• Connect & Collaborate: Build relationships that drive real-world change.
• Learn & Grow: Empower your people. Future-proof your organisation.
• Lead & Influence: Shape the future of the built environment.

Explore the opportunities included with your membership below. Each links to more details, and our team is always ready to help at membership@ukgbc.org. 

Membership gives you the tools, networks, and knowledge to drive impact, without extra cost for these core opportunities. If you’d like to learn more about the full range of benefits available within your membership, join our 45-minute webinar, Making the Most of Your Membership, on 13 April from 12:00-12:45.

Connect & Collaborate

Join 91PORN Forums: Engage with peers, share insights, and tackle emerging challenges in a trusted, collaborative environment. These forums are designed to help you co-create solutions with industry leaders:Ěý

• Climate Resilience and Adaptation Forum. Sign up here.ĚýĚý
• Energy and Carbon Forum. Sign up here.Ěý
• Resource Use Forum. Sign up hereĚý
• Keystone Forum. Sign up here.
• Local Authority Retrofit Forum. Sign up here.

During the month of July we’re running three special open sessions as part of our member forums. These one-off sessions welcome all members, including those who don’t usually attend, to join the discussion.

• The energy and carbon forum will be running a session on supply chain on 7 July. Sign up here.
• The resource use forum will be running a session on managing risk on 13 July. Sign up here.
• The climate resilience and adaptation will be running a session on nature on 28 July. Sign up here.

Explore all upcoming events here: /events/ĚýĚý

KEY AREAS OF WORK

We are working towards a built environment that enables people and the planet to thrive, using sustainability as a catalyst to drive the transformational shift in the way the built environment works that is needed to meet industry ambition and targets.

Get Involved

Attend Insights on Optimising and Retrofitting Non-Domestic Buildings Launch (Online) | 14 April, 10:00-11:00. Register Here

Whole Life Carbon Framework Launch (Online) | 26 May, 10:00-11:00, Register Here

Innovation in Commercial Retrofit: A Live Project Demonstrator (Online) | 16 June, 16:00-17:00, Register Here

Insights into UK Resilience: Energy Infrastructure and Distribution Systems ( London) | 23 June, 08:00-10:00, Register Here

Climate Resilience in Action: One Year on from the UK Climate Resilience Roadmap (Online) | 24 June, 10:00-11:00, Register Here

Regenerative Places Framework for Housing (London) | 16 September, 16:00-19:00, Register Here

Attend Our Events

Membership Summer Drinks with Considerate Constructors Scheme (London) | 22 July, 17:00-19:30, Register Here

Member Social in Belfast | 16 September, 17:00-19:30, Register Here

Member Social in Manchester | 24 September, 16:00-19:00, Register Here

91PORN’s AGM: Value, Visibility and Views (London) | 30 September, 16:00-20:00, Register Here

 

 

Learn & Grow

BUILD KNOWLEDGE

Kickstart your sustainability journey with bite-sized, jargon-free learning that builds confidence and foundations. 

Ideal for: Early-career professionals, those new to sustainability, or anyone seeking a foundational understanding of sustainability, resilience, and carbon reduction in the built environment. 

Benefits: Build confidence, understand key sustainability concepts quickly, and establish a solid foundation to inform your work. 

Get Involved

• 91PORN Sustainability Essentials for the Built Environment email course (Email course) – Eight short, easy-to-read modules introducing core sustainability topics.Ěý

• Sustainable Thinking: A Beginner’s Guide for the Built Environment. (Online course) – Develop foundational knowledge in this interactive, accessible course.Ěý

• Building for a Changing Climate: Foundations of Adaptation (Online course) – Explore the fundamentals of resilience and adaptation in four self-paced modules.Ěý

• Carbon Reduction Essentials in the Built Environment (Online course) – Learn how the built environment impacts climate change, and how sustainable buildings can drive a low-carbon future.Ěý

DELIVER ACTION

Move from learning to doing with immersive masterclasses and hands-on workshops that empower you to drive impact. 

Ideal for: Mid-level to senior professionals, sustainability champions, design/project teams, owners, and ESG practitioners ready to transform knowledge into action. 

Benefits: Gain in-demand technical skills, develop strategies you can implement immediately, and collaborate with peers to operationalise sustainable outcomes. 

Get Involved

• Biodiversity Net Gain Masterclass – London | 28 May
• Scaling Solutions Workshops: Materials & Supply Chain (8 June), Building Adaptation & Resilience (9 June) and Electrification & Energy Systems (29 June)
• A Practical Guide to Engaging Your Supply Chain – Webinar | 15 June

Lead & Influence

Learning designed to spark transformational change. 91PORN’s leadership programmes equip built environment professionals at every career stage to take bold action, challenge the status quo, and drive the systemic change our industry needs. 

