Green group urges push on zero carbon commercial buildings

This lack of clarity is “creating inefficiencies and the loss of global export opportunities” within the industry, the leaders warn.

Paul King, Chief Executive of the UK Green Building Council, says: “The business benefits of zero carbon non domestic buildings are huge, boosting innovation that could help to create export opportunities in excess of £1bn by 2050. 

“Industry stands ready to invest in innovation and deliver higher standards in non domestic buildings, but the Coalition’s failure to recommit to the 2019 target is holding it back. Government has dragged its feet over this issue for far too long to the detriment of both business and the environment, and must now act urgently to demonstrate it is serious about realising the vast economic benefits of this policy.”

The letter comes as the UK Green Building Council publishes a report from its industry Task Group which urges Government to restate its commitment to the 2019 target and set out a clear and ambitious definition of zero carbon. The last time Government publically committed to the target was in December 2010.

The report, Building Zero Carbon – the case for action, also argues that the UK should become the ‘first mover’ within Europe in defining zero carbon if it is to capitalise on the economic growth and export opportunities of low carbon building knowledge, skills and technology.

Sarah Cary, Sustainable Developments Executive at British Land, who chaired the Task Group, says: “With 2019 fast approaching, industry desperately needs clarity on an ambitious definition of zero carbon and a roadmap detailing how we’ll get there. The business case for action is simply too great to be ignored. Government must act now if the UK is to capitalise on this green growth opportunity and continue to lead globally on expertise in low carbon buildings.”

The Task Group is sponsored by BAM, BRE, British Land and Saint Gobain.