By Euan Somerville, Director at crbn solutions, part of the Morris & Spottiswood Group.
With 80% of the buildings that will exist in 2050 already constructed, effective carbon management during fit-outs and refurbishments will play a crucial part in the achieving the UK’s net zero obligations. Approaching this challenge systematically can deliver significant environmental and financial benefits while meeting stakeholder expectations.
Step 1: Data Analysis
Success begins with accurate measurement. Many carbon reduction initiatives fall short because they rely on theoretical assumptions rather than real-world performance data. A comprehensive analysis should incorporate half-hourly electricity metering, detailed gas consumption information, thermographic surveys, air pressure testing, and U-value assessments of building fabric. This establishes a genuine baseline, revealing how buildings truly perform compared to design expectations. Buildings evolve over time through changing usage patterns, maintenance programmes, as well as building fabric and services degradation, making this real-world assessment invaluable for developing effective strategies.
Step 2: Design
Armed with accurate performance data, the design phase reconciles energy modelling with collected information. Whole life carbon assessments should be undertaken here, integrating both embodied carbon (emissions from materials, construction processes and end of life stages) and operational energy modelling. This holistic approach prevents carbon shifting – where improvements in operational efficiency are offset by high-embodied carbon materials.
Working with architects and designers who understand these complexities ensures solutions that deliver genuine carbon reductions rather than superficial improvements.
Step 3: Investment
Of course, carbon reduction initiatives require financial resources, but multiple support mechanisms exist. Options for the public sector include the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, Low Carbon Skills Fund, and Scotland’s Heat Decarbonisation Fund. Additionally, innovative approaches such as Recycling Funds, where investments are repaid through energy savings, can make projects more financially viable. Facilities managers should explore these options early in the planning process to maximise funding opportunities. Understanding the long-term operational savings is also crucial for building persuasive business cases.
Step 4: Installation
The installation phase is where designs are turned into reality, however it must be carefully managed to maintain the integrity of the carbon strategy from start to finish. Working in occupied buildings, for example, presents unique challenges around ensuring business can continue without interruption. Proper pre-work assessment is essential, including accurate building information and appropriate surveys to identify potential hazards such as asbestos or other hazardous materials. Complex environments may require segregated work areas, air quality control systems, and contamination prevention measures. Coordination with maintenance teams becomes vital for success, as does maintaining continuity of critical services.
Step 5: Evaluate and Optimise
Once installation is complete, post-occupancy evaluations verify that buildings perform as expected, with schemes like NABERS UK’s Design for Performance providing objective benchmarks. Building control systems typically require fine-tuning as operational patterns evolve. Continuous monitoring can identify inefficiencies, such as simultaneous heating and cooling of spaces, that create unnecessary energy consumption. Seasonal commissioning often reveals opportunities for simple improvements that deliver significant energy savings with minimal investment – sometimes achieving 10-15% carbon reductions before major capital expenditure.
Combining the above principles, Morris & Spottiswood Group embraced innovative modular construction methods to achieve remarkable carbon reductions in a recent Glasgow office fit-out project. By implementing a ‘plug and play’ modular pod system, the project saved 1.79 tonnes CO₂e compared to traditional construction methods. The prefabricated pods, manufactured off-site with integrated services, were assembled and functional within just four days – a process that could take weeks for traditional construction techniques.
Circular economy approaches further reduced the project’s carbon impact, with repurposed flooring and second-hand furniture saving an additional 7.59 tonnes CO₂e – an 8.73% reduction compared to using new materials. A Lifecycle Carbon Assessment confirmed the project achieved 93kg CO₂e/m² for upfront embodied carbon, comfortably meeting the UK Net Zero Carbon Building Standard’s 2038 target of under 100kg CO₂e/m². This demonstrates how modular construction, combined with a strategic approach to carbon management, can deliver both accelerated project timelines and significant carbon reductions.
Facilities managers who adopt this structured approach can navigate the complex challenge of carbon reduction with confidence. By focusing on real-world performance data, whole-life carbon impacts, available funding mechanisms, practical installation considerations, and ongoing optimisation, they can deliver spaces that are not only more sustainable but better serve occupants.
For more information on crbn solutions, please visit: www.crbnsolutions.co.uk or contact info@crbnsolutions.co.uk
For more information on the Morris & Spottiswood Group, please visit: www.morrisandspottiswoodgroup.co.uk