The 'Public Building Energy Efficiency' report, conducted by network service providers Neos Networks, examined the actual energy usage and efficiency of over 450,000 public buildings in England and Wales. It analysed their display energy certificates (DECs) and ‘operational ratings’ (annual CO₂ emission kg per m²), and highlighted the areas requiring immediate action and major investment in retrofitting public building stock.

The report projects that nine out of ten (91 per cent) public buildings will need upgrading in the next seven years if they are to meet stated net-zero targets.

CO₂ emissions from public buildings need to be reduced five times faster than they’re currently falling to meet the target of ‘75 per cent reduction in CO₂ emissions by 2037’. The report's analysis of public building energy usage finds that the UK government risks missing its 75 per cent CO₂ emission reduction target by 101 years.

On average across England and...