Decarbonising real estate is essential to achieving the Paris Agreement goals. The built environment accounts for a significant share of global emissions, so the sector must play a leading role in reducing carbon.

Yet for investors, the path to decarbonisation is often unclear. Different standards and benchmarks across regions, inconsistent terminology and a lack of focus on embodied carbon make it difficult to compare assets and prioritise interventions.

Our Spectrum is designed to help navigate some of this complexity. The framework categorises assets into four levels of carbon performance, based on actual performance vs Science‑Based Targets, and provides practical steps to accelerate progress. It covers both operational and embodied carbon, ensuring a holistic approach to decarbonisation.

The ultimate aim is True Zero Buildings: assets that achieve zero emissions across the full lifecycle, without offsets. This feels ambitious today. But we believe it is achievable through greater innovation and collaboration.

Developed with insights from our investor community and industry experts, the Spectrum is intended as a starting point for change. By sharing it, we hope to encourage more dialogue, more partnerships and more action across the market.

You can read our paper on the Spectrum below – after this short explainer video featuring Bridges’ Michele Giddens, Maggie Loo and Henry Pepper.

Located on Maskew Avenue, the scheme comprises three drive throughs, a self-storage unit, nine trade counter and nine industrial and warehouse units ranging from 2,800 sq ft to 34,500 sq ft. The partnership has also announced that the entire development is now available for sale.

Leading specialist kitchen supplier Howdens Joinery has taken two trade counter units at the development.

Teka Flooring, a specialist in carpet and laminate flooring, and online tile outlet The Porcelain Store have also become new occupiers, both taking warehouse units at the scheme.

Following the latest lettings, there are four leasehold units remaining at Bourges View, comprising two trade counter and two industrial units ranging from 2,100 sq ft to 5,350 sq ft.

All properties include electric vehicle charging points and are constructed from high-performance building materials to reduce CO2 emissions, with some units also featuring solar panels.

Current occupiers at Bourges Views include trade merchants Toolstation, Wurth, Brewers, Careco and self-storage provider Shurguard. Online skincare retailer Skin Cupid and Tile Mountain Group are also based at the development.

Drive through occupiers at the scheme include Costa Coffee, fast food chain Burger King and US burger giant Wendy’s.

Chancerygate senior development director, George Dickens, commented: “We are pleased to welcome Howdens, Teka Flooring and The Porcelain Store to Bourges View, bringing the scheme to almost 90 per cent occupancy with strong interest in the remaining units as we look to sell the development.”

“The site’s strategic position to infrastructure combined with a Grade A specification is a strong testament to its success in attracting a range of occupiers. This makes it an attractive investment opportunity for any purchasers looking to add a prime urban logistics and trade counter development to their portfolio.”

The proposed 200,000 sq. ft. scheme will provide a range of high-quality units designed to meet the growing demand for modern logistics space in the South-East.

The site already benefits from outline planning consent, with a detailed planning application to be submitted later this month. Following consent, construction is scheduled to commence in Q1 2026, with completion and occupation expected later in the year.

Thanks to smart design and the use of on-site renewables, the scheme is expected to be one of the most sustainable industrial developments in the UK, targeting EPC A+ and Net Zero Carbon in Operation.

The Paddock Wood scheme will build on the combined team’s proven track record in Kent, which includes Wrenbridge and Bridges’ recent development and sale of Click Aylesford, a 300,000 sq. ft. industrial site. It will deliver much needed sustainable and flexible space for occupiers, helping to support economic growth and job creation in the region.

Stephen Gallagher, Chief Investment Officer at Gallagher Properties, commented:
“Gallagher Properties are delighted to partner with Wrenbridge and Bridges. This collaboration is built on trust and individual expertise, but with an aligned and energetic purpose. We are looking forward to delivering this exemplary scheme as ‘one team’ and welcoming many businesses to thrive and grow at the completed development.”

