John Boys attended the ‘Sustainability in Practice: Retrofit’ conference, held by Place North West, on the 4 July and commented that it was an enlightening experience. This event, sponsored by Morgan Sindall Construction, Arup, Technal UK, and Buttress, took place at the Science & Industry Museum in Manchester and featured key insights into the future of sustainable building practices.
The conference kicked off with breakfast and an engaging networking session, followed by a series of presentations and panel discussions. Keynote speakers included industry leaders such as Rick Lee from Arup, who highlighted the critical skills and services necessary for delivering complex retrofit projects. Laura Boyle of Kinrise emphasised the economic viability and demand for Grade A characterful office spaces when retrofitted correctly, despite the challenging market conditions.
Panel discussions covered various topics, from the benefits of retaining and upgrading existing buildings to the challenges of social housing retrofits. Claire Dixon of Plus Dane Housing shared insights into the practical difficulties of retrofitting occupied homes, stressing the need for sensitive tenant engagement and qualified contractors.
The event also explored the broader implications of sustainable practices in the property sector. Speakers like Bernadette Barry from Northstone discussed the importance of creating sustainable communities, while Alison Haigh from Buttress delved into the impact of energy performance certificates on residential property values.
Overall, the ‘Sustainability in Practice: Retrofit’ conference provided valuable real-world advice on delivering retrofit schemes, showcased innovations in the field, and offered a platform for networking with industry professionals dedicated to driving a paradigm shift in sustainable building practices.