Practice News
Continuing the conversation: Exploring pathways to achieve decarbonisation
![AHR -](https://ahr-website.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/People/avatars/AHR.jpg?w=80&h=80&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1684015344&s=b085d2dc1e90a32a5d66c9dbf93b1602)
by AHR
![IMG E0350](https://ahr-website.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/News/Achieving-decarbonisation-roundtable-series/IMG_E0350.jpg?w=640&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1696348930&s=ba6319177c947245a5074f27625c49ff 640w, https://ahr-website.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/News/Achieving-decarbonisation-roundtable-series/IMG_E0350.jpg?w=1050&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1696348930&s=8dbd7f7a68b126fb593e5df230bbe88a 1050w, https://ahr-website.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/News/Achieving-decarbonisation-roundtable-series/IMG_E0350.jpg?w=1440&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1696348930&s=e1ba0f811eae898a457500290aa3126f 1440w, https://ahr-website.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/News/Achieving-decarbonisation-roundtable-series/IMG_E0350.jpg?w=2000&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1696348930&s=1066bd009f2827b0f0af5aa457d1766e 2000w)
In the second of our Achieving Decarbonisation roundtable series, we discussed retrofit and the challenges and opportunities it presents with our industry colleagues from Liverpool.
We were joined by representatives from the University of Liverpool, Liverpool City Council, Liverpool John Moores University, St Helen’s Council, Faithful & Gould, Avison Young, Walker Sime, Hive, MTC, Morgan Sindall and Kier.
Similar themes have begun to emerge across the series whilst we also delved into new areas of discussion.
1. Address the skills gap: We need to start training future generations on sustainability now
To make the transition to net zero and beyond, we need a workforce with new skills to deal with decarbonisation and to help us build a net zero economy. The good news is that universities are educating students on sustainability and carbon literacy, and employers are pushing the sustainability agenda with education providers.
We can further accelerate this progress by embedding sustainability more deeply into curriculums and syllabuses, starting at a younger age. An hour’s talk at a college is not enough. Sustainability needs to be integrated into teaching and learning across all disciplines. This runs throughout the whole of the property and construction sector from planners, developers, surveyors and architects through to engineers and project managers.
Employers can also support institutions to develop the content needed to prepare students for the jobs of the future. By working together, we can create a skilled workforce that is ready to lead the transition to net zero.
![IMG 0332](https://ahr-website.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/News/Achieving-decarbonisation-roundtable-series/IMG_0332.jpg?w=800&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1696434533&s=f7ed3af42fe59ca11b2f21de3e820b24 800w, https://ahr-website.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/News/Achieving-decarbonisation-roundtable-series/IMG_0332.jpg?w=1100&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1696434533&s=add3931e3dcc928e5323c0396d6e6de5 1100w, https://ahr-website.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/News/Achieving-decarbonisation-roundtable-series/IMG_0332.jpg?w=1300&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1696434533&s=f54c014767e5b9af470324af5089dcf0 1300w, https://ahr-website.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/News/Achieving-decarbonisation-roundtable-series/IMG_0332.jpg?w=1600&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1696434533&s=2cdf9927b35a7b4de40ac5032253490a 1600w, https://ahr-website.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/News/Achieving-decarbonisation-roundtable-series/IMG_0332.jpg?w=1920&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1696434533&s=c842da3289d46781dcbbd759badc00c9 1920w)
2. A culture shift is required: Sustainability should be at the forefront of decision-making
We’ve made great progress over the last few years on our way to net zero but to achieve decarbonisation organisations need to foster a culture where sustainability is at the forefront of decision-making so that “sustainability becomes first instinct rather than second nature”. This requires leaders to have a deep understanding of the practical implications of sustainability, and to empower their teams to drive change.
Sustainability professionals play a vital role in this process, helping influence strategic business decisions and embed sustainability into all aspects of the organisation. Organisations need to support them in this important role and recognise that success depends on a top-down approach.
We will also need to embed sustainability in processes; as well as align estate strategies to organisational objectives. Sustainability runs through every part of an organisation and isn’t the domain of a single department. For example, at the University of Liverpool, capital projects will not get signed-off unless it’s been assessed against a sustainability framework.
Sustainability becomes first instinct rather than second nature”
Syd Cottle
Director of Estates Management, University of Liverpool3. Financing the transition: Sometimes the return on investment won’t be financial
While decarbonisation may not always be financially beneficial in the short term, there are many ways to reduce carbon emissions that can save organisations money in the long run. Bringing finance teams on this journey will help in the roll out of these measures.
Changing perceptions around carbon reduction interventions will help. Some projects may not offer financial gain but if we can improve our energy efficiency and reduce our operational costs then this can create savings that can go back into the organisation.
