BBP Climate Change Commitment

Tackling the growing risks of climate change is one of our greatest global challenge. The latest report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) highlighted that we are facing a global climate crisis and must limit global warming to 1.5 degrees to reduce the risks associated with long lasting or irreversible changes to the earths’ atmosphere and ecosystems. To achieve this, global net human caused emissions of carbon dioxide would need to reach net zero by 2050.

Collectively, our members work together to improve the sustainability of their real estate portfolios. Over the past six years our members have reduced the carbon intensity of their portfolios by 26%. This is a significant improvement, but we recognise it is not enough. It is clear that buildings will have to be net zero carbon by 2050.

In recognition of this challenge and the transformation that is required across the real estate sector, we have worked collaboratively with our members to develop the BBP Climate Change Commitment. The full text of the commitment can be found on this page, but high level commitments include:

  • Publishing a net zero carbon pathway by the end of 2020, outlining their trajectory towards net zero carbon new and existing buildings
  • Addressing operational and embodied (whole life) carbon
  • Addressing emissions from leased spaces
  • Annual disclosure of progress on pathway
  • Development of a climate resilience strategy by 2022

The signatories hope that their leadership provides an important catalyst for change within the sector and encourages other property owners to follow suit.

“Canary Wharf Group aspires to be a net zero carbon business, but we recognise that this can only be achieved through leadership, collaboration and action across the whole built environment. In signing this commitment, we hope to send a message that we need to act decisively and we need to act together.” John Garwood, Managing Director and Company Secretary Canary Wharf Group plc
“We are pleased to sign this ground-breaking Climate Change Commitment from the Better Buildings Partnership and look forward to collaborating with the other signatories as we tackle the growing risks of climate change in our respective portfolios.” Toby Courtauld, Chief Executive at Great Portland Estates plc
“The BBP has always focused on enabling industry collaboration to deliver more sustainable outcomes.  The Climate Change Commitment is an excellent example of this approach in action and, with so much support already, has the capacity to deliver lasting, valuable impact in the fight against climate change. I am delighted that Hammerson have been able to support the development of the Commitment and join with such an influential group of signatories to this important initiative.” Louise Ellison, Head of Sustainability at Hammerson

Published Net Zero Carbon Pathways

The following Signatories have published their Net Zero Carbon Pathways (click to view):