FOOTPRINT podcasts

Carbon estimating for the construction industry

Building modelling can offer very accurate quantities of material used in our designs but carbon calculations rely on accurate data about the embodied carbon in the materials. Different parties are using different carbon factors on which carbon optioneering is being carried out and decisions are being made. 

How can we identify consistent carbon data and establish a consensus on the figures to be used? 

Hear from the team behind the Built Environment Carbon Database and Future Homes Hub on the establishment of this tool.

Countdown to zero - with Hydrock

With an expert panel in situ, join us to debate how we tackle the main obstacles to achieving decarbonisation. As voted by you, our guests, we will have a live countdown of the main challenges to successfully meeting net zero targets.

The future of low-carbon leisure: Decarbonise or build new?

In association with Willmott Dixon Group

Local authorities have been struck hard by the increase in fuel prices especially in the running of leisure centres. These energy-hungry buildings typically run on fossil fuels and the spiralling costs have prompted many local authorities to review the long term plans for these facilities. This panel looks at the business case for different levels of intervention: retrofitting or low-carbon new build utilising worked examples from Spelthorne Borough Council, along with specialist consultants in this field.

Designing out material redundancy

What progress has been made in regards using Circular Economy principles to reduce material use as an intrinsic part of the design process? Including approaches to questioning your brief, themes such as Design for Manufacture, Design for Disassembly, longevity and adaptability. Principles will be explored through the design and delivery process using real life case studies, including findings from innovative R&D projects.

 

Future Homes Standard: Consultation Workshop

MCS Foundation will chair a session covering the implications of the government proposals including the 6 specifications under consideration and the implications these have for new build homes.

With detailed analysis from the Federation of Master Builders, Heat Pump Federation and solar industry, the panel will conclude with a Q&A to help people to respond to the request for consultation responses.

Timber in social housing

Timber construction is used for more than 25% of all housing in the UK, largely using MMC resulting in an increase in build quality, speed of erection and less wastage of materials, driving down both embodied energy and energy bills for tenants long term. 

Timber housing is procured by housing associations, housebuilders and local authorities. This session provides a roundup of new and exciting products and projects embracing all aspects of the efficiency and reduction in carbon these buildings achieve.

Healthcare revitalises the high street

Drawing from the findings of their collaborative white paper ‘ Shopping for Health’ the panel will set out an exciting agenda for the vacant premises on Britain’s high streets delivering:

• revitalisation of town centres saving embodied carbon of defunct shopping facilities and repurposing for very needed facilities
• easy access for communities to softer healthcare offer such as counselling and other consultations
• freeing up space in heavily-serviced acute healthcare facilities for acute services

Join NHS Dorset who can explain how they are putting these opportunities into practice saving carbon, and the designers and consultants who have helped shaped the initiative.

Carbon optioneering at the pre-application stage – is it the change we need?

The City of London Corporation published a ground-breaking draft Planning Advisory Note on whole lifecycle carbon optioneering during Footprint 2022, as part of their commitment to work towards net zero carbon for both embodied and operational carbon emissions. 

This Carbon Options Guidance was officially adopted and launched in April 2023, following a detailed consultation process with the industry. This session invites the audience to join an open debate with the City of London Corporation and the guide’s key authors, Hilson Moran, and share their experiences with delivery of the new pre-application requirements in the current market.

For more information and for a copy of the guide, see the sustainable planning requirements page on the City of London’s website.