For example, we recently worked with a client to reduce energy consumption by over 50% in one of its heritage buildings by implementing energy efficiency measures. This resulted in significant savings for the client.
Making the transition will require investment that we may never see a financial return on. But we can think creatively about how we fund it which can ease the burden. From considering using green bonds or other innovative financing mechanisms to raise capital through to collaboration with other parties. The University of Central Lancashire recently worked with Preston Council and Lancashire County Council to help them develop a new energy centre. Preston Council supplied the land and Lancashire County Council assisted with the infrastructure development.
Delaying action doesn’t make it any easier as it only shortens the amount of time organisations have to make and pay for the interventions. By working together with finance teams and embedding sustainability throughout the organisation, we can help them understand the benefits of decarbonisation and make the net zero transition more affordable.
![IMG E0273](https://ahr-website.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/News/Achieving-decarbonisation-roundtable-series/IMG_E0273.jpg?w=800&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1696434551&s=205c04a7dafea27dbacba7692496cfe1 800w, https://ahr-website.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/News/Achieving-decarbonisation-roundtable-series/IMG_E0273.jpg?w=1100&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1696434551&s=c1a59c5fcc4f8f9866b9aee8432f59b2 1100w, https://ahr-website.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/News/Achieving-decarbonisation-roundtable-series/IMG_E0273.jpg?w=1300&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1696434551&s=f09cef9b9981e1001ac5eda5c397c8ef 1300w, https://ahr-website.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/News/Achieving-decarbonisation-roundtable-series/IMG_E0273.jpg?w=1600&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1696434551&s=a18a7adf26473364fe1f346ce0c28842 1600w, https://ahr-website.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/News/Achieving-decarbonisation-roundtable-series/IMG_E0273.jpg?w=1920&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1696434551&s=82f68a211d7b341b2d9e921fc6e22c8e 1920w)
4. We need to work collaboratively: There’s no place for competition when decarbonising
It’s a big challenge for every organisation and everyone is still learning, but it is one that we can overcome by working together. Organisations across the public and private sector need to collaborate and share their experiences to achieve our common goal. No single organisation can do it alone, but each has something valuable to contribute.
By regions working together and with more localised, devolved powers and budgets to local authorities, we can make more rapid progress towards our decarbonisation goals. Each region knows its own particular challenges and circumstances, and empowering local authorities to make local decisions will enable them to make the most effective decisions for their region.
It’s important to recognise not every party can necessarily offer the same amount of value but it wouldn’t work without all parties contributing.
Liz Gatheral
Director of Estates, Liverpool John Moores University![IMG E0190](https://ahr-website.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/News/Achieving-decarbonisation-roundtable-series/IMG_E0190.jpg?w=650&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1696434490&s=ab890c5772970e2401b506696a86769b)
5. Bridging the retrofit gap: We know what we need to do but how do we get there?
We’re making progress in the built environment towards decarbonisation. We know what needs to be done and there are some great examples of steps organisations have taken to get there.
However, there are still a number of challenges that need to be overcome before we can get there. Bridging the gap between where we are now and where we need to be isn’t always straightforward. This is why we’re further ahead in developing net zero new builds and retrofit is lagging behind.
For example, many universities and local authorities have mixed estates with heritage and listed buildings, properties built between the 50s and 70s and a handful of new builds. Older buildings may not have the space on the roof for solar PV or energy efficiency measures such as insulation may be difficult to install. We need to recognise there may be limitations with these buildings and emissions will have to be offset elsewhere.
We also need to develop a greater awareness around the differences between embodied and operational carbon. Both need to be tackled, however there tends to be a focus on operational carbon. Another area is Scope 3 carbon emissions (those not generated directly by a company but by the value chain), with organisations not having direct control over these priorities have been to deal with Scope 1 and 2 before addressing the more difficult challenge of the supply chain.
Share on
Related Articles
![Achieving decarbonisation: The challenges and opportunities in retrofit](https://ahr-website.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/News/Achieving-decarbonisation-roundtable-series/decarb-index.jpg?w=100&h=75&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1688553171&s=a2310dc246be2152611116f0b90d36e1 100w, https://ahr-website.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/News/Achieving-decarbonisation-roundtable-series/decarb-index.jpg?w=400&h=300&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1688553171&s=f6b51e6d985e24ced81e6d240336ff57 400w, https://ahr-website.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/News/Achieving-decarbonisation-roundtable-series/decarb-index.jpg?w=600&h=450&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1688553171&s=7c07b531f7c441b2b983f4b237a0d0b3 600w, https://ahr-website.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/News/Achieving-decarbonisation-roundtable-series/decarb-index.jpg?w=800&h=600&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1688553171&s=e1742695f3b87315871f11c08c3d9e59 800w, https://ahr-website.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/News/Achieving-decarbonisation-roundtable-series/decarb-index.jpg?w=1000&h=750&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1688553171&s=d18266f81c1e54316e81e0e4fdeddd26 1000w)
Practice News
Achieving decarbonisation: The challenges and opportunities in retrofit
In our Achieving Decarbonisation roundtable series, we sat down with colleagues from across the industry in Manchester to discuss the challenges and opportunities in retrofit.
