmaps for aligning stakeholders behind a common vision to achieve zero-emission, efficient and resilient buildings and construction.

Learn more here.

Time: 11:00 – 12:00

Location: Baku White City Pavilion, Green Zone

UKGBC panelist: Simon McWhirter

Decarbonising the built environment is essential, as the sector is responsible for nearly 40% of global carbon emissions, driven significantly by energy use and the production of construction materials. By adopting robust net zero carbon standards and practices, the industry holds the potential to transform its environmental impact, contributing significantly to the fight against climate change, while also fostering a more sustainable and resilient future for all.

This special COP29 event, hosted and moderated by Mina Hasman, Sustainability Director at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) representative at COP29, will provide a comprehensive update on the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard (the ‘Standard’). Attendees will gain valuable insights into the collaborative development of the Standard by leading UK built environment organisations and subject matter experts, responding to the market’s need for a unified, clear definition of net zero carbon-aligned assets in the UK. The event will also explore practical strategies for accelerating decarbonisation, drawing on SOM’s latest innovations in sustainable design and construction.

Learn more here.

Time: 14:30 – 16:30

Location: Blue Zone, Buildings and Cooling Pavilion G10

UKGBC Round Table participant: Simon McWhirter

Following the launch of the Buildings Breakthrough at COP28 and the presentation of the first set of its priority actions during the Buildings and Climate Global Forum in March 2024 in Paris, this event will present progress and COP29 landing points. It will also serve as a platform for discussion on future objectives leading up to COP30, allowing participants to help shape the next steps and refine strategies.

Learn more here.

Get in touch

Simon McWhirter Deputy Chief Executive & Director of External Affairs

Policy and Advocacy

Since 2007, we have been bringing together some of the most influential leaders in politics, business, local authorities, civil service and NGOs to accelerate action for a green built environment.

Learn more about our advocacy work

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Intelligent building vibration reduction system

Bradley Nissen — Thu, 31 Oct 2024 15:16:52 +0000

Problem Addressed

Structural vibrations in buildings are a critical problem for today’s construction industry. These vibrations can be disruptive, cause discomfort to occupants, and even accelerate structural wear and tear over time. Currently, floors must be made stiffer and heavier to provide satisfactory vibration reduction, but this comes with additional costs and embodied carbon.

Solution Overview

CALMFLOOR reduces excessive floor vibrations by up to 90% as measured by in-situ testing on floors with CALMFLOOR active mass dampers (AMDs) installed. This is achieved by CALMFLOOR increasing the effective damping from a typical 1-2% up to 10% or higher, improving living and working conditions within a building, thereby promoting well-being and productivity. This solution, developed by FSD Active, uses advanced AMD technology, which is proven to reduce structural vibrations. The CALMFLOOR system can be installed in both new and existing buildings, enabling modern and resource efficient structures without worrying about vibrations. Installation is simple in both existing, repurposed and new building as the unit is bolted onto structural components, plugged in a fully operational straight out of the box without any need for structural strengthening. Incorporating CALMFLOOR into a new building at the design stage enables the use of lightweight and slender structural designs that require less construction material and therefore lower embodied carbon. It can also be an enabler of more sustainable construction materials like CLT. Overall floor depth can be reduced, allowing for shorter building heights or additional stories. By reducing the weight of floors, structural framing and foundation sizes can both be minimised.

The CALMFLOOR solution has been designed to reduce its own embodied and operational carbon footprints to maximise savings over the life of a building. The system can enter sleep mode when vibration levels are low using its power-saving technology. For a typical office building, FSD Active estimates this would require only 25W. The company has also estimated the total carbon associated with the use of a single CALMFLOOR console over a 50-year period:

Embodied Emissions: 480 kgCO2e from the extraction, production, and manufacturing of a CALMFLOOR console
Interim Emissions: 183 kgCO2e from upgrades, software enhancements, and intermittent usage
Operating Emission: 365 kgCO2e from day-to-day operations
Maintenance Emissions: 93 kgCO2e from routine maintenance, part replacement, and end-of-life disposal

After taking these emissions into account, FSD Active has estimated that the use of one CALMFLOOR unit can result in a net savings of up to 36,471 kgCO2e over the same 50-year period.

