This event took place on 22 November 2024 from 09:30–14:30.
Decarbonising the construction industry is crucial to support wider societal ambition to achieve net zero and mitigate climate change.
The University of Plymouth's
Net-Zero Exchange
has conducted research alongside regional builders' merchant, Bradfords, over the summer to investigate the current adoption of low carbon solutions in construction projects. This benchmarking exercise helps identify where opportunity lies and what barriers exist with a view to supporting wider adoption of low carbon solutions throughout the industry in our region.
Now complete, we were delighted to invite attendees to an event to present the findings of the research and discuss the challenge of decarbonising the construction industry in the South West.
The event was for all individuals and organisations interested in the extent to which low carbon solutions are being adopted in construction across the south-west region.
The launch revealed the results of detailed research conducted over the summer examining the use by the construction industry of low-carbon building materials in the South West. The research provides insights into why we are adopting or avoiding solutions, and aiming to use our new knowledge to develop a low-carbon strategy. The report seeks to offer pointers for likely easy wins for accelerated adoption.
The report was commissioned by Bradfords Building Supplies as part of their strategy to support the development of better and less environmentally harmful development and building across the region. The research of builders, suppliers and architects was conducted jointly by Plymouth Business School researchers, Bradfords Building Supplies, University of Plymouth Sustainable Earth Institute and the Net-Zero Exchange. The project is part of the Net-Zero Solutions Fund.
The research would be of interest to: architects; surveyors; planners and building control; manufacturers; builders' merchants; contractors; builders; built environment academics, and net-zero and housing policy makers and advisers.
The launch event included:
- the report findings;
- speakers from within the sector (including CEO of Adaptavate Tom Robinson and Architect Adam Parsons from BCorp Architects APG) covering – the impact of regulation changes, the part planning has to play, and the impact of carbon solutions and opportunities for decarbonisation from experts in the supply chain
- breakout sessions including: carbon literacy training, discussion on easy wins, and delivering long-term change.
The event also provides an opportunity to enhance existing collaborations to find sustainable solutions.
