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That view was shared as part of a panel discussion at this year’s PF Live exploring the challenges and tensions between managing property portfolios and the drive to net zero.
Citing the example of many central government and related departments being unlikely to meet the 2027 deadline for 100% of cars and vans to have zero emissions, Simon King, senior partner at sustainability consultancy Edenseven, said there was a need to focus on the opportunities ahead rather than constantly looking at the challenges faced.
“I know this issue requires investment at a time when organisations face multiple other demands on their finances, and of course there is a particular challenge with the decarbonisation of heat,” he added. “But there is opportunity here, too. In particular, electrified vehicles will pay for themselves relatively quickly – while accessing alternative electricity sources can also deliver substantial cost savings in the long run. So there are opportunities here and that’s what decision-makers need to focus on.”
The panel highlighted a lack of skills and capabilities around the interpretation of data and the creation of clear insights as a major barrier to change.
“Data is absolutely fundamental and, in some of the local authorities I’ve worked with, the data around their property portfolio is poor,” explained Sara Cameron, president of the Association of Chief Estates Surveyors & Property Managers.
“For me, the biggest issue is the skills gap. We need the right data to make decisions and that means we have to upskill – so we can access not only the raw data but also all the extra insights and scenarios we need to advise appropriately.”
Also speaking on the panel, Cecilie Booth, executive director of Corporate Services and S151 officer at Peterborough City Council, said a particular challenge faced by local authorities is dedicating time and energy to the issue amid myriad other pressures being placed on finances and resources.
“My instinct is to say that we can’t afford this,” she said. “When we look at the budget pressures we have, it’s a real challenge. Our budget gap for next year has increased hugely – and the thought of investing in vehicles with new technology is very difficult when we have children being taken into care and homelessness pressures that are soaring.
“I also understand that we can’t afford not to do this,” she added. “But the investment is very difficult.”
However, Billie Heafield, head of category at BlueLight Commercial, said organisations must overcome their reticence to investing in new technologies – to accelerate the change needed to meet future key targets.
