Chapter 2: The Built Environment

In the UK, it is estimated that over 80 percent of the built environment stock in 2050 has already been built. Whilst delivering the remaining 20 percent in the next three decades will present significant challenges, there is likely to be an increasing focus on the existing stock and its performance in the coming years. Globally, 35 percent of all energy consumption is from the delivery and operation of the built environment, and so to reach the UK Government's mandated target of achieving net zero carbon by 2050 requires a change in approach to how buildings are delivered and maintained today. Over 70 percent of homes in England are likely to require some form of upgrade, and a significant proportion of the non-residential stock likewise. This chapter provides an overview of what the built environment looks like today, the similarities and differences between different asset types and how they perform, and what the environment needs to include in the years to come. It effectively sets a baseline from which a more optimal built environment can be achieved and identifies opportunities to deliver against some of the UK and global targets that have been set over the next 30 years.