National and Regional Collaboration | UKGBC /our-work/national-regional-collaboration/ The voice of our sustainable built environment Wed, 22 Jul 2026 09:35:27 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 /wp-content/uploads/2023/02/cropped-UKGBC-favicon-1.png National and Regional Collaboration | UKGBC /our-work/national-regional-collaboration/ 32 32 High Hopes, Half Built: Starmer’s Built Environment Legacy /news/high-hopes-half-built-starmers-built-environment-legacy/ Wed, 22 Jul 2026 08:44:04 +0000 /?post_type=news&p=70999 As Andy Burnham settles into No.10 and begins to set out his agenda, now is…

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As Andy Burnham settles into No.10 and begins to set out his agenda, now is the moment to look back at the progress, the gaps, and the unfinished business that Starmer’s government leaves behind. The last political cycle was marked by rising public frustration with the speed of change – something the local election results made clear – and the built environment reflects that same tension. UKGBC’s latest Whole Life Carbon Progress Report shows that the UK is cutting carbon at less than half the pace required to stay on track, and while Starmer’s government set out some important strategic shifts (and remained committed to decarbonisation despite other Party rollbacks), delivery on the ground has not yet matched the scale of the challenge.

As Burnham takes office, he inherits a sector where Starmer’s government made meaningful progress across multiple fronts – laying foundations that now need sustained delivery and long-term commitment.

What legacy does Starmer’s government leave behind for our sector?

One of the clearest successes was the publication of the Warm Homes Plan – the first long‑term national strategy of its kind, and something UKGBC and industry have long called for. With £15bn committed this Parliament, the plan finally set out a coherent approach to tackling fuel poverty, scaling heat pumps, expanding rooftop solar, and supporting low‑income households – but Starmer has stepped down just before the most important phase: delivery. The next government must build on this strong strategic platform, embedding real‑world lessons from local authorities, community groups and place‑based pilots, and ensuring resilience is not treated as an optional extra.

The Future Homes and Buildings Standard was another milestone. Starmer’s government chose the more ambitious option: no new gas boilers, mandatory rooftop solar, and improved energy efficiency for new homes. This shift will cut emissions from new build homes by around 75% and gives industry long‑awaited certainty. It’s a strong foundation, but there is more to do. Developers are already building to higher standards, and Burnham’s government will need to build on this momentum to close the gap on climate resilience, embodied carbon and long‑term affordability.

The Planning Bill passed, and the first update to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) made welcome improvements: stronger support for Local Plans, better design guidance, and encouragement of higher‑density development on brownfield land. But the reforms didn’t fully rise to the scale of the climate and nature crises. Climate, nature and community resilience still risk being treated as add‑ons rather than core principles. And the response to the latest NPPF consultation wasn’t completed before Starmer’s departure, leaving the new administration with the chance to provide clarity for local authorities and strengthen the planning systems role in delivering high‑quality, climate‑ready places.

Starmer’s government made meaningful progress on housing quality. The Renters’ Rights Bill, extension of Awab’s Law to the private rented sector, and reforms to the Decent Homes Standard will all strengthen protections for tenants. Crucially, MEES were strengthened across both private and social rented homes, aligning standards and tackling fuel poverty more consistently. The reform of the EPC system was another overdue improvement, moving toward multiple metrics and better alignment with modern policy priorities. Taken together, these reforms represent one of the most comprehensive boosts to housing quality in recent years.

For non‑domestic buildings, the long‑awaited uplift to MEES finally arrived: commercial buildings over 1,000m² must reach EPC B by 2031. After six years of delay, this announcement addressed a major uncertainty for industry and takes a significant step toward decarbonising commercial stock, but the job is not done yet. Burnham’s government should build on this progress, with in-use performance measurement and reporting, as well as measures like practical support for SME decarbonisation.

