Climate Change Adaptation | UKGBC /our-work/climate-change-adaptation/ The voice of our sustainable built environment Wed, 03 Jun 2026 09:17:49 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 /wp-content/uploads/2023/02/cropped-UKGBC-favicon-1.png Climate Change Adaptation | UKGBC /our-work/climate-change-adaptation/ 32 32 CCS x UKGBC Partnership & Relationship Building Summer Drinks /events/ccs-partnership-relationship-building-summer-drinks/ Tue, 02 Jun 2026 15:23:51 +0000 /?post_type=event&p=70506 Join us this July for an exclusive summer networking evening in collaboration with our new strategic partner, Considerate Constructors Scheme

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Bringing together contractor, client, strategic and public sector partners, alongside prospective partners, the evening will offer an opportunity to network, build new relationships and explore shared priorities and connections across the built environment.

Hosted at CCS London office, the evening will combine short talks from CCS and theĚý±«°­łŇµţ°äĚýwith drinks and informal networking on our rooftop terrace in a relaxed setting overlooking the city.

Ģą˝Ö±˛Ą a collaborative, industry-led network driving the transformation of the built environment towards sustainability. This collaborative event aims to connect professionals across the industry working towards a more sustainable built environment. Speakers from UKGBC will share insights and practical resources to support the industry, including UKGBC’s Whole Life Carbon Framework.

Expect summer drinks, conversation and networking with peers from across the built environment for a well-deserved get together at our new office.

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Climate Resilience in Action: One Year on from the UK Climate Resilience Roadmap /events/climate-resilience-in-action/ Fri, 22 May 2026 10:46:51 +0000 /?post_type=event&p=70425 This event will showcase the progress since the launch of the UK Climate Resilience Roadmap last summer, highlighting where the industry is acting on the recommendations, and it will include the launch of new guidance on Adaptation for Climate Resilience: Non-domestic Buildings.

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One year on from the launch of the UK Climate Resilience Roadmap,Ěýthis event willĚýshowcaseĚýhow we are supporting industryĚýto translate climate resilience ambition into action.ĚýThisĚýwebinarĚýwill focus on the tools and guidance available toĚýtake actionĚýnowĚýand will include the launch ofĚýtheĚýnew guidance,ĚýAdaptation for climate resilience:Ěýnon-domestic buildings,ĚýwhichĚýhighlights key adaptation measures for a non-domestic building in two different hazard scenarios, responding toĚýstage three of theĚýfour-stageĚýmodel from the Roadmap.ĚýĚý

A panel of expert speakers will share insights from their involvement in our climate resilience and adaptation work, their experience of embedding the principles and key challenges and opportunities to be addressed to facilitate further progress.   

Why Attend?

Celebrate one year since the launch of the climate resilience roadmap

highlighting progress made on implementing the roadmap

Launch Adaptation for Climate Resilience: Non-domestic Buildings guide

which talks through some of the practical aspects of the four-stage process of the Climate Resilience Roadmap, helping to pilot and enable organisations to translate resilience ambitions from the Roadmap into practical action on projects.

Share what our upcoming work is

to help organisations translate resilience ambition into practical project action through stakeholder plans and estates-level adaptation.

Who Should Attend?

This event is open to everyone but it might be especially insightful for:

  • Developers, Asset Owners and occupiers
  • Asset/facilities managers and operators
  • Designers, architects, urban planners, consultants, and other professionals part of a project team

UKGBC Cancellation and Refund Policy

Please see our website for more details on our cancellations and refunds: /ukgbc-cancellation-and-refund-policy/

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UKGBC responds to the CCC’s ‘A Well Adapted UK’ report /news/ukgbc-responds-to-the-cccs-a-well-adapted-uk-report/ Wed, 20 May 2026 08:58:02 +0000 /?post_type=news&p=70392 UKGBC's Policy Team analyses the Climate Change Committee's latest report on climate adaptation in the UK and what it means for the built environment.

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Joanne Wheeler, Co-Head of Policy & Places at UKGBC, said:

The CCC has made the challenge plain: the UK must adapt faster or face mounting threats to people, places and the economy. UKGBC’s Climate Resilience Roadmap shows how that shift can be made in practice, with joined-up action across the built environment and government. The challenge is serious, but it is not beyond us if we choose to act now.”