Case Study

CALMFLOOR was used in an existing office floor set in a London mixed-use commercial building which had experienced issue with floor vibration. The units were installed on the customer’s floor, minimising the need for disruption and required no structural modifications. Strategic positions were chosen as vibration hot-spots, and once installed, the active mass damping technology resulted in nearly a 75% reduction in vibration responses.

Up to 90 %

40 x

This page presents data, evidence, and solutions that are provided by our partners and members and should therefore not be attributed to UKGBC. While we showcase these solutions for inspiration, to build consensus, and create momentum for climate action, UKGBC does not offer commercial endorsement of individual solutions. If you would like to quote something from this page, or more information, please contact our Communications team at media@ukgbc.org.

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Digital platforms to support commercial retrofit

Bradley Nissen — Fri, 18 Oct 2024 15:49:55 +0000

Problem Addressed

With commercial buildings in the UK responsible for 23% of built environment carbon emissions, urgent action must be taken to retrofit these buildings at scale. In addition to the climate impact, commercial retrofit will be required to meet the growing demand for sustainable office space in the UK.

In commercial real estate there is also lack of data-driven insights which makes it difficult for informed decisions to be made around retrofit. Many commercial buildings are unsophisticated and understanding the feasibility of different retrofit options can be expensive and complex.

Solution Overview

Various digital platforms are emerging seeking to address this challenge, through helping property professionals understand their buildings and make informed decisions around retrofit. Many of these platforms provide details on current asset performance then create actionable plans including expected costs, predicted future performance, risks, and returns on investment.

These platforms utilise a range of data sources, including energy performance certificates, environmental data, occupancy patterns, building design, street view, energy bills, planning data and user feedback. Some platforms also create dynamic models or use AI to estimate energy consumption and carbon emissions and simulate different scenarios. They then use this information to provide an overview of the sustainability of their buildings, highlight areas for improvement and the impact of interventions. Examples of interventions may include demand response, renewable energy procurement, onsite renewable energy, optimisation and heat pumps.

Some of these platforms also partner with financing organisations and contractors to accomplish the work required for retrofit. A few are developing a marketplace of approved assessors, installers and suppliers.

The table below includes information about many of the solutions in this area with information provided by the solution provider. Please click on the company names to see more information about each solution.

