Reduction, not offset, should be carbon aim

By Tom Hardy

THE property sector needs to actively reduce the carbon footprint of buildings, rather than rely on ‘carbon offsetting’ schemes to gain green credentials, according to the British Council of Offices (BCO).

Offsetting encourages companies to invest in projects that reduce emissions such as windfarms, biomass energy schemes, forestry planting etc. These schemes are often located in the developing world.

In a bid to persuade property professionals to become more proactive in reducing the carbon footprint of UK buildings, the BCO has issued a briefing note on the benefits and pitfalls of carbon offsetting.

Cameron Stott, Scottish chairman of the BCO said: “The issue of carbon offsetting is one of the most emotive and misunderstood areas in relation to climate change. When it comes to managing the environmental impact of the property industry, carbon offsetting is part of the solution, not the sole solution. Our focus must also be on our own domestic issues. UK companies need to be investing in new equipment that will reduce the environmental impact of their commercial operations.

“Imagine if every business and individual in the industrialised world took no action to reduce emissions at home but became ‘carbon neutral’ by investing in offsetting projects. In that scenario, the level of emissions would not decrease and we would still be contributing to climate change.”