From ambition to action: strategies and solutions for delivering net-zero buildings

I was proud to contribute to an insightful discussion at UKREiiF, which brought together both public and private sector perspectives.

My central message was that while definitions of "net zero" are still evolving, we can’t let semantics stall climate action. The term may be imperfect, but it’s a useful guiding principle. What matters is embedding climate-positive designs from day one - not as a bolt-on or something to be value-engineered out.

Others echoed this. Lorna Taverner, our Head of Passivhaus Service, highlighted persistent confusion around operational and embodied carbon and the need for clear, contractual targets. This reinforced the broader call for a shared definition of net zero – one that can be verified, not just claimed.

David Partridge, Chair of the UK Net-Zero Carbon Building Standard Governance Board, stressed the importance of a unified definition, so that everyone is comparing "apples with apples". He argued that net zero must be treated with the same rigour as health and safety, or structural integrity – a non-negotiable from the outset.

That rigour needs to extend to wider audiences. If people aren’t experts, we need to communicate outcomes they understand – comfort, health, affordability – not abstract carbon metrics. Whether it’s Passivhaus or net zero, these are tools to deliver better places to live, work and thrive.

From the public sector, Pam Scott (Huntingdonshire District Council), and Cllr Ian Courts (Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council) emphasised the need for visible, local impact – warm homes, lower bills, healthier living. Cllr Ian urged bold private sector leadership, particularly around retrofit, while Pam shared practical examples like fleet biofuel and leisure centre upgrades, showing how small, targeted actions can drive long-term change.

A key theme was data. I championed energy monitoring beyond handover. Through our Energy Synergy® process, we track building performance for three years post-occupancy – often exceeding predictions.

But action must be strategic. A heat pump on an uninsulated building won’t deliver results – just as net zero can’t be an afterthought. It needs to be planned from day one, using data and tailored to context. One-size-fits-all doesn’t work.

We also discussed responsibility. I personally cautioned against for regulation to act, but David made a strong case for mandatory standards to ensure fairness and consistency. We agreed leadership is essential – and so is shifting the conversation from carbon to comfort, health, and value.

Cost matters too – but it’s not just about upfront spend. We must move from a capex. versus opex. Mindset to a whole life view. Delivering net zero now may cost more initially, but it often costs less to operate – and retrofitting later will usually cost more overall. That’s why aligning investment with long-term performance is key.

The market is catching up. Investors and occupiers increasingly demand real, measurable sustainability – not box-ticking, but for asset value, resilience, and occupant wellbeing.

Ultimately, we agreed: it’s time to move from talking to doing. Whether it’s reshaping procurement, aligning . thinking, or upskilling supply chains, the next steps must be rooted in data, measurable outcomes, and a shared commitment to creating resilient, comfortable, and sustainable places.

Want to learn more?

If you’re looking to understand how these insights could apply to your organisation or simply want to explore the topic further, get in touch with Francesca Wilkinson or Lorna Taverner. They’d be pleased to talk through your challenges and how we might help.

Prefer to listen to audio?

You can listen to the full discussion on our Building Knowledge Podcast on:

• Spotify
• Apple Podcast
• Amazon Music

Or stream the episode below...

Find out more about Willmott Dixon at UKREiiF 2025 and further event insights here.