London-based architecture firm Perkins and Will has pledged to offer clients net-zero design strategies for every project at no additional cost.
The firm, in partnership with Penoyre & Prasad, will produce a zero carbon report for each new build or retrofit project at RIBA Stage 2.
Perkins and Will said designing in a net-zero carbon target for a building’s operations has a crucial role to play in cutting building emissions.
The built environment contributes 40% of the UK’s total carbon footprint, according to the UK Green Building Council.
The aim is to encourage more sustainable buildings to be developed by making the process easier for investors and developers. The firm will make clear to clients what the operational emissions gap of their buildings will be, and how best to close it in line with the UKGBC’s 2019 definition of net-zero operational.
Developers and property investors have welcomed the move.
Steve Medway, place manager at Cadogan, said: “The urgency of the climate crisis means that our industry needs to take every step possible to drive down carbon emissions in line with the 2050 net-zero target. Without pledges like this, which is a decided step in the right direction, the industry will continue to lock in substantial emissions for decades to come.
“It’s worth noting that this net-zero operational pledge includes retrofitting buildings which currently make up the lion’s share of carbon emissions from buildings.”
Bill Hughes, head of real assets at Legal & General Investment Management, said: “Reaching net-zero by 2050 requires transformative changes throughout the entire real estate industry, including the way we finance, design, deliver and operate built assets.
We welcome this design strategy road map as part of the step change required to closing the operational emissions gap in the built environment, helping all investors and developers join the race to net-zero.”
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