Despite welcome progress on retrofit and energy efficiency, Starmer’s government left a major gap on climate resilience. The CCC’s adaptation reports were unequivocal: the UK is not adapting fast enough, and action on resilience remains under‑resourced, under‑funded and fragmented. UKGBC’s Climate Resilience Roadmap sets out exactly what needs to change — clearer accountability, smarter investment, and integration of resilience across planning, building standards and retrofit. But national policy has yet to catch up. The Warm Homes Plan made a start with a nod to year-round comfort, but the UK still lacks a comprehensive adaptation strategy capable of protecting communities, buildings and infrastructure from escalating climate risks. This is one of the clearest opportunities for Burnham to accelerate progress.

Starmer’s government made a promising start on circular economy by commissioning a special task force, and on embodied carbon by responding to the AECOM report. However, we are yet to see the circular economy strategy, and there has been no further steps taken to regulate embodied carbon – leaving the new government with a well-defined area where further action could unlock major whole-life sustainability benefits for our sector.

For now, starmer’s legacy is a reminder that intent is not the same as action.”

The past two years have shown that high-level strategy can take shape quickly, but real-world delivery takes time. Industry is ready to invest, innovate and deliver, but only when government sets a stable course. As Burnham makes some welcome cabinet appointments and starts with promising policy interventions to address the cost of living by reducing the cost of electricity, the UKGBC policy team will be watching closely and preparing an analysis of what this new era means for our sector.

For now, Starmer’s legacy is a reminder that intent is not the same as action: his government established the right direction, made meaningful progress across many parts of the built environment, and leaves Burnham with a strong foundation to turn ambition into the tangible outcomes our homes and places urgently need.

Thank you to UKGBC’s policy partners for supporting our advocacy work this year.

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Membership Opportunities (April 2026-September 2026) /news/membership-opportunities-april-2026-september-2026/ Thu, 02 Jul 2026 10:56:35 +0000 /?post_type=news&p=68279 Your UKGBC membership unlocks access to cutting-edge insights, innovative solutions, and a powerful platform to shape policy and industry practice. Discover the latest opportunities to get involved.

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Your UKGBC membership unlocks access to cutting-edge insights, innovative solutions, and a powerful platform to shape policy and industry practice. It enables you to: 

  • Connect & Collaborate: Build relationships that drive real-world change.
  • Learn & Grow: Empower your people. Future-proof your organisation.
  • Lead & Influence: Shape the future of the built environment.

Explore the opportunities included with your membership below. Each links to more details, and our team is always ready to help at membership@ukgbc.org

Membership gives you the tools, networks, and knowledge to drive impact, without extra cost for these core opportunities. If you’d like to learn more about the full range of benefits available within your membership, join our 45-minute webinar, Making the Most of Your Membership, on 13 April from 12:00-12:45.

Connect & Collaborate

Join UKGBC Forums: Engage with peers, share insights, and tackle emerging challenges in a trusted, collaborative environment. These forums are designed to help you co-create solutions with industry leaders:

  • Climate Resilience and Adaptation Forum. Sign up here.
  • Energy and Carbon Forum. Sign up here.
  • Resource Use Forum. Sign up here
  • Keystone Forum. Sign up here.
  • Local Authority Retrofit Forum. Sign up here.

During the month of July we’re running three special open sessions as part of our member forums. These one-off sessions welcome all members, including those who don’t usually attend, to join the discussion.

  • The energy and carbon forum will be running a session on supply chain on 7 July. Sign up here.
  • The resource use forum will be running a session on managing risk on 13 July. Sign up here.
  • The climate resilience and adaptation will be running a session on nature on 28 July. Sign up here.

Explore all upcoming events here: /events/

KEY AREAS OF WORK

We are working towards a built environment that enables people and the planet to thrive, using sustainability as a catalyst to drive the transformational shift in the way the built environment works that is needed to meet industry ambition and targets.

