BPF calls for ‘radical collaboration’ to address climate change

The British Property Federation has launched an initiative to urge the industry to measure, reduce and report on its carbon emissions.

Designed to complement and support wider net zero initiatives, the BPF Net Zero Pledge asks members to:

• Sign up by setting verifiable net zero carbon targets and plans
• Share research, knowledge and insight on an open-source basis
• Support each other and the wider industry to accelerate the transition to net zero

The BPF will launch a net zero network with an online knowledge hub where it will collect relevant resources. Members will also be able to share ideas and access events.

Alongside the knowledge hub, a mentorship programme is in the works for heads of sustainability to share their advice and support each other.

Guy Grainger, president of the BPF and JLL’s global head of sustainability & ESG, said that the industry needs “radical collaboration” to deliver net zero.

He added: “The onus is on every single organisation to commit to tackling the climate crisis.

“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.”

With members ranging from developers and investors to agents, designers and lawyers, the BPF said it is “uniquely placed” to bring the industry together for change.

Melanie Leech, CEO of the BPF, 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.”

BPF members can sign up to the pledge on the organisation’s website.