Jamie Garrett, Director at Wrenbridge, commented:
“We are thrilled to team up with Gallagher, alongside Bridges, to bring this site forward and continue our development experience in Kent. There is a real need for grade A product in the region, which we are excited to bring forward in this exciting JV.”

Henry Pepper, Partner at Bridges, commented:
“We’re excited to bring forward this scheme, which will provide high-quality, energy- efficient employment space for the local area. As we’ve seen already in Kent, units like these are increasingly sought-after by occupiers, because it enables to them to reduce occupational costs while also minimising their carbon footprint.”

More details on the scheme will be shared in due course.

Leasing agents; CBRE, DTRE and Watson Day

The portfolio comprises the forward acquisitions of Torque in Erdington, Birmingham and T45 in Leeds, along with the acquisition of Holbrook Park in Coventry.

The transaction forms part of Indurent’s strategy to expand its footprint in key urban logistics locations across the UK, targeting high-quality, sustainable assets with strong occupier demand.

Holbrook Park is a 255,000 sq ft development comprising 31 units ranging from 2,150 sq ft to 24,700 sq ft. The scheme, which has a 67 per cent occupancy level with major occupiers including Magdalene, Evri, Clifton Bathrooms and Kelvatek, benefits from strong ESG credentials and provides modern sustainable features.

Located on the A63 East Leeds link road within the Cross Green industrial area, T45, once complete, will comprise 23 units across 223,000 sq ft of accommodation, with units ranging from 4,450 sq ft to 32,900 sq ft. The scheme is due to reach practical completion in Q1 2026.

Torque is a 271,000 sq ft development which will comprise 22 units ranging from 4,500 sq ft to 33,000 sq ft. Located in Erdington, on the outskirts of Birmingham city centre, works at the development commenced in August 2025 and is expected to complete in Q4 2026.

T45 and Torque are targeting a BREEAM Excellent rating alongside EPC A and A+ ratings respectively.

James Cooper, Head of Investment Transactions at Indurent, commented: “This acquisition reflects our continued focus on securing high-quality, well-connected assets that support our customers’ growth. The sector’s long-term fundamentals remain strong, and we’re committed to expanding our portfolio through strategic acquisitions and development, supporting regional investment, job creation, and long-term economic growth.”

Commenting on the sale, Chancerygate senior development and transaction director, Matthew Connor, said: “This deal is an endorsement of our expertise in developing Grade A urban logistics accommodation in strategic areas with high occupier demand.

“Our products sustainability credentials, flexible sizing and proximity to key infrastructure and transport hubs continue to prove attractive to both investors and occupiers, evidenced by both this transaction and the occupational success at Holbrook.”

Henry Pepper, Partner, Property at Bridges, said “This portfolio sale reflects the growing demand for high-quality sustainable logistics space from occupiers looking to reduce costs and improve their environmental performance – which makes these extremely attractive assets for investors seeking future-proofed, long-term returns. We are delighted to complete this latest sale from the portfolio of assets we have developed with Chancerygate, which continues the strong run of exits that Bridges has been able to achieve this year.”

Bridges and Chancerygate have been working in partnership on projects for more than a decade. They are currently delivering four sustainable urban logistics developments throughout the UK and Ireland in Adlington, Cheshire, and Dublin, alongside T45 and Torque.

DTRE advised on the transaction.

Harlequin Business Park is a 90,000 sq ft sustainable urban logistics development, comprising nine leasehold Grade A units ranging from 5,100 sq ft to 39,700 sq ft. The scheme achieved practical completion in early August this year. All values relating to the transaction are undisclosed.

Situated on Southall Lane, in an established industrial location near the Beaver Industrial Estate, International Trading Estate and Western International Market, the scheme benefits from excellent road connectivity with junction three of the M4 motorway less than one mile away and four miles from the A40.

The development features electric vehicle charging points with the ability to add more based on future requirements. In addition, all properties feature air-source heat pumps and solar panels on their roofs which provide affordable green energy to run the buildings.

