Scaling Solar: Unlocking a Rooftop Revolution for the UK’s Commercial Buildings

Real Estate:UK (the new, unified industry body formed from the merger of AREF, BPF and IPF), in partnership with Forsters LLP and Push Power Ltd, invites you to join us on Wednesday 9 September 2026 for the launch of our latest research into unlocking the solar potential of commercial buildings.

Commercial property, from offices and retail parks to logistics centres and warehouses, has great potential to support the UK’s net zero ambitions and help deliver energy security. However, despite the scale of available roof space, solar adoption across the sector remains limited.

Commissioned by Real Estate:UK, and undertaken by Cushman & Wakefield, our research examines why less than 5% of commercial and industrial rooftops currently host solar installations, and what needs to change to unlock a rooftop solar revolution.

At this event, our expert panel will discuss:

· the commercial, legal and practical barriers holding back solar deployment;

· the opportunities and drivers accelerating uptake across the sector;

· case studies of innovation and best practice; and

· the policy and market recommendations emerging from the research.

We would be delighted if you could join us for what promises to be an insightful and forward-looking discussion.

8.30am Arrival, coffee and pastries

9-10am Panel discussion and Q&A

10am Panel ends, followed by networking

10.30am Close

Andrew McEwan, Partner at Forsters

Andrew is Partner in the Commercial Real Estate team where he has a broad range of experience acting for developers and investors in a variety of real estate sectors, including those utilising external finance. He has advised on significant infrastructure projects, commercial, mixed-use and residential developments, alongside the acquisition and disposals of office, industrial and retail assets.  He has a particular focus on and expertise in relation to development projects across a variety of sectors as well as experience in providing specialist advice to Commercial Real Estate developers and investors incorporating renewable technologies such as solar panels at their assets. 

Rob Wall, Assistant Director, Real Estate:UK

Rob joined Real Estate: UK in 2021 and leads the organisation’s work on sustainability and development. He has previously led policy teams in a number of business bodies, including the CBI and the National Housing Federation. Rob started his career in the Civil Service, and has worked in policy and operational roles in the Cabinet Office and Home Office.

Jennie Colville, Senior Director, Sustainability, Tritax

Jennie has 25 years' experience in the sustainability field having worked in both the private and public sectors. During her career, she has supported over 500 small and medium sized businesses to improve their environmental performance, managed award-winning community investment programmes, and developed and defined sustainability strategies that meet occupier and investor requirements and demonstrate commercial value. Jennie joined Tritax in December 2025 as Senior Sustainability Director, having previously led sustainability at Landsec. Working across Tritax Big Box REIT plc and Private Market products, she is responsible for ensuring that all funds are managed sustainably.

If you have a question, please contact us at events@realestateuk.org.