In 2019, the UK Government passed a law requiring all greenhouse gas emissions to be brought to Net Zero by 2050, effectively halting any further contribution to global warming. The ongoing decarbonisation of the Grid has already significantly reduced emissions, but there remains a long way to go. Even if the UK’s energy supply were to be met entirely from renewables, construction activity alone would remain a significant source of emissions if business as usual continues. It is therefore imperative that we understand what Net Zero means and jointly develop solutions.
So how is Net Zero defined, is there a shared consensus? Are all our direct as well as indirect emissions accounted for? To achieve Net Zero at the national level, does every sector, business and activity need to be emission neutral on their own, and is that feasible? What does it mean for architecture and construction, and how can it be achieved? Who should be held accountable for emissions produced in construction and operation – the manufacturer, the designer and specifier, the occupier and user? Is timber the undisputed solution to a Net Zero future? What is the role of offsetting and can it be relied on?
Join our lunchtime debate to hear leading practitioners and researchers discuss these questions and the role of architects and engineers in moving towards a Net Zero future. All panellists are active members of LETI and co-authors of LETI guidance on whole life carbon and embodied carbon.
Speakers:
- Jane Anderson, Founder, ConstructionLCA
- Will Arnold, Head of Climate Action, IStructE
- Louisa Bowles, Partner, Hawkins\Brown
- Dr Joe Jack Williams, Associate, Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios
Want to learn more about achieving net zero?
Sign up to this year's Smart Practice Conference, due to take place on 29 - 30 September, and gain the knowledge, tools and resources to meet the RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge targets and position your practice at the forefront of the green recovery. Tickets launch 1 July.
Sign up and take the RIBA's 2030 Climate Challenge.
This lunchtime talk is free to RIBA Members. Sign up to become a member and benefit from reduced ticket prices to all RIBA events.
- by registering for this event you consent to being recorded
- the event will be hosted on Microsoft Teams. You will receive a link to join the event one day before
- the details you provide will be processed in line with the RIBA's GDPR obligations. For information on how we handle your personal data please see our Privacy Policy on architecture.com
