SKArating launches Offices Environmental v2.0
Opening new market opportunities for manufacturers in sustainable office design
We are excited to announce that on Monday, 15 September 2025, the SKArating scheme has launched its updated Offices Environmental v2.0 framework. This follows a public consultation that drew more than 80 responses and confirmed strong market readiness for change.
This development carries particular significance for manufacturers of ETL-listed products. The update deepens the link between SKArating and the Energy Technology List, meaning that ETL-listed technologies will play an even more prominent role in sustainable office fit outs.
What is Offices Environmental v2.0?
Offices Environmental v2.0 is SKArating’s latest update to its assessment scheme for non-domestic office fit outs. From 15 September 2025, it will replace the current version (1.2).
This update is designed not only to deliver commercial benefits, but also to advance broader sustainability goals. Key objectives include:
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Aligning with the UK Net Zero Building Standard.
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Driving progress toward 100% circularity.
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Embedding current good practice, with optional Net Zero pathways.
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Retiring the Wellbeing category in preparation for a new Social & Wellbeing for Offices assessment scheme (development begins Q3 2025).
Together, these aims ensure that SKArating continues to evolve as a credible benchmark for sustainable fit outs.
Why it matters for ETL-listed manufacturers
One of the most commercially significant aspects of Offices Environmental v2.0 is SKArating’s alignment with the ETL, which means that products already listed on the ETL automatically meet the criteria for SKArating’s office refit projects.
This alignment covers key sub-technologies, including:
For manufacturers, this creates:
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Greater visibility
ETL-listed products meet the efficiency criteria used within the SKArating framework. This means they can be included in certified projects and are considered by organisations committed to sustainable office design, opening doors to a wider pool of projects and clients that specifically require compliant technologies.
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Stronger market position
Because SKArating assessments use ETL criteria, only products that meet these rigorous standards can be specified for certified projects. ETL-listed products gain a competitive edge, with independent verification and UK Government backing adding credibility, helping manufacturers differentiate their products and addressing concerns around greenwashing.
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Purchaser visibility
SKArating automatically recognises ETL-listed products as compliant, making them straightforward for specifiers to identify and select. Beyond this, the ETL promotes listed products through its own marketing activities, including campaigns, newsletters and industry events, which further raise awareness and visibility in the market.
Manufacturers already listed on the ETL are seeing the benefits of this alignment:
Nigel Smith, Managing Director of HeatingSave Ltd said:
“HeatingSave was the first BEMS listed product on the ETL, making it a perfect fit for SKArating projects since most of our customers retrofit HeatingSave to their buildings to cut energy bills. HeatingSave’s AI software calculates the heat-loss coefficient of each room so that only just the right amount of energy is used.”
Rob Barker, Managing Director of Power Quality Expert, spoke about how the ETL’s independent verification gives his products added credibility with customers and has led to new opportunities:
“This has allowed me to approach a number of new markets with the confidence that I will be able to help customers meet their net zero energy saving targets. The ETL alignment with the SKA rating scheme will provide projects a simple resource to help point people towards aM&T submetering systems that can accurately monitor energy usage, which will provide the information needed to help them lower their energy costs over time.”
Looking ahead
The Offices Environmental v2.0 update is part of SKArating’s wider roadmap, which will also revise schemes for Higher Education and Life Sciences (HE&LS), and Retail. ETL alignment extends across these updates, expanding the market opportunities for relevant ETL-listed technologies.
Explore the latest ETL product listings or revisit our earlier article on the SKArating–ETL collaboration to see how these standards work together to drive energy efficiency across the built environment.
Learn more about Offices Environmental v2.0
Read SKArating’s strategies on Resource Management, Energy and CO2, and Materials and Ecology.
Higher Education and Retail updates
Next year, the HE&LS and Retail schemes will be updated. SKArating is seeking partners to support research, provide insights, contribute to development, and champion the schemes. Register your interest here.
Get listed on the ETL and open the door to SKArating-certified projects
Ready to get listed?
If your products are not yet on the ETL, our alignment with SKArating provides even more reasons to apply, particularly if you produce heat pumps, heat recovery ventilation units, lighting, BEMS and aM&T. An ETL listing gives you a trusted route into certified projects, increases visibility with specifiers, and supports your commercial growth.
Explore our step-by-step application guide and watch our short explainer video to help you get started.
Ensure your products are the first choice on projects
ETL listings allow you to upload BIM files and detailed technical specifications, making it simple for specifiers and architects to find, evaluate, and select your products for projects. Your products become easier to integrate, boosting the likelihood of selection.
Learn more about technical specifications and BIM files.
Have questions? Get in touch
If you have any questions or want guidance on getting your products listed, our team is ready to help. Contact us and a member of the ETL team will reach out to walk you through the process.