_{Company name}	_{Building type}	_{Target customer and real estate process}	_{Business edge / prescribed methods}	_{Output format}	_{Output information}	_{Implementation}	_{Stage of development}
Perse Technolog y	^{Commercial (Residential available from Q2 2024)}	^{B2B (shortly extended to B2C) – Looking to provide instant costs and payback of installing low carbon tech}	^{Uses actual energy (electricity and gas) consumption data and costs. Also use industry methodologies for costs of low carbon technologies installation}	^{PDF or API}	^{Current asset performance, carbon footprint of energy supply, EPC data, building fabric data, building size and building use data, retrofit recommendations (by payback, time, cost, and impact), future impact of improvements}	^{Links clients directly to installers of low carbon technologies}	^{Solution is live to a number of clients}
Optim l	^{Commercial, Residential, and Light Industrial}	^{Fits in between ESG reporting and Tender & Execution. B2B (Real estate asset managers and consultants) – Provide strategy optimisation to action planning relating to CapEx, OpEx, Energy, Valuation/ROI, and Policy aspects.}	^{Optimises large portfolios to detailed assets with proprietary, science-based AI connecting finance and engineering. Optimisation & energy simulation models, AI data enrichment to enhance low quality data, and include a UI/UX platform for decision-making and target achievement}	^{PDF, API, Excel, or Web-based platform}	^{Current asset performance, future EPC, retrofit recommendations (to component and system level), ROI and Valuation of asset strategies, alignment to target, sensitivity analysis and risk}	^{Partners with consultancies and real estate management softwares who support in implementation}	^{Solution is live in DACH + UK for full-scale implementation already with reference clients. Already conducted over 30 pilots across Europe and US)}
MapMorta r	^{All commercially owned and managed assets}	^{B2B – Retrofit planning and management across large portfolios}	^{Whole-building simulation technology, enriched by AI, estimated to triple the speed and double the accuracy of processes compared to the status quo}	^{PDF, API, Excel, or Web-based Dashboard and Platform}	^{Current asset performance, future EPC, retrofit recommendations, impact on valuation, different scenarios across portfolio (buy, sell, hold), transition risk}	^{Platform available to both property owners and property advisors}	^{Ready for pilot}
SkenarioLab s	^{All assets}	^{B2B – Banking / Real Estate: Provide green mortgage/finance analysis, compliance and reporting data, and climate resilience analysis. Government / Public Sector: provide Net Zero Neighbourhood analysis and general decarbonisation analysis at scale. Insurance: provide reconstruction cost analysis and climate resilience analysis for portfolios}	^{Minimal data requirements. Building modelling, (not just EPC modelling) for more detailed assessments. Models how the main elements (value, performance, risk) impact each other. Can work at large scales, including whole portfolios, cities, and regions. Uses advances ML including gradient boosting algorithms and convolutional neural networks}	^{PDF, API, Excel, Frontends (custom or whitelabelled)}	^{Data enrichment, market valuation, insurance / reconstruction valuation, value-at-risk calculations, current asset performance, retrofitting modelling and costing, retrofit optimisation modelling to cost/carbon/other factors, financial / regulatory compliance risk, current climate / physical risk, future climate/physical risk}	^{Platform can integrate to other solutions in the supply/decision making chain}	^{Ready for pilot and /or full-scale commercial implementation}
Lookthrough	^{Multifamily homes, office buildings, logistics buildings}	^{Portfolio owners and managers looking to decide on the most critical buildings and renovation actions in their portfolios.}	^{Platform-based model with a questionnaire using network effects to quickly gather the data required. AI Scenario modelling quickly identifies the most efficient way to achieve efficiency improvements. There are a range of parameters that can be chosen from including Co2 downscaling, planning the cost of energetic property renovation, identifying buildings with biggest impact. minimising transition risks, making buildings more energy efficient, etc.}	^{Excel, Web-based dashboard, API (by request)}	^{Cost per sqm Emission per sqm Which building elements need upgrading Retrofit recommendations (fabric, heating systems, technologies, lighting systems etc)}	^{Once the recommendations have been made the information is then passed onto architects / engineers for delivery, but impacts continue to be tracked through the platform}	^{Have been operating for the last 2 years approx., and currently have 40,000+ buildings on the platform.}
Building Atlas	^{Any building, but focus on non-residential}	^{B2B – net zero plans and retrofit recommendations across portfolios – offered to asset owners, tenants and consultancies supporting them..}	^{Modelling large portfolios using minimal data, using new AI methods to recommend the fastest, most cost-effective path to net zero.}	^{PDF, API, Excel, or Web-based Dashboard and Platform.}	^{Metrics on your buildings, including building physics and energy usage; net zero plans and retrofit scenario modelling, current and future asset performance – energy usage intensity, EPC rating and more.}	^{Platform is available to asset owners and consultancies who support implementation of net zero plans. Also open to custom interfaces to client systems as needed.}	^{Ready for pilots and full commercial delivery.}

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Collecting utility data to promote user engagement

Bradley Nissen — Fri, 11 Oct 2024 10:05:39 +0000

Problem Addressed

While there are many strategies for reducing the operational carbon of buildings, many of these are only maximally effective when there is robust engagement by the building’s users. Utility consumption in particular can be effectively reduced when those living and working within a building are well informed about specific sustainability objectives and actionable methods for achieving them.

Solution Overview

hello energy offers an online SaaS solution to monitor a building’s performance and engage its users to achieve their sustainability goals.

By connecting to meters, submeters, and other sensors, hello energy collects data and presents it through its sustainability dashboard. Electricity, heat and gas, water, solar, and electric vehicles can all be monitored.

Inspire Plan

hello energy’s standard offering focuses on developing awareness and inspiring building users and tenants. Interactive screens throughout a building can provide information about its consumption alongside tangible goals. Inspire helps to create a dialogue between stakeholders to promote a community-minded approach towards sustainability.