The Climate Change Committee’s (CCC) latest assessment of climate risk is a clear and urgent signal that the UK must accelerate adaptation now. Climate impacts are already being felt across the country, and the report makes plain that higher temperatures, flooding, drought and cascading infrastructure risks will intensify unless government, business and communities act at pace. UKGBC strongly welcomes the CCC’s focus on practical, evidence-based action, and the emphasis on clear targets, delivery plans and accountability.

This message echoes what UKGBC has been saying through our Climate Resilience Roadmap, which sets out how the built environment can move from awareness of climate risk to assessment, prioritisation and implementation. We have long argued that resilience cannot sit in isolation: it must be integrated with decarbonisation, nature, health and wellbeing, and long-term value. The CCC’s report reinforces that approach, particularly in relation to homes, infrastructure, public services, and the need to protect the most vulnerable.

On the built environment, the CCC highlights the need for new buildings to be fit for a changing climate, for existing homes and assets to be retrofitted and upgraded, for better preparedness, and for cooling and water resilience to be addressed at scale. UKGBC’s Climate Resilience Roadmap supports exactly this shift: from broad ambition to the practical, site, portfolio, and community-level decisions needed to reduce risk and deliver more resilient places.

For industry, the message is straightforward. Climate resilience needs to become a core part of investment, design, planning, procurement and asset management. That means acting now on heat risk, flood risk, water scarcity and infrastructure interdependencies, and using the tools, standards and methods already available to make adaptation routine rather than exceptional.


For government, the priority is equally clear. The CCC sets out the case for stronger objectives, measurable targets, delivery plans and monitoring, backed by regulation, standards and investment. UKGBC support this direction and would add that policy must enable joined-up action across departments and sectors, so that resilience measures are not delivered piecemeal. Planning policy, building standards, infrastructure development, and funding programmes all need to reflect the climate risks we already face, and the more severe future risks that are now unavoidable.

There is a strong case for greater emphasis on nature-based solutions, passive cooling, flood risk management and long-term asset maintenance, all of which can deliver resilience and wider co-benefits. The CCC’s analysis shows that many adaptation actions are cost-effective today, and that delay only increases cost and harm. UKGBC believes this should galvanise a shift in both mindset and delivery: adaptation is no longer a future issue, but an immediate investment in safety, wellbeing and economic stability.

The CCC’s report and UKGBC’s Climate Resilience Roadmap both make the same case: adaptation needs to move from principle to practical delivery. The UK needs clear leadership, practical delivery and sustained investment to create a well-adapted built environment. The opportunity here is to reduce harm, protect lives and livelihoods, and create places that resilient, inclusive and fit for the climate reality we are already entering.

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UKGBC Launches #BuildingLife Roadmap Ambassadors Campaign /news/ukgbc-launches-buildinglife-roadmap-ambassadors-campaign/ Thu, 14 May 2026 08:47:09 +0000 /?post_type=news&p=70345 Introducing UKGBC’s #BuildingLife Roadmap Ambassadors, uniting industry and policy leaders to accelerate action on whole life carbon and climate resilience across the built environment.

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Ģą˝Ö±˛Ą launching today the ĚýRoadmaps Ambassador Campaign,Ěýa collective effortĚýfrom industry leaders and policymakersĚýto support the adoption of theĚýNet Zero Whole Life Carbon RoadmapĚýand theĚýUK Climate Resilience RoadmapĚýacross the built environment sector.ĚýĚý

UKGBC’s Roadmaps guide theĚýbuilt environmentĚýsector in building a low carbon, resilient and regenerative built environment at the paceĚýrequiredĚýto meet climate targets. Adopting the roadmaps more widely will help deliver a sustainable built environment that protects lives, homes, jobs,ĚýcommunitiesĚýand nature.

Why Now?

