Net zero and sustainability
We seek to find opportunities for the use of sustainable, clean technologies as well as low and zero carbon energy through renovation, refurbishment, retrofitting and new build.
As the strategic leader of sustainability across the government’s office portfolio we are committed to reducing our environmental impact across the entire estate we manage through a range of innovative programmes and best practice.
Our Net Zero Programme supports decarbonisation interventions in both the GPA’s managed properties and also the wider government office estate.
Our new Government Hubs are designed to meet these sustainability targets to deliver on our commitments. We will achieve these through the design and construction of our new buildings and through sustainable retrofitting measures. Through our programmes and innovation, our assets are on track to meet our net zero ready milestone of a 78% reduction in carbon by 2035.
In 2024, the GPA published an updated Net Zero and Sustainability Annex of the Government Workplace Design Guide and a new Biodiversity and Nature Recovery Annex on GOV.UK. Both publications demonstrate the GPA’s commitment to protecting the environment. They outline the key actions the GPA is taking to comply with legal requirements and demonstrate its desire to be seen as the flagship agency in delivering on the Government Greening Commitments (GGCs).
Contact us
Sustainability commitments
We have already demonstrated our commitment to sustainability, by saving 2,400 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2e) since 2021 and we plan to do even more as our sustainability programmes mature. We are planning to achieve our ambitious goals by:
Net Zero
Delivering our Net Zero Programme - installing and improving LED lighting systems, investing in air source heat pumps and other decarbonisation measures, improving insulation, upgrading heating, ventilations and air conditioning systems (HVACs) and building management systems (BMSs), and installing smart meters, photovoltaic solar panels and electric vehicle charging points.
Seeking "Excellent" BREEAM
Seeking BREEAM Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) “Excellent” for new builds and at least BREEAM “Very Good” for refurbishments.
EPC B or better
Setting a target of EPC (Energy Performance Certificates) A for every new building and for all refurbished buildings to have 100% EPC B or better, where applicable, no later than 2030.
NABERS 4* or better
Championing NABERS (National Australian Built Environment Rating System) 5* for New Builds and 4* for retrofitted projects.
10% biodiversity net gain
Embedding 10% biodiversity net gain on new build projects and introducing biodiversity ideas across our estate where possible.
ISO14001 accredited
We are accredited to ISO14001 Environmental Management System for the property services we provide.
Talk to our Net Zero and sustainability experts today
We are members of the UK Green Buildings Council and the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA) and are proud to be an IEMA accredited training centre. We are also part of the Better Building Partnership, which enables us to collaborate with leading property owners to improve the sustainability of commercial buildings.