Sustainability wasn’t the headline topic at UKREiiF this year – but it was still part of every discussion, says James Lomas-Holt, sustainability associate partner at Ridge
Over the last five years, phrases like “ESG” and “Net Zero Carbon” have featured heavily at UKREiiF, in session titles, agendas and client aspirations for projects. This time, it definitely felt less front and centre.
But the fundamentals were still shining through – there was constant discussion of the principles of sustainable and low-carbon development, even if they weren’t the headline topic. Conversations focused on energy security, on the need to lower bills, on buildings that have longevity and actively contribute to local communities. There was still concern about stranded assets, from a climate change perspective. Placemaking was a big topic, and there was lots of talk about how to meet biodiversity net gain requirements. And there was talk of embodied carbon and circular economy principles and the need to start thinking more seriously about them. All of those things are aspects of a sustainable development.
A degree of cynicism has developed in some quarters towards the phrase Net Zero, though I would argue that’s because it’s misunderstood. It is often perceived as increasing costs and red tape, when in the long term, the whole point is to reduce both. It has also been used a little too liberally, to describe developments of every shape and size, regardless of their actual credentials or performance. That has diluted its meaning, so it’s less clearly associated with exemplar projects that do save money and provide real benefits.
Even though it’s no longer always the headline word at conferences, sustainability is now very much business as usual – so maybe this is part of the transition to maturity. During my 12 years in the industry, it’s gone from being an afterthought to a fundamental part of design and construction. Sustainability consultants are now in every project meeting, alongside the key design disciplines.
Of course, there is still much more to do. This is a developing field, the requirements are progressive and a building that was considered sustainable 10 or 15 years ago is probably not any more. You can’t tick a box and say it’s done for good. But we can keep engaging, and we can encourage clients to see beyond the significant holistic benefits, to the actual value that a more sustainable building generates.
Contact James at: jameslomas-holt@ridge.co.uk