The units are also constructed from high-performance insulative materials with controlled air tightness which reduces CO2 emissions and increases energy efficiency. These features have enabled the scheme to achieve an EPC A+ and BREEAM Excellent rating and will support it being a net zero carbon for regulated energy scheme.

Chancerygate development director, Tom Faulkner, said: “Harlequin Business Park will meet the growing demand from occupiers in the West and Greater London area for flexibly sized, high specification accommodation with strong sustainability credentials.

“Its strategic positioning near established industrial locations and key infrastructure connectivity enables occupiers to serve markets easily throughout the locality and the wider South East region.

“The sale of Harlequin Business Park to Ableprop also evidences how our product’s characteristics and strategic positioning is attractive to both investors and occupiers.”

Henry Pepper, partner at Bridges, said: “The sale of Harlequin Business Park reflects the strong demand for best-in-class, sustainable industrial units that can help occupiers reduce costs and cut emissions.

“This EPC A+, BREEAM Excellent development, with its outstanding low-carbon design and environmental performance, is another great example of Bridges and Chancerygate’s ability to identify great sites and deliver best-in-class developments that are attractive to occupiers and onward investors.”

Occupiers at Click Aylesford include Nutra Direct, a wholesale and manufacturer of sports supplements and nutrition, Fixfast, a leading manufacturer and distributor of specialist building fasteners, RVT Group, a specialist hire company, and Headline Filters, a leading UK based manufacturer. Three of the six units were let during the construction phase, while the remaining three were let within six months of the development reaching practical completion last year.

Click Aylesford sets a new standard for sustainable industrial space, delivering outstanding energy performance, lower carbon emissions, and a healthier working environment for occupiers. Thanks to a combination of smart design, solar PV and air source heat pumps, the buildings are designed to be zero emissions in operation, saving 537 tonnes of CO2 per year versus industry benchmarks. This market-leading environmental impact is reflected in the BREEAM Excellent and EPC A+ ratings achieved across the scheme.

The scheme has now been sold to DWS, a leading European asset manager with EUR 1,010bn of assets under management (as of 30 June 2025).

Jamie Garrett, Director at Wrenbridge commented: “We are delighted to complete the sale to DWS. This marks the end of a great project and is really satisfying to see the scheme full with excellent end users. It also closes out another project with Bridges within our Click Joint Venture.”

Henry Pepper, Partner at Bridges commented: “Industrial occupiers are increasingly on the look-out for highly sustainable Grade A industrial units that enable them to reduce their operating costs and improve their environmental impact. The lettings success we have enjoyed at Click Aylesford demonstrates that we have delivered a best-in-class scheme that responds to this growing demand, and we’re delighted to see that reflected in this strong exit to one of the world’s leading asset managers.”

Newmark acted on behalf of Wrenbridge and Bridges.

The scheme comprises 135,000 sq.ft. of low-carbon logistics units on a six-acre brownfield site in Southampton.

Nursling 135 is rated EPC A+, BREEAM Outstanding and has zero operational carbon, with photovoltaic panels providing over 100% of the site’s energy needs, 10 electric vehicle charging points on site and rainwater harvesting technology contributing to water efficiency 50% above the BREEAM baseline.

Henry Pepper, Partner at Bridges Fund Management, said: “This EPC A+, zero operational carbon development is a great example of Bridges’ ongoing commitment to developing highly sustainable industrial buildings, which are increasingly attractive to a range of occupiers and investors looking to reduce operating costs and meet their own net zero goals.

“Our partnership with Graftongate has allowed us to regenerate this underused brownfield site and create a development that will support local employment growth.”

Alex Thomason, Director at Graftongate, added: “This deal reflects strong investor demand for well-located logistics space and demonstrates how sustainable development can deliver both environmental impact and commercial value.

“We’re proud to have delivered a high-quality building in partnership with Bridges.”

