The Policy Liaison Group’s first sector-specific Westminster roundtable examined how ESG principles can be more effectively integrated across the built environment. Building on discussions held at UKREiiF, the session explored the practical barriers preventing the construction and real estate sectors from translating sustainability ambitions into tangible outcomes. Amid growing pressure to decarbonise existing building stock, participants considered the need for clearer standards, stronger infrastructure and more coordinated policy delivery.
Key contributors:
This roundtable explored the evolving role of ESG within the built environment and the challenges associated with embedding sustainability throughout the construction and property sectors. Participants highlighted that the growing number of reporting standards, assessment frameworks and local planning requirements has created unnecessary complexity. Discussion focused on the need to simplify and better align ESG frameworks, while ensuring that sustainability considerations are embedded within property valuation, investment and procurement decisions. The conversation also examined the barriers facing retrofit projects, including outdated EPC methodologies, grid capacity constraints and the absence of a coherent national approach, alongside the difficulties experienced by SMEs operating within long and fragmented supply chains. Participants argued that stronger collaboration between government, industry and professional bodies will be essential to creating a more consistent and investable framework for sustainable development.
