The Department of Energy Security and Net Zero has commissioned a team of highly qualified researchers to gather existing data on the building stock in the country and to supplement it with information from a sample of buildings in each of the categories of non-domestic buildings (data on housing is already collected through regular national surveys).

Over the next several months, the researchers will be holding workshops with sector representatives and phoning individuals to complete a survey. They will also visit some buildings in person.

Phase I of the research has now been completed. Focused on the hospitality sector, it provided valuable insights that highlighted the complexity of the non-domestic building stock and the challenges shared by many businesses when considering net zero initiatives.

These findings will be extended to the entire building stock in Phase II.  An article outlining the key findings from Phase I can be found here and the full published report is here.

The results of this work will provide an invaluable resource to government, industry and sector organisations. Individual building owners, occupiers and managers will be able to place their buildings in a broader context and benefit from more accurate, up-to-date and relevant energy and carbon benchmarks.

Success will depend on adequate levels of participation from all sectors. We hope that those contacted will recognise the benefits of this research and be willing to take part.