This first construction phase will deliver new flexible business units totalling more than 106,000 sq. ft. of high-specification Grade A space, with a focus on sustainability. Bridges and Opus North are speculatively developing two terraces of flexible business units from 5,540-12,188 sq. ft., as well as three detached units from 10,200-21,600 sq. ft. Access and infrastructure works for this major new mixed-use employment scheme are now complete, allowing delivery of the first units on site. The appointed contractor is Stainforth Construction, and the units are expected to complete in Autumn 2025.

The units are situated on a 45-acre site near Harrogate at J47 of the A1(M) in North Yorkshire, which in total comprises more than 600,000 sq. ft. of employment space for industrial, logistics, hi-tech and office uses, as well as amenity uses, within a landscaped environment. Planning permission was secured from Harrogate Borough Council for the low-carbon scheme, which is targeting BREEAM ‘Excellent’ and has the potential to support 2,000 jobs.

The site is close to a number of North Yorkshire towns including Knaresborough, Harrogate and York, with motorway links to access Leeds, Hull and Sheffield via the M1 and M62.

Henry Pepper, Partner, Bridges Fund Management, said:
“This well-connected development on the A1(M) corridor will support economic growth and job creation in the local area. Our plan is to develop sustainable units that will be highly attractive to a range of regional or national occupiers looking for cost-efficient, future-proofed employment space. We are delighted that construction can now begin on the units.”

Ryan Unsworth, Joint MD, Opus North said:
“Seeing construction of the units get underway at Harrogate 47 is a great way to start the year. Our innovative scheme has been designed with energy efficiency in mind to offer sustainable, high-quality property solutions for businesses.”

North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for open to business, Cllr Mark Crane, said:
“This is a very welcome investment in mixed use business accommodation in North Yorkshire. It’s in a prime location to boost employment in the county and encourage economic growth across a range of sectors. We look forward to seeing the development take shape and hearing about the businesses that will eventually occupy the site.”

Appointed agents for Harrogate 47 are CBRE and Gent Visick.

Metroplex Park comprises nine highly sustainable units and has achieved an EPC A+ and BREEAM Excellent rating thanks to a range of features. From dual electric vehicle charge points, air source heat pumps and solar panels, to high-performance insulative construction materials, these will also support it being a net zero carbon for regulated energy scheme.

Located in Red Lion Business Park, the scheme has excellent access to Kingston-upon-Thames and central London, and is 12 miles from Croydon and Heathrow.

Bridges partner, Henry Pepper, commented on the milestone: “With all our logistics developments, our goal is to deliver high-quality, highly sustainable logistics space in great locations that will be attractive to a broad range of occupiers.

“Metroplex Park is a perfect example of that. We’ve been able to develop some of the most sustainable industrial units in the UK, with smart design and on-site renewables that will make them zero carbon in operation. For potential occupiers, many of whom are thinking about their own Net Zero pathway, this means reduced carbon emissions – as well as lower operating costs.”

Bridges and Chancerygate have been working in partnership on projects across the UK for more than a decade. We have recently also received planning consent for our first logistics scheme in Ireland:

Airport Trade Park is a 119,500 sq ft, Grade A urban logistics park on a prime 5-acre site, located on the Swords Road, Santry, Co. Dublin.

The highly sustainable scheme will comprise 14 units ranging from 3,600 sq ft to 22,370 sq ft in size and will be developed speculatively. Units on the site will be available for lease, with construction due to commence in Autumn 2024. Once complete, the scheme will have a projected gross development value of around €40m.

The scheme is targeting LEED Gold accreditation: each unit will benefit from electric vehicle charging points, photovoltaic (PV) panels and air source heat pumps, and will be constructed using high-performance building materials. Roof lights, covering 15 per cent of roofed area, will assist in reducing occupational costs and related CO2 emissions.

