A recent Place North West Net Zero event considered how the green agenda is fast becoming part of the property agenda, as regulators and investors push increasingly for sustainability across the industry.
Questions posed included measures needed to meet net zero carbon goals, as well as the financial implications and is likely to deliver the first net zero buildings.
MAC Construction Consultants was represented by Director for Public Sector Paul Holt at the event, which took place at the Science Museum in Manchester.
Commenting on the issues raised and the event itself, he said: “Our immediate observation was the number of professional colleagues attending, the breadth of expertise presenting, and the quality of the audience lead debate.
“It was equally refreshing that we heard a 'can do’ attitude of the first panel on how developers and designers are proactively seeking to make a difference in constructing and future proofing buildings that address both zero carbon and the climate challenge.
“However, it was equally evident there is a lot more to do as demonstrated in the 2nd panel conversations. They reflected more on the underlying historic issues, the need for change and the challenges in trying to influence policy makers.
“A further concern was how new technologies and materials might conflict with current building regulations and building insurance requirements. Furthermore, there was uncertainty as to what extent the new Building Safety Bill might stifle emerging innovations.
“As the conference closed it was evident that the proverb 'Necessity is the Mother of Invention' had never been more true. If the Climate Challenge was not a big enough incentive to change behaviours, rising energy costs are clearly influencing decision making.
“Inflationary costs in both the supply chain and more directly in heating our homes may well be the unintended catalyst required for both providers and purchases to be more ambitious in how we sustainably build and efficiently use buildings in the future.”
