175 CPA and WPA members and stakeholders attended our breakfast seminar exploring the findings of our London-wide paper on retrofit, Retrofit First, Not Retrofit Only: A focus on the retrofit and redevelopment of 20th century buildings.
Jules Pipe, Deputy Mayor of London for Planning, Regeneration & Skills delivered the opening address focusing on the Mayor’s commitment to supporting environmentally sustainable buildings through London Plan guidance on reducing embodied carbon and circular economy principles. However, he acknowledged that retaining the original structure is not always the best option and that in some instances new build can achieve better sustainability options with lower operational carbon emissions across a building’s lifespan. Jules also emphasised the need for balancing priorities, including Good Growth principles, alongside carbon reduction.
The author of the report, Kirsty Draper (JLL and WPA Sustainability & Planning Group Vice Chair) presented the report’s key findings (view here), before an expert panel discussion chaired by Andrew White (GPA and WPA Board member) discussed topics including the planning policy environment, which design principles of 20th century buildings best enable retrofit, the role of new technologies, and the importance of positive tenant engagement. The panel comprised planning, development and sustainability experts: Deirdra Armsby from Westminster City Council; Nikki Dibley from Helical (and CPA Board member); Michael Meadows from British Land, and James Wickham, Gerald Eve (WPA Board adviser).
Click below to view a bitesize version of Retrofit First, Not Retrofit Only: a focus on the retrofit and development of 20th century buildings.
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