Get Involved

Attend Insights on Optimising and Retrofitting Non-Domestic Buildings Launch (Online) | 14 April, 10:00-11:00. Register Here

Whole Life Carbon Framework Launch (Online) | 26 May, 10:00-11:00, Register Here

Innovation in Commercial Retrofit: A Live Project Demonstrator (Online) | 16 June, 16:00-17:00, Register Here

Insights into UK Resilience: Energy Infrastructure and Distribution Systems ( London) | 23 June, 08:00-10:00, Register Here

Climate Resilience in Action: One Year on from the UK Climate Resilience Roadmap (Online) | 24 June, 10:00-11:00, Register Here

Regenerative Places Framework for Housing (London) | 16 September, 16:00-19:00, Register Here

Attend Our Events

Membership Summer Drinks with Considerate Constructors Scheme (London) | 22 July, 17:00-19:30, Register Here

Member Social in Belfast | 16 September, 17:00-19:30, Register Here

Member Social in Manchester | 24 September, 16:00-19:00, Register Here

UKGBC’s AGM: Value, Visibility and Views (London) | 30 September, 16:00-20:00, Register Here

 

 

Learn & Grow

BUILD KNOWLEDGE

Kickstart your sustainability journey with bite-sized, jargon-free learning that builds confidence and foundations. 

Ideal for: Early-career professionals, those new to sustainability, or anyone seeking a foundational understanding of sustainability, resilience, and carbon reduction in the built environment. 

Benefits: Build confidence, understand key sustainability concepts quickly, and establish a solid foundation to inform your work. 

Get Involved

DELIVER ACTION

Move from learning to doing with immersive masterclasses and hands-on workshops that empower you to drive impact. 

Ideal for: Mid-level to senior professionals, sustainability champions, design/project teams, owners, and ESG practitioners ready to transform knowledge into action. 

Benefits: Gain in-demand technical skills, develop strategies you can implement immediately, and collaborate with peers to operationalise sustainable outcomes. 

Get Involved

Lead & Influence

Learning designed to spark transformational change. UKGBC’s leadership programmes equip built environment professionals at every career stage to take bold action, challenge the status quo, and drive the systemic change our industry needs. 

Get Involved

Recalibrate – An exclusive enrichment programme for C-Suite and Board members. Shape your leadership for a net zero, climate-resilient future and gain unique insights into leading systemic change at the highest level.

Runs July-November | full details here.

UKGBC Leadership Collaboration Cafe and Networking Social – UKGBC Leadership Alumni are invited to connect and explore the leadership skills and behaviours needed for a sustainable built environment.

22 April, 16:00-19:00, London | Sign up here.

Future Leaders Showcase & Alumni Summer Gathering – Join us to celebrate Future Leaders 2026 Programme finale. Hear from our forward-thinking change-makers, as they embrace their agency to transform the sustainability of the built environment. Then enjoy the start of the summer by connecting with peers across the industry over drinks and networking into the evening.

4 June, 16:00-18:30, London | .

Re-imagining: Sustainable Finance – UKGBC convenes finance, business, academia & sustainability leaders to reimagine a thriving, sustainable financial system and how to achieve it.

30 June, 16:00-20:00, London | Register Here

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UKGBC responds to the MEES uplift /news/ukgbc-responds-to-the-mees-updates/ Thu, 18 Jun 2026 12:39:54 +0000 /?post_type=news&p=70662 UKGBC's Chief Executive, Simon McWhirter, responds to the latest uplift to the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) for large privately rented commercial buildings.

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The Government’s plan to strengthen Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) for large commercial buildings is a welcome and important step forward. With a confirmed requirement for privately rented commercial buildings over 1000m2 to reach at least EPC B from 2031, it gives the market clear direction and recognises the importance of better building performance for both landlords and occupiers.

