CABE Conference, 13-14 October 2022

Who is responsible for making sure that a building project delivers on sustainability – the designer, the contractor, or the client? Or is it everyone who is involved in the project? From the project’s inception team, through to the people who are involved in its demolition?

If the construction industry is going to meet the target of net zero carbon by 2050, then sustainable practices and techniques need to be applied at all project stages. It is the responsibility of all professionals to work towards embedding sustainability into their roles to minimise the risks to the environment. This is not going to be an easy change and it will require a significant shift in mindset and culture for us all.

We all know that the construction industry will play a big part in reaching the net zero target. The challenge is great, and it is sometimes difficult to know where to start.

We joined the exhibitor lineup at the Embedding Sustainability Conference this October, where we were joined by other industry product suppliers, an expert clinic and a research poster forum.

Together we explored the climate energy impact, looking at how the construction industry needs to play its part in reducing its impact on the environment and taking a look at the wider economic risks and opportunities.

The collaborative style of this conference saw expert panels interacting with a wide range of construction professionals. Including those working in building control, building surveying and architectural design. Allowing the industry to delve deeper into the issues that are affecting the whole of the construction sector. Speakers included:

Julie James the Welsh Government Minister for Climate Change, focused on legislation and regulations that the Welsh government is implementing to meet the demands for net zero carbon.
Dr Deborah Adkins, Senior Lecturer, and renowned researcher at the University of West of England opened our eyes to the challenges that we face and explained the importance of Building Engineers rising to the challenge now.
Dr Shamir Ghumra, Head of Building Performance at the Building Research Establishment, discussed the third-party accreditations that can be used to prove a building’s green credentials, their importance, and the future evolution of such schemes; and
Chris Paul, Head of Energy and Sustainability at law firm Trowers & Hamlins, looked at the legal considerations of embedding sustainability into a project, the common pitfalls to avoid, and the opportunities to explore.

Sharing knowledge and experiences helps us to discover new ideas and processes, and ways to help us meet our net zero targets.

We are happy that through working with sustainable suppliers for our exhibit, we are supporting the planting of ten trees!