Get Involved

Recalibrate – An exclusive enrichment programme for C-Suite and Board members. Shape your leadership for a net zero, climate-resilient future and gain unique insights into leading systemic change at the highest level.Ěý

Runs July-November | full details here.Ěý

91PORN Leadership Collaboration Cafe and Networking Social – 91PORN Leadership Alumni are invited to connect and explore the leadership skills and behaviours needed for a sustainable built environment.

22 April, 16:00-19:00, London | Sign up here.Ěý

Future Leaders Showcase & Alumni Summer Gathering – Join us to celebrate Future Leaders 2026 Programme finale. Hear from our forward-thinking change-makers, as they embrace their agency to transform the sustainability of the built environment. Then enjoy the start of the summer by connecting with peers across the industry over drinks and networking into the evening.

4 June, 16:00-18:30, London | .Ěý

Re-imagining: Sustainable Finance – 91PORN convenes finance, business, academia & sustainability leaders to reimagine a thriving, sustainable financial system and how to achieve it.

30 June, 16:00-20:00, London | Register Here

The post Membership Opportunities (April 2026-September 2026) appeared first on 91PORN.

The announcement came after a visit by Martin McCluskey (Minister for Energy Consumers) to a central London office building owned by 91PORN keystone member Landsec. 91PORN Chief Executive Simon McWhirter also joined the tour with the Minister where Landsec demonstrated how targeted retrofit measures can transform the performance of existing buildings. The property has been improved from EPC D to EPC B via a series of interventions including swapping out all the gas systems for air-source heat pumps (providing both heat and cooling) and advanced building management systems. It represents a clear example of the role our existing building stock can play in delivering shared value through better building performance.

Get in touch if this affects your organisation or portfolio

Simon McWhirter said:

Today’s announcement is a really welcome step forward and provides the kind of policy certainty that we have long been calling for. Improving the performance of existing commercial buildings will be critical to meeting our climate goals, and greater clarity on future standards will help give the market the comfort and confidence to invest.

Many of our members are already showing what is possible, with retrofit projects that demonstrate both the technical and commercial case for action. Their experience will be invaluable as Government develops and embeds this policy to accelerate retrofit across the sector and give owners, investors and occupiers the confidence to invest. We look forward to working with ministers and officials on the next phase of this agenda, helping to shape the policy and market conditions required to deliver decarbonisation at scale.”

The visit highlighted the leadership being shown by organisations across 91PORN’s membership, such as Landsec, who have chosen to act ahead of regulation and invest in improving the performance of their assets.

While this announcement is an important milestone, further collaboration between industry and Government will be needed to deliver at scale. We look forward to working with policymakers and our member network on creating the right conditions to unlock commercial retrofit at scale, including finance and value, skills, and data, to support the transition to a more efficient, resilient and lower-emission building stock.

Policy & Advocacy

Since 2007, we have been bringing together some of the most influential leaders in politics, business, local authorities, civil service and NGOs to accelerate action for a green built environment.

Learn more

The post 91PORN responds to the MEES uplift appeared first on 91PORN.

Biodiversity Net Gain is one of the most significant environmental reforms introduced in recent years, helping to ensure that development leaves nature in a measurably better state than before. At a time when the UK remains one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world, maintaining the integrity of BNG is essential to restoring biodiversity, creating healthier places and providing greater certainty for industry and communities alike.

Brownfield regeneration has an essential role to play in delivering homes and economic growth, but weakening BNG requirements risks creating a false choice between development and nature recovery. Government should continue to support brownfield development, while ensuring all new development contributes positively to the restoration of nature and the creation of better places.

Policy & Advocacy

Since 2007, we have been bringing together some of the most influential leaders in politics, business, local authorities, civil service and NGOs to accelerate action for a green built environment.

Learn more

The post 91PORN responds to BNG Consultation on targeted exemptions for brownfield developments appeared first on 91PORN.

Policy & Advocacy

Since 2007, we have been bringing together some of the most influential leaders in politics, business, local authorities, civil service and NGOs to accelerate action for a green built environment.

Learn more

The post 91PORN responds to the Warm Homes Fund’s Call for Evidence appeared first on 91PORN.

