Feasibility of net-zero 2050 questioned by built environment sector

Widespread scepticism around the government’s current net-zero strategy amongst built environment professionals has been revealed by new research with 69% doubting its feasibility.

The findings, published in the City of Tomorrow report by building performance analysts IES, found that more than half (51%) of those working in the sector believe that net-zero 2050 is only achievable with further legislative action.

One in 10 think that the current plan is not ambitious enough, and 8% think it’s not realistic.

Significantly, more than two-thirds (70%) believe that the government’s target relies too heavily on the principle of carbon offsetting.

While the sector itself has been making some progress with regard to sustainability, with the data showing that 47% of organisations having been actively working towards net-zero carbon for over a year, and 32% within the last year, a fifth (21%) of those surveyed admitted that they are yet to do so.

Tellingly, only 19% said that they think policy is the key driver behind the sector’s growing environmental focus, with environmental concern the most commonly cited motivation (39%).

Don McLean, CEO of IES, commented: “We know that many organisations within the built environment sector care deeply about the environment and are making great strides with their sustainability efforts.

“However, our research shows that there is still a significant proportion that is yet to begin its journey to net-zero carbon despite much encouragement, highlighting the importance of strong policy – something there is clearly an appetite for amongst many people working in the industry.

“While the sector has already achieved a lot, more stringent legislation will be key to giving the remaining organisations the push they need to start, and ensure all businesses are working to the same standards.”

The report also revealed areas that future legislation could target that would quickly make a tangible difference to carbon emissions from the built environment.

Only 47% of organisations surveyed said that they consistently predict carbon emissions of buildings prior to construction, and only half (50%) consistently measure the carbon emissions of buildings that they manage.

Mr McLean added: “Making it compulsory not just to predict the energy consumption of buildings prior to construction, but also to monitor their actual performance long term would make a big difference to the sustainability of our built environment.

“Studies have suggested that in-use energy consumption can be five to 10 times higher than compliance calculations carried out during the design stage, making the use of technologies such as digital twins to measure performance and identify areas for improvement invaluable.”

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