The case for a paradigm shift in providing and managing UK public sector assets based on integrating sustainability principles

Background and aim - The built environment’s contribution to climate change is well understood across the built environment professions. Whilst numerous technical solutions exist to reduce the impact of existing and new buildings on greenhouse gas emissions (mitigation) and manage the impact of climate change on society (adaptation), the uptake of solutions across existing portfolios is slow and fragmented. Why do we as managers of the built environment continue to pursue asset management activities that only partially address sustainability policy objectives? This paper explores the relationship between built asset management in the UK public sector, delivering net zero outcomes and investment planning activities, to suggest an alternative conceptual construct for delivering a sustainable public estate.

Methods / Methodology - The paper presents a literature review covering existing theory, UK policy and professional practice as well as drawing from the lead author’s involvement in developing the 3rd edition of the RICS public sector asset management guidance.

Results - The paper identifies a gap in knowledge associated with capital investment planning and translating policy objectives into sustainable asset management outcomes. The paper points to the need for a paradigm shift within public sector asset management, and specifically the approach to capital investment planning, to improve the long-term sustainability of the public estate.