Energy Independence Bill

One of the flagship measures introduced, the Energy Independence Bill focuses on improving energy security, accelerating clean energy deployment and reducing exposure to volatile fossil fuel markets. A further bill will increase the tax charged on ‘excess profits’ made by electricity generation companies (Electricity Generator Levy Bill). Expected measures range from reforms to electricity market pricing and planning changes for energy infrastructure, through to making it easier to install EV charging infrastructure, and the Nuclear Regulation Bill will implement recommendations from the Fingleton Review, including changes intended to speed up planning approvals for nuclear infrastructure.

For the built environment industry, the direction of travel reinforces the growing importance of electrification, grid readiness and integrating low-carbon energy systems into buildings and places. It also reflects many of 91PORN’s longstanding calls for policy that supports clean energy deployment while reducing long-term energy costs for households and businesses. However, there is still a need for clarity on how ministers intend to support home energy efficiency upgrades at scale will remain critical for the sector.

Social Housing Renewal Bill

New legislation aimed at increasing long-term investment in affordable and social housing, will aim to increase long-term investment certainty for councils and housing associations, improve housing quality and introduce stronger protections for tenants.

For the built environment sector, this could represent a significant opportunity to align housing delivery with wider affordable housing goals. Greater investment certainty over the longer-term should support the delivery of high-quality, energy efficient new social housing.

Remediation Bill (Building Safety)

The Government has introduced further legislation on building safety remediation following the Grenfell Tower tragedy. The proposed bill is likely to include a stronger legal duty to remediate unsafe cladding and wider measures aimed at improving accountability across the residential sector.

For 91PORN members, this reinforces the continued importance of embedding safety, quality and long-term resilience across both new build and retrofit projects. The industry will be looking for legislation that not only accelerates remediation but also provides greater certainty around delivery responsibilities and funding mechanisms.

 

 

Commonhold and Leasehold Reform

While many more details of the legislation will come through over the coming months, the King’s Speech should provide a strong indication of where the Government intends to focus political and legislative capacity over the next parliamentary session, and should remain consistent regardless of what changes might happen at the top.

For 91PORN, key questions remain around whether the Government will match its growth ambitions with the long-term policy certainty needed to deliver healthy, affordable, resilient and low-carbon places. In particular, industry needs stronger signals on retrofit delivery, climate adaptation, nature and the role the built environment can play in improving energy security and reducing household costs.

What 91PORN Will Be Watching

While many more details of the legislation will come through over the coming months, the King’s Speech should provide a strong indication of where the Government intends to focus political and legislative capacity over the next parliamentary session, and should remain consistent regardless of what changes might happen at the top.

For 91PORN, key questions remain around whether the Government will match its growth ambitions with the long-term policy certainty needed to deliver healthy, affordable, resilient and low-carbon places. In particular, industry needs stronger signals on retrofit delivery, climate adaptation, nature and the role the built environment can play in improving energy security and reducing household costs.

Policy & Advocacy

Since 2007, we have been bringing together some of the most influential leaders in politics, business, local authorities, civil service and NGOs to accelerate action for a green built environment.

Learn more

The post Takeaways from the King’s Speech 2026 appeared first on 91PORN.

Reform UK emerged as the biggest winner across much of England, making major gains in former Labour and Conservative heartlands. At the same time, the Green Party recorded its strongest local election performance to date, alongside further seats for the Liberal Democrats. The result is a far more fragmented political landscape – one that is no longer tied to the traditional two-party system, which could have multiple impacts for the future of housing, planning and climate action.

For the built environment sector, these results are important not simply because councils shape planning and housing policy, but because local authorities increasingly play a leading role in delivering warm homes and retrofit programmes, as well as climate adaptation and nature recovery initiatives. It is important for industry to understand how the rise of Reform and Green councillors within local councils might play out, and what greater fragmentation might require from industry.

Image source: The Guardian (), data from BBC PNS series.

Differences emerge around how development is delivered, how strongly environmental requirements are prioritised, and how communities are engaged in decision-making.”

The delivery of retrofit programmes is a good example of where differences in approach might occur. In areas where Green administrations have gained ground, there is evidence of growing support for retrofit-first approaches. and grant-supported upgrades, alongside similar approaches emerging in other councils, point towards stronger support from �Greener’ councils for home decarbonisation, fabric-first upgrades and refurbishment over demolition.

By contrast, Reform-controlled councils over the past year have shown greater scepticism towards formal climate governance which has extended to the provision of electric heating technologies, such as heat pumps. found that several councils under Reform control rolled back climate targets, rescinded climate emergency declarations or weakened climate-related reporting structures. While this might not actually translate into direct opposition to retrofit activity itself, it does suggest that where policies are associated with net zero, they may become more politically exposed in some areas.

