Greater collaboration required to reach workplace net zero targets – © Fahroni-iStock
There should be greater collaboration and data-sharing between office building owners and occupiers to achieve net zero goals, according to a new academic report.
Produced by University College London for the British Council for Offices, the report identifies the barriers that businesses are facing as they strive to reduce their workplace carbon footprint.
It is informed by more than 100 office occupiers and building professionals, and outlines the measures that can be taken to overcome these barriers – at low or zero cost. These include:
- Greener and longer leases, with office occupiers having more say over refurbishments;
- Greater collaboration and data sharing between building owners and occupiers;
- Sub-metering and the use of sensors to measure exactly where energy is used; and
- Use of prefabricated, reused and recycled materials and furniture.
Achieving net zero carbon emissions is a major component of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) strategies in the commercial real estate sector, driven by a growing expectation from businesses, their customers, and ultimately the public, to respond to the effects of climate change. The current energy crisis that began in 2022 is also focusing minds and investment on improving energy efficiency.
