ATRION

Is #ESG finance slipping? With Trump back, the U.S. is rolling back climate commitments. Some UK companies seem to be doing the same… A big energy firm is putting more money into oil & gas and scaling back renewables. One of the UK’s largest pension funds just pulled £28bn from an asset manager over ESG concerns. & a well known brands are dropping their sustainability certification, calling it “greenwashing.” The FCA is warning against a “race to the bottom,” but UK banks aren’t budging…. At least not yet. Some still see green finance as a big opportunity. The next few years might be a challenge, but I don’t think ESG is going anywhere. Long term, sustainability wins. #ESG #SustainableFinance #GreenInvestment #ClimateFinance #UKBanking #Finance #Sustainability #NetZero #FCA #Greenwashing #Investment #FutureofFinance #ClimateCommitments #FinancialRegulation

The UK’s “Big Six” (Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, and Manchester). Tech, science, and professional firms are pushing demand, with added interest from international investors and a big focus on sustainable buildings. These cities offer plenty of talent, solid local economies, and a good work/life balance. Investors have taken notice. They see strong demand and promising returns. Yet there’s a shortage of top rated (EPC A or B) buildings, which make up just 20% of available space but accounted for 60% of all leasing last year. At Artus Air, we’re excited about what’s ahead. We want to help create high quality, sustainable spaces that adapt to changing business needs. Our aim is to play a big role in how buildings are heated and cooled in these thriving regions, so they stay efficient and ready for the future. #Artus #BigSix #RealEstate #Investment #Sustainability #RegionalGrowth #UKProperty

As most of us know, from 2027 commercial buildings in England & Wales must meet an EPC ‘C’ rating to remain lettable. By 2030, this tightens further to EPC ‘B’ or better, a significant shift that will impact asset values, leasing strategies, and investment decisions. What This Means for Developers & Investors? Stranded Assets Risk - Properties with outdated HVAC systems or high energy use could become unlettable without costly upgrades and even non compliance fines. Reduced Marketability - Tenants prioritising ESG goals will seek high efficiency buildings. Low EPC ratings will affect rental returns & exit values. HVAC as a Compliance Factor - VRF systems using high GWP refrigerants may struggle to meet future MEES targets. Whereas chilled water systems will offer a lower risk, longer term alternative. Now’s the time for developers and investors to get ahead of MEES... Stricter EPC targets mean inefficient buildings will be harder to lease and lose value. Low carbon systems like Artus help can future proof assets and keep tenants interested. #MEES #EPC2030 #CommercialRealEstate #Sustainability #FutureProofing #HVAC #Artus

London has always been seen as the leader in sustainable design, but that is changing. Cities like Manchester, Leeds, and Newcastle are stepping up. They are not just catching up, in some cases they are taking the lead. These cities are proving that big budgets are not the only way to make an impact. Smart thinking, teamwork, and innovation matter more. Budget is still a challenge. Behind every building are investors looking for a return. Sustainable systems cost more upfront, and cutting costs often takes priority. London has better funding and more incentives to make sustainable design work. Other cities need similar support to stay competitive. Practical incentives, like expanding grants or enhanced tax relief for energy-efficient systems, could help. London’s success with BREEAM linked incentives shows how these schemes drive greener projects. It is not just about cutting emissions; it is about future proofing buildings and attracting tenants who value ESG. And what I mean by that is London sees stronger investor pressure for ESG compliance due to its prominence as a global financial hub. Large scale developments often have international investors who prioritise ESG to meet global standards. The north is already proving it can rise to the challenge. These cities are leading by example and showing the rest of the UK what is possible. With the right support, they can achieve even more. I’m excited to continue working with northern consultants to drive this movement forward and help unlock the region’s full potential in sustainable design. #Sustainability #HVAC #BuildingDesign #LowCarbon #GreenBuilding #FutureOfConstruction #NetZero

Most developments are driven by one thing… profit Investors want a return, and when budgets are tight, sustainability is often the first thing to go. Why? Because the greener option is usually more expensive upfront. But here’s the problem. The built environment is responsible for 40% of global carbon emissions. Every time sustainable solutions are cut to save money, we’re locking in higher emissions and bigger problems for the future. This has to change. Stronger legislation is the answer. We need rules that stop developers from sidelining sustainability just because it costs more in the short term. It is about thinking long term, cutting carbon, improving energy efficiency, and protecting future generations. The UK’s Net Zero Standard is a good starting point. It pushes developers to take responsibility and consider the bigger picture. But it is not enough on its own. We need laws that make sustainable design non-negotiable. If we leave it to market forces, change will come too slowly. It is time to stop treating sustainability as an optional extra. It is time to make it mandatory. #BuildBetter #NetZero #UKNetZeroStandard #Sustainability #FutureOfConstruction

