Why COP30 Matters
COP30, the 30th Conference of the Parties under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, brings global leaders together to review progress and set new targets for tackling climate change. This year, the summit will be hosted in Brazil from 10th to 21st November, continuing the mission to keep the global temperature rise below 1.5°C, a goal set over a decade ago.

These discussions are not abstract. They shape the frameworks and standards that influence every sector, including design and construction. For our industry, COP30 is a reminder that sustainability is not optional – it’s fundamental.

Speaking with our expert, Associate (Building Services) Energy & Sustainability, Karen Settle, we want to highlight the efforts needed by those within the industry to ensure a sustainably built future, highlight our dedication to investing in our people and how we work to support our clients’ needs for the future.

Beyond Greenwash: Real Action in the Built Environment
As net zero becomes a central goal, organisations must communicate their progress openly and avoid ambiguity, ensuring commitments are transparent and credible.

At Concertus, we reject superficial sustainability. Instead, we champion:

• Fabric-first design: Prioritising building performance from the outset.
• Energy efficiency across all phases: From design to operation.
• Adaptation and reuse: Extending the life of buildings beyond their original purpose.

With 39% of global carbon emissions coming from buildings and 80% of the buildings that will exist in 2050 already standing, the solution cannot rely on new builds alone. Retrofit is key.

The Reality of Targets
Since the introduction of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) at COP26 in Glasgow, the question remains: how effectively have these been implemented? Many countries have backtracked on their commitments, particularly regarding Scope 1 and 2 emissions (those that we can directly control). Scope 3, supply chain emissions, remain a major challenge.

Locally, we work closely with Suffolk County Council, which aspires to achieve net zero by 2030. This ambition underscores the need for practical strategies, such as the UK Net Zero Carbon Building Standard (UKNZCBS) and retrofit solutions.

Our Role as Designers
Designers must go beyond handover. We have a responsibility to guide clients on operational sustainability, ensuring buildings perform as intended. This includes:

• Advising on Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) – by 2028, portfolios will need EPC ratings of B.
• Supporting biodiversity net gain and decarbonisation strategies.
• Leveraging government funding streams such as Salix Phase 4 for schools and corporate projects.

Concertus in Action
Our commitment is evident in exemplary projects like Lakenheath Primary School, where the enthusiasm of stakeholders has driven sustainable outcomes. From the initial brief to execution, we continue to showcase the technologies implemented, not only to the staff but also to the children at the school, who represent the next generation of potential experts. By shifting mindsets and creating future career prospects, we encourage children to adopt a new way of thinking that supports our environment. By guiding the building’s operation, we ensure that we support their journey. This project will set a new benchmark for quality, sustainability, and efficiency, achieving outstanding energy performance, meeting stringent sustainability targets, and delivering long-term value for the client.

Our partnership with the University of Suffolk aligns with every one of our values. With its vast portfolio across Suffolk, many of the projects under this agreement prioritise repurposing and refurbishing existing spaces rather than creating new builds, aligning with sustainability goals and reducing carbon impact.

Working across five major projects, including three corporate and two school projects for Suffolk County Council, we’re delivering measurable carbon reductions by utilising the latest Salix Phase 4 funding.

Investing in our people is key. Through in-house EPC training and cross-disciplinary mentoring within Concertus, we ensure that sustainability expertise permeates every level of our organisation.

Concertus played a key role in Vertas Group winning the prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development in 2025, thanks to its exceptional commitment to embedding sustainability across all operations and services.

Looking Ahead
COP30 is not just a global event; it’s a call to action for our industry. At Concertus, we will continue to share insights and guidance as the summit progresses. Together, we can move beyond rhetoric and deliver real change.

Explore our Net Zero in Design and Carbon Consultancy brochures here and join us in shaping a built environment that meets tomorrow’s challenges.