The BPF has launched its Net Zero Pledge, which aims to cut carbon emissions across the whole of the property sector.
The pledge is designed to complement and support wider sector and industry net zero initiatives, with members encouraged to sign up to existing net zero carbon programmes and frameworks.
Members can now sign-up to the pledge, and then measure and report publicly on progress.
The BPF said the three planks of the pledge will be Sign up, Share and Support. Members will be expected to set verifiable net zero carbon targets and plans, share research, knowledge and insight on an open-source basis, and support each other, and the wider industry, to accelerate the transition to net zero.
The BPF said that sharing best practice, knowledge and innovation among members was at the core of the initiative.
Chief executive Melanie Leech said: “The built environment has a critical role in the UK reaching its net zero target by 2050. Currently responsible for up to 40% of emissions globally, the industry needs to be at the forefront of innovation. Our membership is broad and diverse, with members at different stages of their journey to net zero. The Net Zero Pledge aims to bring members together to support each other and share resources in order effectively to tackle carbon emissions before or by 2050 at the very latest.”
Those members that already have advanced carbon reduction plans in place will commit to supporting and mentoring those members that are just starting out on their net zero journey – speeding up the pace of change across the industry.
The BPF is also launching a net zero network, which includes an online knowledge hub where resources will be collated and made available, and where members can exchange ideas and best practice. Members will also have access to a programme of webinars and events.
In addition, a mentorship programme is being piloted to connect sustainability leads at large and small businesses to share best practice and support each other to reach net zero.
Guy Grainger, BPF president and JLL’s global sustainability head, said: “I have spoken before about the need for radical collaboration in order to deliver on net zero, and we need to see it happening. The onus is on every single organisation to commit to tackling the climate crisis; this means signing up to verifiable targets and reporting publicly, as well as working together to share best practice and help each other.
“In the next 12 months during my presidency at the BPF, I want to see all of our members working together to start or accelerate their journey to net zero.”
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