Reports suggest that sustainability targets for CO2 emissions and waste recycling in civil properties are being met, but it’s important that these annual targets don’t become the limit to ambition. The civil estate needs to be a model not just of lower CO2 emissions, but also in resilience – meaning buildings which are adaptable enough to handle climate change, changing use and the integration of new technologies.

The civil estate needs to be a model not just of lower CO2 emissions, but also in resilience – meaning buildings which are adaptable enough to handle climate change, changing use and the integration of new technologies.

Government needs to show greater commitment to renewable and low carbon technologies; and this isn’t just about adopting mature technologies such as photovoltaics or ground source heat pumps. There needs to be greater focus on how we can effectively use these kinds of technologies in combination and reduce our dependence on the grid.

The key is to choose the right technologies for the application. There is no one size that fits all: investments in equipment must be made in relation to the occupation pattern of the building and the consequent energy demand profile. Decisions must also take into account the resilience issue and future uncertainties, ensuring our buildings will be adaptable to change. For example, renewable energy technologies look like a good investment while incentives such as ‘feed-in tariffs’ are in place – but what happens if these incentives change?

The greatest challenge with making the civil estate more carbon efficient is the fact that investments must be made up-front while savings accumulate in the long term. We need to find ways to use future savings to reduce up-front costs. Consequently, we have to be sure that the energy savings envisaged thanks to specific interventions are delivered – something with which the UK construction sector has struggled.

There is also a skills and knowledge issue in the UK. There are question marks over the quality of installation of new technologies, and over whether products will be available at reasonable cost from UK suppliers. While higher education has a role to play in training people in the skills required, government must ensure there is a coherent regulatory and legislative landscape in place to give industry the necessary confidence that demand for refurbishment products or renewable and low carbon technologies is not a fad, but fundamental to the civil estate and the future of the government’s property stock. 

Mark Gaterell is Professor of Sustainable Construction at Coventry University

Written by Mark Gaterell