Findings from theĚýWhole Life Carbon Roadmap Progress ReportĚýshow that the built environment is dangerouslyĚýbehind onĚýdecarbonisation.ĚýSince 2018, emissions in the built environment have fallen by just 14% against the 24% needed.ĚýThe evidence is clear:ĚýsystemicĚýacceleration isĚýrequired.ĚýĚý

This campaign,Ěýpart ofĚýWorldGBC’sĚý#BuildingLife initiative,ĚýisĚýworking across Europe toĚýeliminateĚýemissions across the full lifecycle of buildings and deliver a climate-neutral built environment. It directly supportsĚýWorldGBC’sĚýinitiative which aims to promote a whole life carbon approach across 12 counties and supports the global ambition of making near-zero and resilient buildings the norm by 2030

commercial retrofit

Paul Cahalan, Associate Director of Membership, Marketing and Communications said:

“This campaign comes at a critical time for the sectorĚýamid a rapidly changing climateĚýand bringsĚýtogether industry and political voices to take the key messages from the two roadmaps deeper into industry and policy conversations. Though greater adoption,ĚýindustryĚýand policymakersĚýcanĚýuse the roadmaps to helpĚýcreate a low carbon, resilient and regenerative built environment.”

The following individuals have joined the campaign as Roadmap Ambassadors:

  • Will Arnold, Head of Sustainable Materials, Useful Simple Trust.
  • Ashley Bateson, Director & Head of Sustainability, Hoare Lea.
  • Louise Clarke, Group Head of Sustainability, Berkeley Group PLC.
  • Georgia Elliott-Smith, Founder & Director, Fighting Dirty | Sustainability Director, Elliott Wood.
  • Emma Howard Boyd CBE, Chair, National Heat Risk Commission | Chair – ClientEarth Group Board | Co-Chair, HERA (formerly Climate Resilience for All)
  • Stephen Good, CEO, Built Environment – Smarter Transformation.
  • Douglas Morrison, Deputy CEO, Built Environment – Smarter Transformation.
  • Chinyelu Oranefo, Managing Director, Sustainability Advisory, Real Estate & Housing, Lloyds Corporate & Institutional.
  • Duncan Price, Partner, Sustainability, Buro Happold.
  • Rt Hon Chris Skidmore, OBE, Former UK Energy Minister, Chair of the Climate Action Coalition, Working Group Chair – UK Transition Finance Council.
  • Simon Sturgis, Founder, Targeting Zero
  • Katherine Willis, Baroness Willis of Summertown, Principal, St. Edmund Hall, University of Oxford | Professor of Biodiversity in the Department of Biology, University of Oxford | Cross-Bench Peer, House of Lords | Founder and Director, NatCap Research LTD.

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Membership Opportunities (April 2026-June 2026) /news/membership-opportunities-april-2026-june-2026/ Tue, 31 Mar 2026 10:56:35 +0000 /?post_type=news&p=68279 Your UKGBC membership unlocks access to cutting-edge insights, innovative solutions, and a powerful platform to shape policy and industry practice. Discover the latest opportunities to get involved.

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Your UKGBC membership unlocks access to cutting-edge insights, innovative solutions, and a powerful platform to shape policy and industry practice. It enables you to: 

  • Connect & Collaborate: Build relationships that drive real-world change.
  • Learn & Grow: Empower your people. Future-proof your organisation.
  • Lead & Influence: Shape the future of the built environment.

Explore the opportunities included with your membership below. Each links to more details, and our team is always ready to help at membership@ukgbc.org

Membership gives you the tools, networks, and knowledge to drive impact, without extra cost for these core opportunities. If you’d like to learn more about the full range of benefits available within your membership, join our 45-minute webinar, Making the Most of Your Membership, on 13 April from 12:00-12:45.

Connect & Collaborate

Join UKGBC Forums: Engage with peers, share insights, and tackle emerging challenges in a trusted, collaborative environment. These forums are designed to help you co-create solutions with industry leaders:Ěý

  • Climate Resilience and Adaptation Forum. Sign up here.ĚýĚý
  • Energy and Carbon Forum. Sign up here.Ěý
  • Resource Use Forum. Sign up hereĚý
  • Keystone Forum. Sign up here.
  • Local Authority Retrofit Forum. Sign up here.

Explore all upcoming events here: /events/ĚýĚý

KEY AREAS OF WORK

We are working towards a built environment that enables people and the planet to thrive, using sustainability as a catalyst to drive the transformational shift in the way the built environment works that is needed to meet industry ambition and targets.