The announcement came after a visit by Martin McCluskey (Minister for Energy Consumers) to a central London office building owned by UKGBC keystone member Landsec. UKGBC Chief Executive Simon McWhirter also joined the tour with the Minister where Landsec demonstrated how targeted retrofit measures can transform the performance of existing buildings. The property has been improved from EPC D to EPC B via a series of interventions including swapping out all the gas systems for air-source heat pumps (providing both heat and cooling) and advanced building management systems. It represents a clear example of the role our existing building stock can play in delivering shared value through better building performance.

Simon McWhirter said:

Today’s announcement is a really welcome step forward and provides the kind of policy certainty that we have long been calling for. Improving the performance of existing commercial buildings will be critical to meeting our climate goals, and greater clarity on future standards will help give the market the comfort and confidence to invest.

Many of our members are already showing what is possible, with retrofit projects that demonstrate both the technical and commercial case for action. Their experience will be invaluable as Government develops and embeds this policy to accelerate retrofit across the sector and give owners, investors and occupiers the confidence to invest. We look forward to working with ministers and officials on the next phase of this agenda, helping to shape the policy and market conditions required to deliver decarbonisation at scale.”

The visit highlighted the leadership being shown by organisations across UKGBC’s membership, such as Landsec, who have chosen to act ahead of regulation and invest in improving the performance of their assets.

While this announcement is an important milestone, further collaboration between industry and Government will be needed to deliver at scale. We look forward to working with policymakers and our member network on creating the right conditions to unlock commercial retrofit at scale, including finance and value, skills, and data, to support the transition to a more efficient, resilient and lower-emission building stock.

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UKGBC responds to BNG Consultation on targeted exemptions for brownfield developments /news/ukgbc-responds-to-bng-brownfield-consultation/ Fri, 12 Jun 2026 15:01:38 +0000 /?post_type=news&p=70646 The post UKGBC responds to BNG Consultation on targeted exemptions for brownfield developments appeared first on UKGBC.

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Biodiversity Net Gain is one of the most significant environmental reforms introduced in recent years, helping to ensure that development leaves nature in a measurably better state than before. At a time when the UK remains one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world, maintaining the integrity of BNG is essential to restoring biodiversity, creating healthier places and providing greater certainty for industry and communities alike.

Brownfield regeneration has an essential role to play in delivering homes and economic growth, but weakening BNG requirements risks creating a false choice between development and nature recovery. Government should continue to support brownfield development, while ensuring all new development contributes positively to the restoration of nature and the creation of better places.

Read our full response here

Biodiversity Net Gain – considering a targeted exemption for brownfield development Consultation Response
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UKGBC responds to the Warm Homes Fund’s Call for Evidence /news/ukgbc-responds-to-the-warm-homes-fund-call-for-evidence/ Tue, 02 Jun 2026 13:58:12 +0000 /?post_type=news&p=70499 Read our Policy Team's detailed response to the Warm Homes Fund Call for Evidence.

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The Warm Homes Fund represents a critical opportunity to move beyond short-term, stop start interventions and instead lay the foundations for a long-term, investible retrofit market capable of delivering warmer homes, lower bills and meaningful progress towards the UK’s climate goals.

UKGBC welcomes the opportunity to feed into this Call for Evidence and the breadth of issues it seeks to address across retrofit delivery, local government capability, community energy, and emerging service‑based energy models. The current system is fragmented, administratively burdensome and unable to provide the long‑term certainty required for supply chains, investors and local partners to grow. We therefore welcome the Fund’s focus on repayable finance, area‑based approaches, and the role of energy‑as‑a‑service models — all of which have the potential to unlock new pathways for investment and accelerate the transition to a resilient, low‑carbon housing stock.

Read our full response here

UKGBC Warm Homes Fund Response – Call for Evidence
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Takeaways from the King’s Speech 2026 /news/takeaways-from-the-kings-speech-2026/ Thu, 14 May 2026 10:46:56 +0000 /?post_type=news&p=70350 UKGBC's Policy Team gives a detailed analysis of the King's Speech and what it means for the built environment.

