Policy & Advocacy
UKGBC works with our members and with policymakers at all levels across the UK to advocate for a built environment that meets the challenges of the climate and ecological crises
At a time of climate and nature emergency and a cost of living crisis, the UK needs bold government leadership and policy at national, devolved and local levels to transform our buildings, towns and cities.
The built environment sector must work together at pace and scale to champion the ambitious policies that we need to deliver a zero-carbon, climate-resilient, regenerative future.
What does our policy & advocacy work look like?
As the voice of our sustainable built environment, UKGBC works across the sector to implement change in three main ways.
Using our collective voice
We utilise our collective expertise to influence the decisions that matter to our sector
Engaging with policy makers
We engage with decision-makers to shape the policies that will deliver a greener future.
Supporting our members’ advocacy
We support our members with advocacy and strategic campaigns.
Key policy wins
Areas of work
Domestic Retrofit
Explore our work on the need for a nationwide retrofit strategy.
Future Homes and Buildings Standards
Explore our work related to new build homes and the Future Homes Standard.
Planning
Explore our work on national and local planning policy and how it can shape a sustainable built environment.
Climate Resilience
Explore how policies can build climate resilience in our buildings and communities.
Nature
Explore how nature positive policies can help increase biodiversity in the built environment.
Resources
Future Homes and Buildings Standard Consultation Response
Together with more than 700 members from across the wider sector, UKGBC has responded with recommendations for more ambitious standards and urge the Government to implement a truly ‘future’ standard.
Spring Budget Representation 2024
Understand UKGBC’s calls to government ahead of the 2024 Spring Statement.
NAP3 Policy Scorecard
New analysis published by UKGBC on ‘Nature Day’ at COP28 concludes that the UK’s built environment is severely under-equipped to adapt to our changing climate.
Letter to the Prime Minister in response to the roll-back of green policies.
This is a letter from UKGBC’s Deputy Chief Executive Simon McWhirter to the Prime Minister…
Consultation Responses on the future of our energy mix and electricity grid
In August 2023, UKGBC responded to two consultations launched by the Energy Security and Net…
Response to EAC consultation on sustainable electrification of the UK economy
The Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) has launched a new inquiry examining the challenges and opportunities arising from the increasing use of electricity to power the economy of Net Zero Britain
Powering Up Britain – Policy Analysis
On 30th March, 2023, the UK Government announced a wide range of policies and strategies…
Response to Government Consultation on National Planning Policy Framework
As the collective voice of the UK’s built environment sector, UKGBC urges the Government to…
Press releases
Development on brownfield must be balanced with nature restoration and high-quality homes
UKGBC responds to the latest call from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities for local councils to build on brownfield sites to boost housebuilding.
13 Feb, 2024
Abandoning £28bn investment plan is a ‘Colossally short-sighted political manoeuvre’
UKGBC responds to the Labour announcement rolling back green investment.
8 Feb, 2024
UKGBC joins industry leaders calling for Government to regulate embodied carbon
11 industry and built environment expert bodies call on party leaders to commit to enacting embodied carbon regulation within the first six months of taking office after the next General Election.
31 Jan, 2024
Long-awaited NPPF provides yet more deferral instead of direction
Simon McWhirter, Deputy Chief Executive at UKGBC said: After months of delay, the Government’s National…
21 Dec, 2023