Get Involved

Attend Insights on Optimising and Retrofitting Non-Domestic Buildings Launch (Online) | 14 April, 10:00-11:00. Register Here

Whole Life Carbon Framework Launch (Online) | 26 May, 10:00-11:00, Register Here

Innovation in Commercial Retrofit: A Live Project Demonstrator (Online) | 16 June, 16:00-17:00, Register Here

Insights into UK Resilience: Energy Infrastructure and Distribution Systems ( London) | 23 June, 08:00-10:00, Register Here

Climate Resilience in Action: One Year on from the UK Climate Resilience Roadmap (Online) | 24 June, 10:00-11:00, Register Here

 

Learn & Grow

BUILD KNOWLEDGE

Kickstart your sustainability journey with bite-sized, jargon-free learning that builds confidence and foundations. 

Ideal for: Early-career professionals, those new to sustainability, or anyone seeking a foundational understanding of sustainability, resilience, and carbon reduction in the built environment. 

Benefits: Build confidence, understand key sustainability concepts quickly, and establish a solid foundation to inform your work. 

Get Involved

DELIVER ACTION

Move from learning to doing with immersive masterclasses and hands-on workshops that empower you to drive impact. 

Ideal for: Mid-level to senior professionals, sustainability champions, design/project teams, owners, and ESG practitioners ready to transform knowledge into action. 

Benefits: Gain in-demand technical skills, develop strategies you can implement immediately, and collaborate with peers to operationalise sustainable outcomes. 

Get Involved

Lead & Influence

Learning designed to spark transformational change. UKGBC’s leadership programmes equip built environment professionals at every career stage to take bold action, challenge the status quo, and drive the systemic change our industry needs. 

Get Involved

Recalibrate – An exclusive enrichment programme for C-Suite and Board members. Shape your leadership for a net zero, climate-resilient future and gain unique insights into leading systemic change at the highest level.Ěý

Runs July-November | full details here.Ěý

UKGBC Leadership Collaboration Cafe and Networking Social – UKGBC Leadership Alumni are invited to connect and explore the leadership skills and behaviours needed for a sustainable built environment.

22 April, 16:00-19:00, London | Sign up here.Ěý

Future Leaders Showcase & Alumni Summer Gathering – Join us to celebrate Future Leaders 2026 Programme finale. Hear from our forward-thinking change-makers, as they embrace their agency to transform the sustainability of the built environment. Then enjoy the start of the summer by connecting with peers across the industry over drinks and networking into the evening.

4 June, 16:00-18:30, London | .Ěý

Re-imagining: Sustainable Finance – UKGBC convenes finance, business, academia & sustainability leaders to reimagine a thriving, sustainable financial system and how to achieve it.

30 June, 16:00-20:00, London | Register Here

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Scaling Sustainable Solutions for the Built Environment: Barriers & Enablers /resources/scaling-sustainable-solutions-barriers-and-enablers/ Tue, 31 Mar 2026 08:38:18 +0000 /?post_type=resource&p=69492 This report identifies the barriers preventing sustainable solutions from moving beyond pilots and sets out practical enablers that industry can implement now.

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Many of the sustainable solutions needed to deliver a net zero, nature-positive and climate-resilient built environment already exist. The challenge is not innovation alone, but ensuring these solutions are adopted widely and consistently across projects, portfolios and organisations. 

This report explores the systemic barriers that are slowing adoption and sets out practical enablers to help overcome them. It is the first output of UKGBC’s Scaling Sustainable Solutions Initiative, which aims to accelerate the widespread uptake of sustainable solutions across the built environment. 

Why this report matters

Despite rapid innovation across materials, digital technologies, construction systems and business models, many solutionsĚýremainĚýunderutilised. Fragmented decision-making, risk-averse cultures, misaligned procurementĚýmodelsĚýand limited access to scale-up finance continue to hold back progress.Ěý

Without faster adoption, the industry risks higher long-term costs, missed opportunities, and slower progress towards net zero and more resilient places.ĚýThis report focuses on what needs to change to move from isolated innovation to system-wide implementation.Ěý

Drawing on insights from a broad range of stakeholders, built environment practitioners and industry experts, the report identifies seven key themes that influence whether solutions scale: organisational readiness; adopter needs and solution; finance and business models; certification and verification; risk, insurance and warranties; delivery and implementation; outcomes and knowledge sharing.