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The King’s Speech and state opening of parliament has gone ahead as the Government despite continued political turbulence around Labour’s leadership and strategy. While speculation around Cabinet dynamics and future leadership contests continues, the overall direction of travel on growth, energy security and planning reform looks unlikely to shift significantly in the short term.

For the built environment sector, the key takeaway is that many of the Government’s core priorities – accelerating infrastructure delivery, reforming planning, improving energy security and addressing housing quality – remain firmly on the legislative agenda. Below are some of the bills most relevant to UKGBC members and the wider built environment industry:

Energy Independence Bill

One of the flagship measures introduced, the Energy Independence Bill focuses on improving energy security, accelerating clean energy deployment and reducing exposure to volatile fossil fuel markets. A further bill will increase the tax charged on ‘excess profits’ made by electricity generation companies (Electricity Generator Levy Bill). Expected measures range from reforms to electricity market pricing and planning changes for energy infrastructure, through to making it easier to install EV charging infrastructure, and the Nuclear Regulation Bill will implement recommendations from the Fingleton Review, including changes intended to speed up planning approvals for nuclear infrastructure.

For the built environment industry, the direction of travel reinforces the growing importance of electrification, grid readiness and integrating low-carbon energy systems into buildings and places. It also reflects many of UKGBC’s longstanding calls for policy that supports clean energy deployment while reducing long-term energy costs for households and businesses. However, there is still a need for clarity on how ministers intend to support home energy efficiency upgrades at scale will remain critical for the sector.

Social Housing Renewal Bill

New legislation aimed at increasing long-term investment in affordable and social housing, will aim to increase long-term investment certainty for councils and housing associations, improve housing quality and introduce stronger protections for tenants.

For the built environment sector, this could represent a significant opportunity to align housing delivery with wider affordable housing goals. Greater investment certainty over the longer-term should support the delivery of high-quality, energy efficient new social housing.

Remediation Bill (Building Safety)

The Government has introduced further legislation on building safety remediation following the Grenfell Tower tragedy. The proposed bill is likely to include a stronger legal duty to remediate unsafe cladding and wider measures aimed at improving accountability across the residential sector.

For UKGBC members, this reinforces the continued importance of embedding safety, quality and long-term resilience across both new build and retrofit projects. The industry will be looking for legislation that not only accelerates remediation but also provides greater certainty around delivery responsibilities and funding mechanisms.

 

 

Commonhold and Leasehold Reform

While many more details of the legislation will come through over the coming months, the King’s Speech should provide a strong indication of where the Government intends to focus political and legislative capacity over the next parliamentary session, and should remain consistent regardless of what changes might happen at the top.

For UKGBC, key questions remain around whether the Government will match its growth ambitions with the long-term policy certainty needed to deliver healthy, affordable, resilient and low-carbon places. In particular, industry needs stronger signals on retrofit delivery, climate adaptation, nature and the role the built environment can play in improving energy security and reducing household costs.

What UKGBC Will Be Watching

While many more details of the legislation will come through over the coming months, the King’s Speech should provide a strong indication of where the Government intends to focus political and legislative capacity over the next parliamentary session, and should remain consistent regardless of what changes might happen at the top.

For UKGBC, key questions remain around whether the Government will match its growth ambitions with the long-term policy certainty needed to deliver healthy, affordable, resilient and low-carbon places. In particular, industry needs stronger signals on retrofit delivery, climate adaptation, nature and the role the built environment can play in improving energy security and reducing household costs.

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What the Local Election Results Could Mean for a Sustainable Built Environment /news/what-the-local-election-results-could-mean-for-the-built-environment/ Tue, 12 May 2026 10:18:44 +0000 /?post_type=news&p=70294 UKGBC’s Senior Policy Advisor, Kirsty Girvan, looks at what the results of the UK local elections and what these might mean for built environment and climate policy.

