This study considers the policy instruments on an individual basis and it also assesses the overall functionality and effectiveness of the policy framework in achieving its objectives. The research found that there were both significant limitations and positive attributes present in the policy framework. It also found that policies were focused on the occupation/use phase of buildings and there were relatively few policy instruments which focused specifically on the transactional of financing stages of the commercial buildings life-cycle. The policy framework was entirely focused on operational energy and carbon, and almost completely disregarded embodied carbon. Full details of all the findings and recommendations are covered in the full report.

The Green Property Alliance, made up of a range of property organisations including the BCO, commissioned this report to assess the effectiveness of a range of policy instruments on energy and carbon performance in the UK commercial buildings sector.