Office sector must collaborate and share data to meet net zero goals, says BCO report

Building owners and occupiers must be more willing to share data if the office sector is to reach its net zero targets, according to a new report. 

Research by University College London Consultants for the British Council for Offices identified a range of low or zero cost measures that could help reduce the carbon footprint of workplaces and improve real estate ESG strategies. 

These include longer leases with occupiers having greater say over refurbishments, improved collaboration and data sharing, submetering and use of energy sensors throughout workplaces and the use of pre-fabricated, re-used and recycled materials in fit-out. 

Only 12% of more than 100 building professionals and occupiers surveyed for the report believe operational carbon targets are currently being achieved by those designing and developing office buildings. 

Report author Dr Esfandiar Burman, associate professor at UCL’s built environment faculty, said the report showed that showed that more effecitve ESG frameworks could be achieved “through greater collaboration between building owners and occupiers, along with data sharing and greater transparency”. 

The report also highlighted unsustainable practices such as the underutilisation of office space – a particular problem since the pandemic – and wasteful fit-out practices. 

It noted that category A fit-outs, which include lighting and basic finishes such as flooring, are frequently being installed by building owners and immediately stripped out be incoming occupants in favour of a bespoke design. 

BCO chief executive Richard Kauntze said: “The office sector has a significant contribution to make to the UK’s net zero transition.  

“There is a clear desire from those involved in creating and occupying workspace to hit ambitious targets but we need to see evidence of innovation and improvement which demonstrate meaningful progress.”