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Reform UK emerged as the biggest winner across much of England, making major gains in former Labour and Conservative heartlands. At the same time, the Green Party recorded its strongest local election performance to date, alongside further seats for the Liberal Democrats. The result is a far more fragmented political landscape – one that is no longer tied to the traditional two-party system, which could have multiple impacts for the future of housing, planning and climate action.

For the built environment sector, these results are important not simply because councils shape planning and housing policy, but because local authorities increasingly play a leading role in delivering warm homes and retrofit programmes, as well as climate adaptation and nature recovery initiatives. It is important for industry to understand how the rise of Reform and Green councillors within local councils might play out, and what greater fragmentation might require from industry.

Image source: The Guardian (), data from BBC PNS series.

Differences emerge around how development is delivered, how strongly environmental requirements are prioritised, and how communities are engaged in decision-making.”

The delivery of retrofit programmes is a good example of where differences in approach might occur. In areas where Green administrations have gained ground, there is evidence of growing support for retrofit-first approaches. and grant-supported upgrades, alongside similar approaches emerging in other councils, point towards stronger support from ‘Greener’ councils for home decarbonisation, fabric-first upgrades and refurbishment over demolition.

By contrast, Reform-controlled councils over the past year have shown greater scepticism towards formal climate governance which has extended to the provision of electric heating technologies, such as heat pumps. found that several councils under Reform control rolled back climate targets, rescinded climate emergency declarations or weakened climate-related reporting structures. While this might not actually translate into direct opposition to retrofit activity itself, it does suggest that where policies are associated with net zero, they may become more politically exposed in some areas.

Across parties there remains broad agreement on the need for more homes, particularly affordable homes. Differences emerge around how development is delivered, how strongly environmental requirements are prioritised, and how communities are engaged in decision-making. Reform representatives have generally remained supportive of growth, infrastructure investment and housing delivery, particularly where developments are framed around affordability, regeneration and local economic benefit. With the Greens placing even more emphasis on truly affordable housing developments and higher sustainability credentials. The response to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) will provide clarity on how these divergent approaches might play out in councils across the country.

However, as councils become more politically fragmented – with more coalition administrations and ‘no overall control’ authorities – navigating local politics is likely to become more complex. Planning committees may become less predictable, and developers, investors and local partners may need to place greater emphasis on community engagement, and demonstrating tangible local value – signalling the importance of UKGBC’s upcoming Regenerative Places Framework in supporting place-based approaches to development.

What is important to note is that these election results do not point to an outright rejection of climate action. Polling from (ECIU) found that 68% of voters still believe the UK should at least try to meet its net zero targets, while support for renewable energy remains consistently high across the political spectrum (including among many Reform voters). Instead, the election results appear to reflect broader concerns around the cost of living, public services, economic insecurity and trust in politics – with energy bills, housing affordability and local economic decline featured far more prominently in voter priorities than climate policy itself.

Image Source: Architects Journal ()

For the built environment industry, the implication is not that climate ambition disappears, but rather the language and framing around it may need to evolve.”

For the built environment industry, the implication is not that climate ambition disappears, but rather the language and framing around it may need to evolve. The results reinforce the importance of connecting climate action to people’s everyday priorities: warmer homes, lower bills, better health, cleaner air and stronger local economies. Local elections can shift political narratives quickly, but more meaningful signals will come in the months ahead through council leadership appointments, committee structures, local plans and early policy decisions.

The political landscape may be changing rapidly, but the underlying need for healthy, affordable, resilient and low-carbon places remains unchanged, and UKGBC will continue to advocate for their delivery.

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Holyrood’s Climate Test /news/holyroods-climate-test/ Tue, 12 May 2026 10:17:34 +0000 /?post_type=news&p=70306 David Steen, UKGBC's Senior Policy Advisor, explores the results of the Scottish Parliament election and what it means for climate policy in Scotland.