Across these themes, the report sets out 77 actionable enablers to support organisations in accelerating adoption.Ěý

Key insights

Barriers to scaling are largely systemic rather than technical.

Organisational processes, procurement practices, financing structures and risk frameworks often slow adoption more than technological limitations.

“Pilotisation” is slowing progress.

Pilots are often not designed with clear routes to portfolio-wide adoption. Without defined success criteria, scaling pathways and procurement alignment, innovation stalls.

Clear demand signals and better alignment between adopters and solution providers are critical.

Solutions are more likely to scale when they meet operational, financial and delivery needs of organisations implementing them.

Evidence, certification and risk frameworks build market confidence.

Demonstration projects, trusted verification systems and clearer approaches to insurance and warranties can help reduce perceived risk.

Collaboration is key.

Scaling sustainable solutions requires coordinated action across the value chain. Collaboration between developers, asset owners, contractors, manufacturers, investors, insurers and policymakers is essential to unlock widespread adoption.

Download the report here

Barriers and Enablers Cover

Priority Enablers

These one-page guides give an overview of the priority enablers for solutions providers, adopters, and networks.

Get involved

UKGBC will work with industry to test how the identified enablers can be applied in real-world contexts, develop practical pathways to move solutions from pilots to mainstream adoption, support collaboration across the value chain, share insights and learning to accelerate progress across the sector. Ģą˝Ö±˛Ą working in collaboration with Innovate UK and the University of the Built Environment on the next phase of this work, and is seeking additional partners to support delivery.

Scaling Initiative Partners

Thank you to our Scaling Initiative Partners for their generous support:

TFT

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Climate Resilience and Adaptation /get-involved/climate-resilience-and-adaptation-forum/ Wed, 25 Mar 2026 15:34:54 +0000 /?post_type=get-involved&p=69703 The Climate Resilience and Adaptation Forum brings together industry professionals who are actively working on the adaptation of built assets.

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This forum will explore themes around climate resilience and adaptation to cope with climate hazards. Building on work from the climate resilience roadmap this forum will provide members with the opportunity for peer-learning on ways to adapt built assets to cope with climate hazards and increase their climate resilience. Key themes will be on nature, supply chain engagement, insurance and value.

The first session will shape the programme for the remaining five sessions, identifying priority topics to explore in depth and giving members the opportunity to become a chair for the upcoming ones.

The forum will start 19th June and run every 6 weeks, finishing next spring. By signing up to this first session, members will be enrolling for the whole duration of the forum.

We will host three special sessions on financial value, supply chain engagement and nature. Other members will be able to join these sessions as one-offs, depending on which topic is most interesting to them. Specific dates will be announced soon.

Who Should Apply?

The UKGBC Climate Resilience and Adaptation Forum is open to individuals from UKGBC member organisations who have demonstrable knowledge or practical experience in climate resilience and adaptation. Participants are expected to actively contribute to discussions by sharing insights, challenges and best practices, while also representing their organisation’s work and perspective on the topic.

This forum will be particularly appealing to Building Developers, Building Owners, Building Systems Engineers (M+E), Architects, Occupiers, Asset Managers, Building Surveyors, Insurers and Project Managers.

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UKGBC responds to the Future Homes Standard /news/ukgbc-responds-to-the-future-homes-standard/ Tue, 24 Mar 2026 09:54:46 +0000 /?post_type=news&p=69626 Read our Policy Team's detailed analysis of the Government's long-awaited Future Homes and Building Standard (FHS).

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The Government has published the long-awaited Future Homes and Buildings Standard (FHS), a significant step toward more energy-efficient, low-carbon homes.

The Government has gone with the stronger option, accelerating the shift away from gas boilers to heat pumps and making rooftop solar a core feature of most new homes – cutting emissions by around 75%.

