British Land sets new science-based net zero targets to 2050
British Land has unveiled a new set of science-based decarbonisation targets extending to 2050, reinforcing its commitment to achieving net zero and accelerating emissions reductions across its property portfolio, developments and supply chain.
The new targets have been approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and are aligned with a 1.5°C climate pathway, providing the UK property developer and landlord with a verified roadmap for reducing emissions over the next 25 years.
Under the updated commitments, British Land aims to reduce operational carbon intensity by 78% by 2035 and by 97% by 2040. The company has also pledged to cut absolute corporate emissions, including upfront embodied carbon from developments, refurbishments and its supply chain, by 46% by 2035 and by 90% by 2050.
The new goals replace British Land’s previous SBTi-approved 2030 targets and are measured against a 2024 financial year baseline.
The company said the updated targets build on significant progress already made in reducing emissions across its business. Since the 2019 financial year, British Land has reduced operational carbon intensity across its managed portfolio by 47% while lowering whole-building energy intensity by 24%.
British Land said the revised targets reflect the increasing urgency of tackling climate change as extreme weather events, including recent record-breaking heatwaves across Europe, continue to demonstrate the physical and financial risks facing the real estate sector. The company believes improving the energy efficiency and resilience of its buildings will be essential in supporting the transition to a low-carbon economy.
Matthew Webster, Head of Sustainability at British Land, said the SBTi-approved targets raise the company’s ambition beyond 2030 while providing a robust framework for achieving deep emissions reductions across both its property portfolio and wider value chain.
He said British Land has already made significant progress towards its existing climate commitments but stressed that decarbonising the real estate sector requires collaboration between property owners, occupiers, developers, suppliers and policymakers. Webster added that the new targets provide a credible roadmap for reducing emissions across the industry while reinforcing the company’s commitment to supporting the transition to a climate-resilient, low-carbon future.
The targets are aligned with the latest SBTi Buildings Criteria Version 1.1 and the SBTi Corporate Net-Zero Standard Version 2.0, ensuring they are independently verified and based on the latest climate science.
British Land also confirmed it will publish an updated transition plan in autumn 2026 outlining how it intends to achieve its long-term emissions reduction targets.
The announcement places British Land among a growing number of major real estate companies strengthening their climate commitments as investors, occupiers and regulators increasingly demand measurable progress on decarbonisation and sustainable property development.
