The start of the year has seen BBP members dive straight back into practical collaboration. From shaping global decarbonisation frameworks and embedding green leasing in practice, to exploring how buildings can truly perform in use, the focus across January and February has been clear: aligning ambition with delivery and strengthening the systems that underpin long-term sustainability performance.
Shaping Global Pathways: BBP Response to CRREM
On 16 February, the Better Buildings Partnership convened BBP and MAP members to shape our consolidated response to the CRREM Foundation’s Global EUI Methodology Review and Pathway Prioritisation consultations.
More than 85 representatives joined the session, sharing practical insights on how CRREM pathways are applied across portfolios. The discussion highlighted key themes including energy scope, normalisation, asset coverage and pathway feasibility, informing a detailed submission on behalf of the partnership.
We were also pleased to see several BBP members appointed to CRREM Advisory Committees, ensuring investor perspectives from across the partnership continue to inform the framework’s evolution. The full response is available to members via the BBP website here.
Member Site Visit: Wellington Place, Leeds
On 12 February, members travelled to Leeds for a behind-the-scenes visit to 11 & 12 Wellington Place, hosted by Federated Hermes, MEPC Limited and CBRE.
The buildings provide a compelling example of what is possible when environmental performance is treated proactively rather than reactively. From achieving NABERS UK 5-Star Design and in-use ratings to embedding façade optimisation and real-time monitoring into delivery, collaboration was central to the Design for Performance process.
Following the site visit, we also published a new case study on 11 & 12 Wellington Place, which you can view here.
Embedding Green Leasing in Practice
On 29 January, our Head of Occupier Engagement, Laura Noctor-King, contributed to a session on embedding green leasing in practice, hosted by CoreNet Global and co-hosted by Lewis Silkin.
A clear theme emerged: when sustainability is treated as a shared outcome between landlords and occupiers, supported by shared data, aligned KPIs and ongoing engagement - progress accelerates.
Discussions focused on moving beyond headline commitments to ensure sustainability clauses are practical, actionable and embedded in day-to-day operational behaviours.
These conversations will continue to inform the evolution of BBP’s Green Lease Toolkit and broader work on owner–occupier collaboration.
Member Site Visit: 40 Leadenhall
On 22 January, members visited 40 Leadenhall, hosted by M&G Real Estate with JLL and insights from Make Architects.
At approximately 900,000 sq ft, the building is one of the largest offices in London. Members heard directly from the on-site Building Performance team about their data-led approach to bridging the gap between design intent and operational performance. With extensive metering, smart systems and AI-enabled energy analytics in place, the scheme demonstrates how measurable in-use performance can be embedded from day one.
The building showcases a strong focus on tenant engagement, including fit-out guidance and sustainability forums, reinforced the collaborative nature of long-term building performance. As always with BBP site visits, the session created space for practical discussion, peer learning and shared insight, finishing with great conversations in the Treehouse.
Urban Climate Walk – 12 March
Following strong interest from our last session, BBP hosted its second Urban Climate Walk through the City of London for members. Led by Dr Julie Futcher, the walk explores how urban form influences ground-level climate conditions and opens up practical dialogue on designing for resilience in dense city environments.
Sustainability as a Value Driver Knowledge Share – 24th March
We hosted a knowledge share for BBP members on 24th March. As investor expectations and regulatory pressures continue to evolve, investment teams are increasingly required to demonstrate how sustainability considerations are influencing financial decision-making in practice.
The session featured practical perspectives from Invesco, PGIM, LaSalle Investment Management and others on how ESG factors are being integrated into mainstream investment processes. We were also joined by Urban Land Institute, who will introduce their PRESERVE tool and explore how it supports transition risk analysis and value-impact considerations.
This session will focus specifically on the asset level, where decisions on acquisition, underwriting, business planning and capital allocation are made. If you’re a BBP member and would like to find out more, please reach out to Adam Baranowski.
Green Lease Toolkit: Two Years On
Two years on from the revitalised Green Lease Toolkit, BBP and MAP members, alongside occupiers and wider industry stakeholders came together for an in-person knowledge share kindly hosted by Pinsent Masons.
The session explored how green leasing is evolving in practice, share insights on its real-world impact, and provide an early look at additional Toolkit resources designed to support implementation. With dedicated time for discussion and peer exchange, the event continued strengthening sustainability as a long-term value driver across the sector.
As the year gathers pace, BBP’s programme continues to focus on practical collaboration, measurable performance and collective influence, ensuring sustainability ambition translates into real-world delivery across the built environment.
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