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The 2026 Scottish Parliament election has changed the political landscape, but not the scale of the challenge. The SNP remains the largest party, but without a majority. Reform has tied for second place, the Greens have grown and Labour has lost ground. The result points to a more fragmented Holyrood, with clear implications for climate action, housing and the built environment.
For UKGBC, the key question is what kind of political conditions now exist for delivering climate policy.

A More Fragmented Holyrood

This parliament will require more negotiation, more compromise and more cross-party working. That can make delivery harder, but it also creates an opportunity: in a more divided system, government is often more open to practical, industry-backed ideas that can command wider support.

The SNP still leads, but without a majority it will need to work issue by issue. Reform’s rise suggests a more polarised debate around regulation and spending, while the Greens’ gains show that climate and nature still have political weight. Labour’s weaker showing reduces the prospect of a strong centre-left challenge, but it does not remove pressure on government to show that climate ambition can be matched by delivery.

The built environment will be one of the clearest tests of whether scotland can still make progress.”

Why the Built Environment Matters

The built environment will be one of the clearest tests of whether Scotland can still make progress. Homes, workplaces, schools and public buildings are central to emissions, but they are also central to people’s lives, bills and wellbeing. Get this right, and Scotland can cut carbon, reduce fuel poverty, improve resilience and support skilled jobs at the same time.

That means the next phase of Scottish climate policy needs to focus on delivery, not just targets. Scotland needs a stronger, more stable framework for retrofit, low-carbon heat, planning and climate adaptation. It also needs to give industry the certainty to invest for the long term.

Why Industry Voices Count More in a Fragmented Landscape

In a more fragmented political environment, industry coalitions become even more valuable. Government is more likely to listen when it can see that a policy is backed by a broad cross-section of businesses, investors and built environment leaders. Our UKGBC network can help turn that collective voice into a practical case for action, showing where industry is already moving, where barriers remain, and what policies would unlock faster delivery.

That matters because climate policy is no longer primarily about setting ambition. It is about building trust that the sector can deliver. Our network is well placed to help government understand what is feasible, what is ready now, and what needs policy support to scale.

What the Next Government Should do

The next Scottish Government has a chance to show that climate action can still be practical, credible and politically durable. To do that, it needs to move quickly from ambition to implementation.

For UKGBC, that means three priorities: a clear and funded plan for decarbonising existing buildings, stronger policy certainty on building standards, heat and embodied carbon, and closer integration of climate mitigation, adaptation and nature recovery through planning and regulation.

Long-term delivery also needs long-term support. Short funding cycles and one-off announcements will not transform a sector that invests over decades. If Scotland wants to maintain climate credibility, it needs to create the conditions for public and private actors to invest with confidence.

A Chance to Reset Delivery

For UKGBC, the message is simple: Scotland should not slow down.”

The election result shows that climate and environment issues still matter to voters, but that support is now spread across a more complex political landscape. That makes the next Parliament more challenging, but it also makes stable, practical climate policy more valuable. For UKGBC, the message is simple: Scotland should not slow down. It should use this moment to sharpen delivery, strengthen collaboration and put the built environment at the centre of climate action.

Scotland still has a real chance to lead. In this more fragmented political landscape, the test will be whether ambition can be translated into action, with industry helping to make the case for what is workable and ready now.

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UKGBC responds to the Future Homes Standard /news/ukgbc-responds-to-the-future-homes-standard/ Tue, 24 Mar 2026 09:54:46 +0000 /?post_type=news&p=69626 Read our Policy Team's detailed analysis of the Government's long-awaited Future Homes and Building Standard (FHS).

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The Government has published the long-awaited Future Homes and Buildings Standard (FHS), a significant step toward more energy-efficient, low-carbon homes.

The Government has gone with the stronger option, accelerating the shift away from gas boilers to heat pumps and making rooftop solar a core feature of most new homes – cutting emissions by around 75%.