Simon McWhirter, Chief Executive of the Ģą˝Ö±˛Ą, said:

We welcome the Government’s decision to adopt the more ambitious Future Homes Standard, putting new homes firmly on a path away from fossil fuels and ensuring rooftop solar and improved levels of energy efficiency are the new norm. This will help lower household energy bills, reduce pressure on the electricity system, and give industry the confidence to invest in skills, supply chains and innovation. 

Making high levels of solar readily available is a clear win for households, the energy system and the climate, particularly at a time when global instability is once again driving up fossil fuel prices and exposing the risks of relying on gas for our homes. It’s a practical, cost-effective measure that will pay back for residents from day one. 

However, this must be the start of the journey, not the end. Government must maintain this momentum and set out a clear timetable for the next iteration of building regulations. Many developers are already building to higher standards, and are eager to help ensure the next update delivers genuinely future-ready homes by the early 2030s – comfortable, affordable to run, climate-resilient and zero-carbon.” 

Read our policy team’s analysis to learn more:

Download our full analysis

Future Homes and Building Standard Analysis
Download103.53 Kb

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Sustainable Thinking: A Beginner’s Guide for the Built Environment (Virtual) /events/sustainable-thinking-a-beginners-guide-for-the-built-environment-november/ Mon, 26 Jan 2026 16:39:13 +0000 /?post_type=event&p=69053 Develop your core knowledge about sustainability in the built environment on this engaging online introductory course.

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The built environment currently contributes around 25% of annual CO2 emissions, and has a huge impact on biodiversity globally. Improving the sustainability of the built environment is imperative if we are to reduce our impact on the planet, and adapt to a changing climate. 

On this four-module online course, you’ll learn about the current context – the climate and ecological emergency, and the built environment impact. You’ll read and discuss the core concepts, and the ways we can improve sustainability of the built environment. You’ll understand the importance of the built environment in fighting the climate and ecological emergency, and the role you can play in influencing change. By the end, you’ll feel equipped to advocate for sustainable building design and delivery and be empowered to apply this knowledge in your own organisation. 

What will you achieve?Ěý

On completing this course, you’ll be able to:
Describe the key concepts and examples of sustainability in the built environment
Apply your knowledge to your work
Contribute positively to influence sustainability outcomes within your own built environment

About the course

This self-directed online course runs every other month throughout the year. The course is a combination of reading, self-led activities, quizzes and discussion.  You’ll be part of a cohort of people from across industry taking the course at the same time; you’ll have opportunities to discuss the concepts raised in the course with your peers.  

Alongside discussion and other activities, the UKGBC team will be on hand to support your learning and answer any questions.

What does the course cover?  
Through your four weeks of learning, you’ll work through the following modules:  

Module 1: Context. In this module, you’ll be welcomed into the course and begin the learning journey by exploring why sustainability in the built environment is so critical for the future, and the role that the built environment plays in either exacerbating or mitigating climate change and broader sustainability issues. 

Module 2: Concepts. In this module, you’ll explore five key concepts of sustainability in the built environment and different building typologies including: Climate Change; Resource Use; Nature & Biodiversity; Social Value; and Health & Wellbeing.

Module 3: Cases. In this module, you’ll delve into a variety of case studies and also be given the opportunity to develop and share one of your own.

Module 4: Change: This is where you’ll take action! You’ll investigate the unique role that you can play in influencing the sustainability of the built environment around them. You’ll also be asked to make commitment to push your single most impactful action forward. 

How does it work?

1
Sign-up for course dates that work for you via Eventbrite. You’ll receive a confirmation email.
2
The Friday before your course starts, we’ll add you on our learning platform – you’ll receive a notification.
3
From the course start date, you’ll be able to log in and start learning!
4
You’ll have access to the course for four weeks, but you can progress through the course at your own pace.
5
Read through all modules to compete the course and receive a certificate.

Who is the course for?

This course is designed for anyone working in the built environment and construction sectors who wants to develop their sustainability knowledge and skills.  
You may already be working in the built environment and be looking to upskill in the field of sustainability, or you may have knowledge of sustainability and want to apply this to the context of the built environment. If you have limited knowledge of both buildings and sustainability and want to learn more about sustainable design and delivery, this course will give you a solid introduction.

