Net zero buildings and NABERS – BIP.Verco’s Robert Cohen joins panel at BCO Annual Conference 2026
Sustainable building accreditations evolve fast, and it pays to understand the new kids on the block. That’s why we’re delighted that Dr Robert Cohen, Technical Director at BIP.Verco, will join a workshop at the British Council for Offices (BCO) Annual Conference 2026.
Having played a significant role in the development of both the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard and NABERS UK, he’ll share insights on two of the most significant ways to drive the built environment towards a net-zero future.
Workshop details
Date: Thursday 18th June
Times: 09:15 – 10:30 or 11:15 – 12:30
Topic: The opportunity across UKNZCBS and NABERS
As new approaches to workplace enhancement and carbon reduction are developed, landlords, investors, developers, asset managers and occupiers need to know what to expect. They need to know what these new approaches mean for developments, retrofit prioritisation, leasing competitiveness, and credible net zero claims.
In this workshop, Robert joins expert speakers from Landsec, Mott MacDonald, WSP, Troup, Bywaters & Anders and CIBSE to explore two major influences on how office space is specified, procured, operated and valued:
- The UK Net Zero Carbon Building Standard (UKNZCBS), which aligns the design, construction and use of buildings with the UK’s legally binding carbon budgets, treating embodied and operational carbon as inseparable components.
- NABERS UK, which offers Design for Performance (to drive energy efficiency in new office buildings and retrofits), and Energy for Offices ratings to measure how energy efficient new and existing buildings are in operation.
The panel will discuss the very latest status of both schemes, their impact on the specification and procurement of office space, and the challenges and opportunities they provide for the workplace and office sector.
Why attend the BCO Annual Conference in Edinburgh?
This two-day event brings together leaders from the office sector to discuss the workspaces of tomorrow. The programme is packed with activities and workshops acknowledging trends and promoting the sharing of ideas.
You can find out more about the event here.
Meet Robert
Robert sits on working groups for the Better Buildings Partnership, BSI, LETI and CIBSE.
As part of the BCO event, Robert is taking part in the BCO Annual Cycle Challenge to raise money for Spifox. Starting in Aviemore and cycling approximately 300km over three days, tackling more than 3,000m of ascent, the riders will arrive at Edinburgh in time for the start of the conference. Spifox (Scottish Property Industry Festival of Christmas) unites Scotland’s property and construction community to raise funds that help transform the lives of disadvantaged children and young people across the country. You can find out more about the challenge here.
More on net zero buildings and NABERS
For further advice or an informal chat about the Net Zero Carbon Building Standard, NABERS UK ratings or Design for Performance, get in touch.
And if you’d like to speak with Robert or others about the topics discussed in this article, please don’t hesitate to reach out.