From strategic reflection and sector-shaping guidance to site visits, forums and collaborative events, November and December have continued to build momentum across the Better Buildings Partnership. Over the past two months, members have come together to share learning, test new approaches, and tackle some of the most complex challenges facing the commercial real estate sector - from decarbonisation and carbon markets to data, governance and owner–occupier collaboration.
Launch: Carbon Credit Procurement Guide
November marked the public launch of the BBP Carbon Credit Procurement Guide, developed by BBP and Managing Agents Partnership (MAP) members through a dedicated working group.
Tailored to the commercial real estate sector, the guide provides a practical framework to support organisations in procuring high-integrity carbon credits, aligned with leading standards including the The Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market (ICVCM) Core Carbon Principles, the Oxford Offsetting Principles and UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) guidance. It supports members to develop robust procurement specifications, carry out due diligence on brokers and suppliers, evaluate carbon credit projects consistently, and embed integrity and risk management into decision-making.
The launch was marked with a webinar featuring insights from across the sector, including reflections from those who pilot-tested the guidance in practice. A huge thank you to the working group co-chairs,all contributing members for their commitment to developing this important piece of guidance and Climate Impact Partners for their insightful case study
Access the Carbon Credit Procurement Guide here.
Explore BBP Toolkits and Guidance here.
Member Site Visit: 8 Bishopsgate
Members enjoyed a behind-the-scenes visit to 8 Bishopsgate, hosted by Stanhope and Savills, a building demonstrating how sustainability, innovation and performance can be delivered together at scale.
The tour explored the building’s approach to design and operation, from its BREEAM Official Outstanding and EPC A ratings to its use of data and technology to drive ESG performance. Highlights included significant reductions in structural carbon, extensive heat recovery, on-site renewable generation and award-winning waste and recycling facilities.
The visit offered valuable insight into how collaborative, data-led decision-making and strong occupier engagement can drive continuous improvement, while also delivering high-quality spaces and amenities that make sustainability part of everyday building use.
Find out more about the site visit and how to get involved here.
Accelerating Decarbonisation: AREF & BBP Breakfast Seminar
In November, Better Buildings Partnership and AREF (The Association of Real Estate Funds) members came together for a breakfast seminar hosted by DLA Piper, focused on the practical steps needed to accelerate building decarbonisation.
As the sector approaches five years since the launch of the BBP Climate Commitment, the AREF ESG 5 Year Roadmap and the UKGBC Net Zero Carbon Pathway Framework, the session provided space to reflect on progress and explore how the industry can better align with a 1.5°C pathway.
Through structured table discussions, participants examined challenges including policy uncertainty, financing models, emerging technologies, data gaps, and the critical role of collaboration between owners, occupiers and policymakers.
The session reinforced the importance of whole-system thinking, shared responsibility and collective action in delivering meaningful decarbonisation outcomes.
Find out more about it here.
BBP All Members Event: The Changing Face of Real Estate
In December, we welcomed nearly 100 BBP and MAP members to our All-Members Event, The Changing Face of Real Estate, kindly hosted by Grosvenor.
We came away with valuable insights on how BBP can further tailor its work programme to reflect the distinct challenges & opportunities facing different Commercial Real Estate sectors, which will directly inform our priorities for the year ahead. Thank you to all our speakers and facilitators, and our members for their openness and willingness to share real-world experience, which made this such a constructive and energising session. Find out more about it here.
Bringing Owners and Occupiers Together
In December, the BBP Owner & Occupier Forum Knowledge Share brought members together to unpack one of the sector’s most persistent challenges: the split incentive.
The session explored how misaligned costs and benefits between owners and occupiers can hinder sustainability action, and what practical progress looks like in response. Drawing on perspectives from across property, professional standards and the legal landscape, speakers and participants shared real-world examples of approaches being used to overcome barriers, alongside reflections on where challenges remain.
The discussion highlighted the value of open dialogue, shared data and aligned objectives in enabling collaboration and unlocking progress.
Are you an occupier and interested in getting involved? Reach out to info@betterbuildingspartnership.co.uk
Shaping the Future of Benchmarking: REEB Working Group
December also saw the latest meeting of the BBP Benchmarking Working Group, bringing members together to review progress on the 2024/25 REEB cycle and contribute to the future direction of the Real Estate Environmental Benchmark.
Members reviewed early insights from this year’s data submissions, explored updated benchmark positions across asset classes, and discussed developments in whole-building data. The session also focused on REEB’s longer-term strategy, with members contributing views to help shape the project’s pathway to 2030 and priorities beyond 2026.
Ongoing collaboration through the working group continues to strengthen the value of REEB in improving transparency and consistency across the market.
If your organisation would like to get involved in future benchmarking discussions, please contact: info@betterbuildingspartnership.co.uk
Find the latest REEB Benchmarks report here.
Strengthening Collaboration: The BBP Annual Away Day
Earlier in November, the BBP team came together in Oxford for our annual away day - a valuable opportunity to step back, reflect on progress, and align on priorities for the months ahead.
Across a focused two-day programme, the team explored how we continue to strengthen collaboration across workstreams, refine how we support members, and identify where BBP can have the greatest impact across the sector.
With a clear shared focus, we’re looking forward to translating these discussions into action as we continue supporting members and driving progress across the built environment.
Looking Ahead
As we move into the new year, the BBP’s programme continues to build pace, with a strong pipeline of events, guidance and collaborative activity planned across our programme of work.
Stay tuned for our next Momentum update as we continue to showcase the activity, insight and collaboration driving progress across the built environment.
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