1 Undershaft is set to become a giant in London’s skyline, towering at 304m. But here’s the question...... Can a building this big lead the way in sustainability? Eric Parry’s design promises more than just height. It’s about innovation. The skyscraper will feature energy efficient systems and aim to minimise embodied carbon during construction. Public spaces like the viewing gallery and square will make it more than just another office block, it’ll be a place for everyone. But will we see real innovation used? I’m hoping to see all the sustainable, cutting edge products going into this building to help reduce carbon, materials, systems, and design features that truly push boundaries. And let’s hope budgets don’t see sustainability get value engineered out. This isn’t just about another tall building. It’s about reshaping what a sustainable future looks like in the heart of London. If done right, 1 Undershaft could set the standard for green skyscrapers, proving that size doesn’t have to come at the expense of sustainability. #SustainableSkyscraper #1Undershaft #NetZeroLondon #GreenArchitecture #EricParry #CityOfLondon

Should UK Companies Work in the UAE? The UAE offers huge opportunities. Massive projects. High profile clients. Serious money. The construction industry there has a reputation for problems. Worker exploitation. Dangerous conditions. Corruption. While improvements are being made, they’re not consistent. So, should UK firms refuse to get involved? Walking away might seem like the right thing to do. But would it actually help? Probably not. Avoiding the issue won’t change it. What if, instead, UK companies used their influence to drive change? There are stories of contractors forced to pay bribes just to get their invoices approved. “Facilitation payments” are sometimes expected to speed up permits or clear equipment through customs. In some cases, tenders are awarded based on personal relationships, not merit, meaning fair competition is undermined. And who pays for this? Workers. They might face long delays in wages or unsafe conditions because funds are diverted elsewhere. Corruption doesn’t just hurt businesses, it affects lives. What can UK companies do? UK firms are known for high standards. They can demand fair practices in their contracts. No bribes. No shady deals. They can ensure suppliers and subcontractors treat workers well paying on time and sticking to safety rules. This is about setting an example. Refusing to accept poor practices. Showing the UAE that ethical construction isn’t just possible, it’s better for everyone. The UAE doesn’t just need buildings. It needs trust, fairness, and accountability. UK companies can help build that. But it requires courage. It’s easier to walk away. It’s harder to stay and push for change. #EthicsInConstruction #FairWork #AntiCorruption #BuildingChange #UKToUAE

Should UK Companies Work in the UAE? The UAE offers huge opportunities. Massive projects. High profile clients. Serious money. The construction industry there has a reputation for problems. Worker exploitation. Dangerous conditions. Corruption. While improvements are being made, they’re not consistent. So, should UK firms refuse to get involved? Walking away might seem like the right thing to do. But would it actually help? Probably not. Avoiding the issue won’t change it. What if, instead, UK companies used their influence to drive change? There are stories of contractors forced to pay bribes just to get their invoices approved. “Facilitation payments” are sometimes expected to speed up permits or clear equipment through customs. In some cases, tenders are awarded based on personal relationships, not merit, meaning fair competition is undermined. And who pays for this? Workers. They might face long delays in wages or unsafe conditions because funds are diverted elsewhere. Corruption doesn’t just hurt businesses, it affects lives. What can UK companies do? UK firms are known for high standards. They can demand fair practices in their contracts. No bribes. No shady deals. They can ensure suppliers and subcontractors treat workers well paying on time and sticking to safety rules. This is about setting an example. Refusing to accept poor practices. Showing the UAE that ethical construction isn’t just possible, it’s better for everyone. The UAE doesn’t just need buildings. It needs trust, fairness, and accountability. UK companies can help build that. But it requires courage. It’s easier to walk away. It’s harder to stay and push for change. #EthicsInConstruction #FairWork #AntiCorruption #BuildingChange #UKToUAE

Instead of treating materials as disposable at the end of a building’s lifecycle, leasing could open the door to a genuine circular economy. By keeping ownership with manufacturers, materials and equipment are maintained, refurbished, and reused, reducing waste and prolonging their useful life. For example, HVAC systems could be leased with ongoing service agreements, ensuring they remain efficient and are responsibly recycled or upgraded when needed. The benefits extend well beyond reducing embodied carbon….though that’s a major advantage. Leasing shifts the focus from consumption to stewardship, cutting waste and minimising the need for energy intensive production of new components. It’s a smarter, more sustainable way to build. There’s also a shift in accountability. With manufacturers retaining ownership, they become invested in the long term quality and performance of their products, driving innovation and creating better, more durable solutions. So, is this the future of construction? Moving away from traditional ownership might just be the key to cutting emissions, improving efficiency, and fostering a more sustainable industry. What do you think, are we ready to rethink ownership in the built environment? #Sustainability #CircularEconomy #EmbodiedCarbon #HVAC #ConstructionInnovation

As we race towards a net zero future, the push for all electric buildings is gaining momentum. Heat pumps, EV chargers, and electric HVAC systems are the way forward, but here’s the big question: can the grid keep up? The reality is our current grid is already under strain. Add the rapid electrification of buildings and renewable energy intermittency, and the challenges are clear. But this isn’t a reason to stop… it’s a reason to innovate. With smarter demand response systems, energy storage, and better grid infrastructure, we can make this work. Smart buildings can be the grid’s greatest ally, optimising energy use and balancing loads during peak demand. The solutions are there, we just need to act boldly and collaboratively. 2030 is fast approaching. The question isn’t whether we can make this happen, but how fast we’re willing to adapt to ensure we do. What do you think? Is the grid ready for the challenge? #Sustainability #NetZero #AllElectricBuildings #GridDecarbonisation #Innovation