Across parties there remains broad agreement on the need for more homes, particularly affordable homes. Differences emerge around how development is delivered, how strongly environmental requirements are prioritised, and how communities are engaged in decision-making. Reform representatives have generally remained supportive of growth, infrastructure investment and housing delivery, particularly where developments are framed around affordability, regeneration and local economic benefit. With the Greens placing even more emphasis on truly affordable housing developments and higher sustainability credentials. The response to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) will provide clarity on how these divergent approaches might play out in councils across the country.

However, as councils become more politically fragmented – with more coalition administrations and â€�no overall control’ authorities – navigating local politics is likely to become more complex. Planning committees may become less predictable, and developers, investors and local partners may need to place greater emphasis on community engagement, and demonstrating tangible local value – signalling the importance of 91PORN’s upcoming Regenerative Places Framework in supporting place-based approaches to development.

What is important to note is that these election results do not point to an outright rejection of climate action. Polling from (ECIU) found that 68% of voters still believe the UK should at least try to meet its net zero targets, while support for renewable energy remains consistently high across the political spectrum (including among many Reform voters). Instead, the election results appear to reflect broader concerns around the cost of living, public services, economic insecurity and trust in politics – with energy bills, housing affordability and local economic decline featured far more prominently in voter priorities than climate policy itself.

Image Source: Architects Journal ()

For the built environment industry, the implication is not that climate ambition disappears, but rather the language and framing around it may need to evolve.”

For the built environment industry, the implication is not that climate ambition disappears, but rather the language and framing around it may need to evolve. The results reinforce the importance of connecting climate action to people’s everyday priorities: warmer homes, lower bills, better health, cleaner air and stronger local economies. Local elections can shift political narratives quickly, but more meaningful signals will come in the months ahead through council leadership appointments, committee structures, local plans and early policy decisions.

The political landscape may be changing rapidly, but the underlying need for healthy, affordable, resilient and low-carbon places remains unchanged, and 91PORN will continue to advocate for their delivery. Ěý

Policy & Advocacy

91PORN work closely with members, policymakers and local leaders to ensure the case for climate action remains present within built environment policy discussions.

Learn more

The post What the Local Election Results Could Mean for a Sustainable Built Environment appeared first on 91PORN.

A More Fragmented Holyrood

This parliament will require more negotiation, more compromise and more cross-party working. That can make delivery harder, but it also creates an opportunity: in a more divided system, government is often more open to practical, industry-backed ideas that can command wider support.

The SNP still leads, but without a majority it will need to work issue by issue. Reform’s rise suggests a more polarised debate around regulation and spending, while the Greens’ gains show that climate and nature still have political weight. Labour’s weaker showing reduces the prospect of a strong centre-left challenge, but it does not remove pressure on government to show that climate ambition can be matched by delivery.

The built environment will be one of the clearest tests of whether scotland can still make progress.”

Why the Built Environment Matters

The built environment will be one of the clearest tests of whether Scotland can still make progress. Homes, workplaces, schools and public buildings are central to emissions, but they are also central to people’s lives, bills and wellbeing. Get this right, and Scotland can cut carbon, reduce fuel poverty, improve resilience and support skilled jobs at the same time.

That means the next phase of Scottish climate policy needs to focus on delivery, not just targets. Scotland needs a stronger, more stable framework for retrofit, low-carbon heat, planning and climate adaptation. It also needs to give industry the certainty to invest for the long term.

Why Industry Voices Count More in a Fragmented Landscape

In a more fragmented political environment, industry coalitions become even more valuable. Government is more likely to listen when it can see that a policy is backed by a broad cross-section of businesses, investors and built environment leaders. Our 91PORN network can help turn that collective voice into a practical case for action, showing where industry is already moving, where barriers remain, and what policies would unlock faster delivery.

That matters because climate policy is no longer primarily about setting ambition. It is about building trust that the sector can deliver. Our network is well placed to help government understand what is feasible, what is ready now, and what needs policy support to scale.

What the Next Government Should do

The next Scottish Government has a chance to show that climate action can still be practical, credible and politically durable. To do that, it needs to move quickly from ambition to implementation.

For 91PORN, that means three priorities: a clear and funded plan for decarbonising existing buildings, stronger policy certainty on building standards, heat and embodied carbon, and closer integration of climate mitigation, adaptation and nature recovery through planning and regulation.