CPD hours: 16 

Tickets

Member tickets are free
Non-member tickets are: ÂŁ300 
If you’re unsure if your organisation is a member, please check our Membership Directory.

Do you want to enrol a whole team? 

UKGBC can offer this course to closed cohorts, running at a time of your convenience – please get in touch with our learning team to get more information: learning@UKGBC.org.  

Cancellation and refund policy 

Please see our website for more details on our cancellations and refunds: /ukgbc-cancellation-and-refund-policy/ 

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Sustainable Thinking: A Beginner’s Guide for the Built Environment (Virtual) /events/sustainable-thinking-a-beginners-guide-for-the-built-environment-october/ Mon, 26 Jan 2026 16:35:43 +0000 /?post_type=event&p=69049 Develop your core knowledge about sustainability in the built environment on this engaging online introductory course.

The post Sustainable Thinking: A Beginner’s Guide for the Built Environment (Virtual) appeared first on UKGBC.

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The built environment currently contributes around 25% of annual CO2 emissions, and has a huge impact on biodiversity globally. Improving the sustainability of the built environment is imperative if we are to reduce our impact on the planet, and adapt to a changing climate. 

On this four-module online course, you’ll learn about the current context – the climate and ecological emergency, and the built environment impact. You’ll read and discuss the core concepts, and the ways we can improve sustainability of the built environment. You’ll understand the importance of the built environment in fighting the climate and ecological emergency, and the role you can play in influencing change. By the end, you’ll feel equipped to advocate for sustainable building design and delivery and be empowered to apply this knowledge in your own organisation. 

What will you achieve?Ěý

On completing this course, you’ll be able to:
Describe the key concepts and examples of sustainability in the built environment
Apply your knowledge to your work
Contribute positively to influence sustainability outcomes within your own built environment

About the course

This self-directed online course runs every other month throughout the year. The course is a combination of reading, self-led activities, quizzes and discussion.  You’ll be part of a cohort of people from across industry taking the course at the same time; you’ll have opportunities to discuss the concepts raised in the course with your peers.  

Alongside discussion and other activities, the UKGBC team will be on hand to support your learning and answer any questions.

What does the course cover?  
Through your four weeks of learning, you’ll work through the following modules:  

Module 1: Context. In this module, you’ll be welcomed into the course and begin the learning journey by exploring why sustainability in the built environment is so critical for the future, and the role that the built environment plays in either exacerbating or mitigating climate change and broader sustainability issues. 

Module 2: Concepts. In this module, you’ll explore five key concepts of sustainability in the built environment and different building typologies including: Climate Change; Resource Use; Nature & Biodiversity; Social Value; and Health & Wellbeing.

Module 3: Cases. In this module, you’ll delve into a variety of case studies and also be given the opportunity to develop and share one of your own.

Module 4: Change: This is where you’ll take action! You’ll investigate the unique role that you can play in influencing the sustainability of the built environment around them. You’ll also be asked to make commitment to push your single most impactful action forward. 

How does it work?

1
Sign-up for course dates that work for you via Eventbrite. You’ll receive a confirmation email.
2
The Friday before your course starts, we’ll add you on our learning platform – you’ll receive a notification.
3
From the course start date, you’ll be able to log in and start learning!
4
You’ll have access to the course for four weeks, but you can progress through the course at your own pace.
5
Read through all modules to compete the course and receive a certificate.

Who is the course for?

This course is designed for anyone working in the built environment and construction sectors who wants to develop their sustainability knowledge and skills.  
You may already be working in the built environment and be looking to upskill in the field of sustainability, or you may have knowledge of sustainability and want to apply this to the context of the built environment. If you have limited knowledge of both buildings and sustainability and want to learn more about sustainable design and delivery, this course will give you a solid introduction.

CPD hours: 16 

Tickets

Member tickets are free
Non-member tickets are: ÂŁ300 
If you’re unsure if your organisation is a member, please check our Membership Directory.

Do you want to enrol a whole team? 

UKGBC can offer this course to closed cohorts, running at a time of your convenience – please get in touch with our learning team to get more information: learning@UKGBC.org.  

Cancellation and refund policy 

Please see our website for more details on our cancellations and refunds: /ukgbc-cancellation-and-refund-policy/ 

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