Reaching Net Zero means near complete decarbonisation of the built environment. As greater than 80% of the UK’s building stock will still be in use by 2050, the rate and effectiveness of low-carbon retrofit needs to accelerate across all building types and future-proof buildings for a Net Zero world. In the Oxford context this is further complicated by the density of buildings that are heritage assets which present dual challenges: how can we effectively decarbonise these historic buildings where insulation is so poor? And how can we achieve this sensitively without endangering the heritage asset? The University and the City can be considered as living labs to showcase decarbonisation efforts: we must act swiftly and sensitively to achieve decarbonisation. The Panel discussion will draw together stakeholders to discuss these challenges and explore possible solutions.
DISCUSSION PANEL MEMBERS:
- Professor Paul Shearing, Director of the ZERO Institute, University of Oxford (CHAIR)
- William Naismith, Hoare Lea
- Professor Rajat Gupta, Professor of Sustainable Architecture and Climate Change, Oxford Brookes University
- Ms Zoe Hancock, Principal Bursar, St John’s College, University of Oxford
- Dr Jesus Lizana, Associate Professor in Engineering Science, University of Oxford