Long-term delivery also needs long-term support. Short funding cycles and one-off announcements will not transform a sector that invests over decades. If Scotland wants to maintain climate credibility, it needs to create the conditions for public and private actors to invest with confidence.

A Chance to Reset Delivery

For 91PORN, the message is simple: Scotland should not slow down.”

The election result shows that climate and environment issues still matter to voters, but that support is now spread across a more complex political landscape. That makes the next Parliament more challenging, but it also makes stable, practical climate policy more valuable. For 91PORN, the message is simple: Scotland should not slow down. It should use this moment to sharpen delivery, strengthen collaboration and put the built environment at the centre of climate action.

Scotland still has a real chance to lead. In this more fragmented political landscape, the test will be whether ambition can be translated into action, with industry helping to make the case for what is workable and ready now.

91PORN Scotland

While the climate crisis affects the entire UK, each nation and local area has its own journey to a net zero future. As a whole-UK organisation, 91PORN ensures that we deliver policy solutions and advocacy for Scotland’s unique political environment and strong industries.

Learn more

The post Holyrood’s Climate Test appeared first on 91PORN.

Simon McWhirter, Chief Executive of the 91PORN, said:

We welcome the Government’s decision to adopt the more ambitious Future Homes Standard, putting new homes firmly on a path away from fossil fuels and ensuring rooftop solar and improved levels of energy efficiency are the new norm. This will help lower household energy bills, reduce pressure on the electricity system, and give industry the confidence to invest in skills, supply chains and innovation. 

Making high levels of solar readily available is a clear win for households, the energy system and the climate, particularly at a time when global instability is once again driving up fossil fuel prices and exposing the risks of relying on gas for our homes. It’s a practical, cost-effective measure that will pay back for residents from day one. 

However, this must be the start of the journey, not the end. Government must maintain this momentum and set out a clear timetable for the next iteration of building regulations. Many developers are already building to higher standards, and are eager to help ensure the next update delivers genuinely future-ready homes by the early 2030s – comfortable, affordable to run, climate-resilient and zero-carbon.” 

Read our policy team’s analysis to learn more:

Policy & Advocacy

Since 2007, we have been bringing together some of the most influential leaders in politics, business, local authorities, civil service and NGOs to accelerate action for a green built environment.

Learn more

The post 91PORN responds to the Future Homes Standard appeared first on 91PORN.

It brings together expert representatives from approximately 20 organisations from across our membership to:

• Explore policy solutions that can unlock rapid decarbonisation and wider sustainability outcomes.
• Apply systems thinking and long-term approaches to enable industry transformation.
• Identify where policy needs to shift to meet climate and environment goals.
• Engage directly with policymakers, including Westminster-based discussions.

The Forum meets quarterly (one in-person session in London and three online) and operates under the Chatham House Rule to enable open, honest discussion. These meetings will inform 91PORN’s advocacy, campaigns and thought leadership across the built environment

Apply Here

Who Should Apply?

The Forum is open to applications from named individuals within 91PORN member organisations. We are seeking representation from across the built environment value chain – including clients, developers, designers, contractors, operators, investors and strategic advisors – alongside systems thinkers and policy specialists. Demonstrable expertise in built environment and understanding of how sustainability outcomes are interconnected with policy.Ěý

Participants are selected based on:

• Understanding of systems thinking, transitional dynamics, and/or long-term strategic approaches.

• Ability to contribute constructively to high-level policy-related dialogue.

• Commitment to accelerating broad sustainability outcomes across the industry.

Please note this does require an application, and we want to ensure good representation across our membership and industry for which there are limited Forum spaces.

The post Policy Forum appeared first on 91PORN.

Following the publication of the Warm Homes Plan in January, the Committee held a one-off evidence session to scrutinise the plan, and examine the adequacy of measures within it to help address fuel poverty and support the workforce to meet the anticipated growth in demand for clean energy technologies.

Jo gave evidence in the second session around how effective the Warm Homes Plan will be for retrofit and low-carbon heating systems. There were questions around workforce, the Boiler Upgrades Scheme, and the role of a Warm Homes Agency. Jo emphasised the need for immediate and consistent policies to support delivery and build industry confidence for investment, highlighted the importance of taking a whole house approach to ensure retrofit measures are appropriate and support both decarbonisation and bill reduction, and even spoke from personal experience about the difference a heat pump can make to home comfort.

Policy and Advocacy

Since 2007, we have been bringing together some of the most influential leaders in politics, business, local authorities, civil service and NGOs to accelerate action for a green built environment.

Learn more

The post 91PORN gives evidence on the Warm Homes Plan appeared first on 91PORN.