Get started with your net zero strategy

On the road to net zero, where do you start? Carbon reduction doesn't need to feel overwhelming for the public sector. Here are our top tips for starting your decarbonisation journey on the road to net zero.

When putting together your net zero carbon strategy, the first step is to understand the carbon footprint of your existing estate. Answer two key questions: how much energy do your buildings use now, and how energy efficient is your estate?

On your carbon reduction journey, how do you get from where you are, to where you want to be? Adopt recommended standards across your essential projects as a starting point.

Can you retrofit your public estate progressively with small interventions? Develop a baseline energy use profile of your estate. Undertake professional building surveys and evaluate project delivery risks such as asbestos or structural integrity.

Calculate the specific building performance you want to achieve. Setting building performance and whole life carbon targets will motivate not only your team, but also the project supply chain.

Working in silos will slow down your aim of achieving net zero. Putting your project team together at the earliest stage allows you to take advantage of early contractor engagement, and cut carbon by over 70%.