Environmental politics research frequently centres on the analysis of networks but predominantly from a qualitative perspective. The case is made for combining quantitative analysis of policy networks alongside qualitative research. This enables the structure and form of the network to be considered and focused attention then paid to how actors operationalise the network and give agency to the position of central nodes. This is explored through an empirical analysis of the issue network surrounding the zero-carbon built environment agenda in the United Kingdom in 2009–11. It demonstrates the diffuse yet clustered nature of the network and the importance of expertise claims, internal communication, resources, a unified voice and the organisational business model in shaping organisations' activities within the network.