Interact Plan

The Interact plan offers all the same features as the Inspire plan while offering additional features. Buildings can use hello energy to earn credits towards GRESB, BREEAM, WELL, and in areas including health and wellbeing, smart mobility, and tenant engagement. With the Interact plan, key data and insights can be derived for calculating Scope 2 and 3 emissions, ESRS, and GRI reporting.

Activate Plan

The most comprehensive plan offered by hello energy is their Activate plan. In addition to the services offered by the Interact plan, Activate includes challenges and tips for users to encourage participation on topics including waste, energy, and mobility. This plan is best suited to engage a building’s users daily while providing them with content and stories around sustainability.

Data Services

Hello energy provides other ways to maximise ESG data collection. They can help obtain tenant consent to share their utility data. Their API integrations can collect this information in a variety of formats to make it easier to develop sustainability performance reports.

Case Study

One of the largest office buildings in Lisbon, MB4 began using hello energy’s software, data collection, and touch screens to promote participation and reduce energy consumption by their tenants. MB4 was also able to use hello energy to report on ESG metrics more easily. To encourage sustainable choices, touch screens in the lobby highlight these sustainability metrics as wells as weather updates and public transport options. Since implementing hello energy’s array of services, MB4 has earned credits towards BREEAM-in-use and WELL certifications while achieving an 3.5% reduction in their energy costs.

800+

2500+

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Climate Change Adaptation | UKGBC

An Introduction to Sustainability in the Built Environment (online)

What will you achieve?

How does it work?

Biodiversity and Environmental Net Gain Project Partners

UKGBC at Futurebuild 2025

Day 1 – Tuesday 4th March

Day 2 – Wednesday 5th March

Day 3: Thursday 6th March

Deep Dive into Supply Chain Decarbonisation

Trends in Sustainable Solutions for the Built Environment – Reflecting on 2024

Key themes of 2024

Fundamental change, regenerative design and organisational transformation

Densification and democratisation of space

Place-based approaches and community co-design

Supply chain sustainability

Renewable energy systems

Retrofit

Net Zero Buildings and Whole Life Carbon

Carbon offsetting and storage

Nature, biodiversity and embodied ecological impacts

Funding for nature, adaptation and resilience

Resilience and adaptation technology

Water use

Reuse hubs and marketplaces

Material passports

Solutions and Innovation

Site Visit to Coal House, Cardiff

About this event

Why attend

Deepen understanding of deep retrofit and how to minimise embodied carbon impacts.

Explore solutions, challenges and lessons learned first-hand from the design and delivery teams.

Network with fellow built environment professionals.

Commercial Retrofit Project Partners

An Introduction to Sustainability in the Built Environment (on-demand)

What will you achieve?

About the course

Course dates

How does it work?

Who is the course for?

Tickets

Do you want to enrol a whole team?

Cancellation and refund policy

UK Climate Resilience Roadmap Second Industry Consultation

FAQs

When is the consultation happening?

How is the consultation taking place?

Who should be involved?

UK Climate Resilience Roadmap

Climate Change Adaptation

UKGBC at COP29

November 13th

Bigger, better, bolder: Updating NDCs in line with 1.5ºC

November 14th

Building the Transition; Financing a Resilient Future

Building Tomorrow: Sustainable smart cities

The Buildings Breakthrough and NDCs 3.0

November 16th

Climate Action Roadmaps for Buildings and Construction: on the path for a low carbon and resilient built environment

November 20th

Accelerating Decarbonisation in the Built Environment: How We Make It Happen

Buildings and Climate Momentum: Buildings Breakthrough Milestones, Declaration de Chaillot’s ICBC, and the Road to COP30

Get in touch

Policy and Advocacy

Intelligent building vibration reduction system

Problem Addressed

Solution Overview

Case Study

Facts and Figures

Digital platforms to support commercial retrofit

Problem Addressed

Solution Overview

Collecting utility data to promote user engagement

Problem Addressed

Solution Overview

Case Study

Facts and Figures

Day 2 – Wednesday 5thMarch