Simon McWhirter, Chief Executive of the Ƶ, said:

We welcome the Government’s decision to adopt the more ambitious Future Homes Standard, putting new homes firmly on a path away from fossil fuels and ensuring rooftop solar and improved levels of energy efficiency are the new norm. This will help lower household energy bills, reduce pressure on the electricity system, and give industry the confidence to invest in skills, supply chains and innovation. 

Making high levels of solar readily available is a clear win for households, the energy system and the climate, particularly at a time when global instability is once again driving up fossil fuel prices and exposing the risks of relying on gas for our homes. It’s a practical, cost-effective measure that will pay back for residents from day one. 

However, this must be the start of the journey, not the end. Government must maintain this momentum and set out a clear timetable for the next iteration of building regulations. Many developers are already building to higher standards, and are eager to help ensure the next update delivers genuinely future-ready homes by the early 2030s – comfortable, affordable to run, climate-resilient and zero-carbon.” 

Read our policy team’s analysis to learn more:

Download our full analysis

Future Homes and Building Standard Analysis
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Policy Forum /get-involved/ukgbc-policy-forum/ Wed, 18 Mar 2026 12:23:52 +0000 /?post_type=get-involved&p=69560 The UKGBC Policy Forum brings together leading voices from across our membership to shape policies that can accelerate real, systemic change.

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The transition to a net zero, regenerative built environment will not be delivered by incremental policy change alone. It requires bold leadership, systems thinking and collaboration across the value chain. The Policy Forum is a space for political dialogue, horizon scanning and long-term thinking, all grounded in practical experience and focused on impact.

It brings together expert representatives from approximately 20 organisations from across our membership to:

  • Explore policy solutions that can unlock rapid decarbonisation and wider sustainability outcomes.
  • Apply systems thinking and long-term approaches to enable industry transformation.
  • Identify where policy needs to shift to meet climate and environment goals.
  • Engage directly with policymakers, including Westminster-based discussions.

The Forum meets quarterly (one in-person session in London and three online) and operates under the Chatham House Rule to enable open, honest discussion. These meetings will inform UKGBC’s advocacy, campaigns and thought leadership across the built environment

What will the Forum work on?

While specific priorities will evolve based on member expertise and emerging policy developments, potential areas of focus include:

Embodied Carbon

Future Homes Standard and what comes next

Nature Policy

Resilience and Adaptation

Domestic and Commercial Retrofit

Who Should Apply?

The Forum is open to applications from named individuals within UKGBC member organisations. We are seeking representation from across the built environment value chain – including clients, developers, designers, contractors, operators, investors and strategic advisors – alongside systems thinkers and policy specialists. Demonstrable expertise in built environment and understanding of how sustainability outcomes are interconnected with policy.

Participants are selected based on:
  • Understanding of systems thinking, transitional dynamics, and/or long-term strategic approaches.
  • Ability to contribute constructively to high-level policy-related dialogue.
  • Commitment to accelerating broad sustainability outcomes across the industry.

Please note this does require an application, and we want to ensure good representation across our membership and industry for which there are limited Forum spaces.

This route is ideal for individuals who

Want to actively help shape the policy landscape

Bring deep subject expertise and strategic insight

Are ready to engage seriously with transformative policy thinking

Become a Policy Forum Partner

We’re also looking for Policy Forum Partners to have an active role in discussion while visibly championing pogressive built environment policy. It includes:

Full participation

in quarterly Policy Forum meetings for 1-2 individuals from each organisation.

Organisation branding

on UKGBC website, Policy Forum outputs, events, workshops, and meetings.

Speaking opportunities

at Forum-linked events (where appropriate)

Automatic invitation

to partner events throughout the year

Recognition

as a leader supporting systemic policy change

This route is ideal for organisations wanting to

Demonstrate leadership in policy and sustainability

Build relationships with senior industry figures and policymakers

Support the development of ambitious, future-facing policy

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