Bridges partner, Guy Bowden, said: “We’re delighted that we can now begin construction at this excellent Dublin site. We intend to draw on our experience of working on similar projects in the UK to deliver one of the most sustainable industrial buildings in Ireland, which we believe will be attractive to a range of occupiers looking to reduce their running costs as well as their impact on the planet.”

The development will deliver 209 co-living homes alongside high-quality amenity spaces and two roof terraces, offering sweeping views across London. Through a unique partnership with Women’s Pioneer Housing (WPH), a specialist housing association, the project will also deliver 60 new high-quality affordable homes for single women, as well as a new head office for WPH.

This landmark forward funding agreement is a testament to the innovative nature of the scheme as an example of next-generation co-living. It is HUB and Bridges’ first co-living forward-fund deal, CDL’s first co-living scheme in the UK, and will be the first co-living scheme in the borough of Hammersmith and Fulham.

The strategic partnership between HUB, Bridges, and CDL aims to address the growing demand for innovative and sustainable housing solutions, particularly in urban centres. Within easy reach of Westfield, White City Place, Television Centre and Imperial College London’s campus, and with excellent transport links, the site is ideally located for co-living.

The project is the result of close collaboration with Hammersmith and Fulham Council, the local community and local business owners to bring forward a co-living and affordable housing scheme supported at all levels in the borough. It will replace 36 existing WPH homes and 300 sqm of office space, creating a vibrant and dynamic living environment that aligns with modern lifestyle preferences and better serves the needs of local people.

Simon Ringer, Bridges’ Head of Property, said: “This landmark deal reflects the strong demand in London for lower-cost, high-quality co-living space. We have worked extensively with the local community to make sure that Yardhouse caters to local needs – in line with our ongoing commitment to support best-in-class developments in needs-driven sectors. We can’t wait to see this pioneering scheme come to life.”

Damien Sharkey, Managing Director at HUB, said: “This forward funding deal – HUB’s 12^th – will be instrumental to our delivery of this next gen co-living scheme. We’re thrilled to partner with CDL on its first co-living development in the UK, and move forward with the first project in our growing co-living pipeline. Not only does this further strengthen our commitment to innovative and inclusive housing solutions that meet the evolving needs of communities, but it reinforces our confidence in the resilience of the real estate market and the appeal of this emerging asset class.”

Tracey Downie, Chief Executive of Women’s Pioneer Housing, said: “I am really pleased that this milestone has been reached, and that this project, which will almost double the number of affordable homes on this site, is moving forward. Each home will be spacious and built to very high standards, significantly improving our offer to women locked out of the London housing market. Through this partnership with HUB and Bridges Fund Management we are committed to delivering an exemplar scheme and fostering a genuine community”.

Now with detailed planning consent from Bracknell Forest Council secured, the scheme – ‘ECO52’ – will be situated on a 3.2 acre site in Bracknell that previously housed the John Nike Leisure Centre. Demolition and site preparation work has already been undertaken.

ECO52 will deliver much-needed logistics space to the area. It is strategically located on the A329(M) between Bracknell and Reading, just five minutes from Junction 10 of the M4 motorway and ten minutes from Junction 3 of the M3.

The development will boast market-leading ESG credentials, targeting EPC A+ and BREEAM Excellent ratings and Net Zero in operation.

Henry Pepper, Partner at Bridges, said:
“We know that there is strong demand for highly sustainable logistics space that can help occupiers reduce their operating costs and support their ESG goals. We’re delighted to have the opportunity to revitalise this vacant site with a much-needed industrial development that will create jobs and support local economic growth.”

Adam Smith, Asset Management Director at Barwood, added:
“Bracknell is starved of supply for new Grade-A logistics space and ECO52 is well placed to capitalise on the high level of sustained occupier demand we are seeing. Once delivered, it will present as the only 50k sq ft option available in the area. We look forward to working with Bridges to deliver the scheme.”

Hollis Hockley and Hatch Real Estate are joint agents to the scheme. Planning consent remains subject to final legal sign-off.

For more information, visit: https://eco52bracknell.com.