Date: 12 Jul 23
![AHR -](https://ahr-website.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/People/avatars/AHR.jpg?w=80&h=80&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1684015344&s=b085d2dc1e90a32a5d66c9dbf93b1602)
by AHR
![Why we need to retrofit to achieve net zero](https://ahr-website.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/Projects/55-Colmore-Row/55-Colmore-Row_02_View-from-St-Phillips-Cathedral.jpg?w=100&h=75&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1684015419&s=63418e4ce7b293d4ef2d286e247f41d0 100w, https://ahr-website.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/Projects/55-Colmore-Row/55-Colmore-Row_02_View-from-St-Phillips-Cathedral.jpg?w=400&h=300&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1684015419&s=a206f929ff73f0f35c10b0d220f71d75 400w, https://ahr-website.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/Projects/55-Colmore-Row/55-Colmore-Row_02_View-from-St-Phillips-Cathedral.jpg?w=600&h=450&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1684015419&s=089247dc0be8f133c2a6e0ff97212e4b 600w, https://ahr-website.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/Projects/55-Colmore-Row/55-Colmore-Row_02_View-from-St-Phillips-Cathedral.jpg?w=800&h=600&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1684015419&s=39c27e5e63fcb3ad133a19b8303e3749 800w, https://ahr-website.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/Projects/55-Colmore-Row/55-Colmore-Row_02_View-from-St-Phillips-Cathedral.jpg?w=1000&h=750&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1684015419&s=e71724f75ba6d61c7d627e4faba7a4d6 1000w)
Thought Leadership
Why we need to retrofit to achieve net zero
Retrofitting buildings is critical to decarbonisation and achieving net zero. What are the challenges, opportunities, and steps we need to take to get there?
Date: 24 May 23
![Robert Hopkins - Director, Architecture](https://ahr-website.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/People/avatars/AHR-RobertHopkins-Avatar.jpg.png?w=80&h=80&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1684015343&s=a83124e37ec93e66e2134f559b27fe8e)
by Robert Hopkins
Director, Architecture
![The Retrofit Toolkit in action](https://ahr-website.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/Projects/Loreto-Grammar-School/AHR-Schools-LoretoGrammarSchool-Manchester_2023-02-07-144631_dstv.jpg?w=100&h=75&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1684015761&s=a6962dee060e3d2314c9c5f5643f5b50 100w, https://ahr-website.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/Projects/Loreto-Grammar-School/AHR-Schools-LoretoGrammarSchool-Manchester_2023-02-07-144631_dstv.jpg?w=400&h=300&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1684015761&s=970a9a88cbe202215497e629adf3eee0 400w, https://ahr-website.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/Projects/Loreto-Grammar-School/AHR-Schools-LoretoGrammarSchool-Manchester_2023-02-07-144631_dstv.jpg?w=600&h=450&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1684015761&s=a27b71e98bb85dfa2281c408d7805386 600w, https://ahr-website.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/Projects/Loreto-Grammar-School/AHR-Schools-LoretoGrammarSchool-Manchester_2023-02-07-144631_dstv.jpg?w=800&h=600&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1684015761&s=7e05d363bee831e532025fda9f8058b6 800w, https://ahr-website.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/Projects/Loreto-Grammar-School/AHR-Schools-LoretoGrammarSchool-Manchester_2023-02-07-144631_dstv.jpg?w=1000&h=750&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1684015761&s=9af3a6d522b572a1cf829e582544ec10 1000w)
Thought Leadership
The Retrofit Toolkit in action
The first of our retrofit studies challenged us to propose six interventions to decarbonise a typical school building to reduce its energy usage.
Date: 3 Feb 23
![Robert Hopkins - Director, Architecture](https://ahr-website.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/People/avatars/AHR-RobertHopkins-Avatar.jpg.png?w=80&h=80&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1684015343&s=a83124e37ec93e66e2134f559b27fe8e)
by Robert Hopkins
Director, Architecture
![Unveiling HEMISPHERE, a sustainable and dynamic building transforming the future workplace](https://ahr-website.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/Projects/Hemisphere/PadHem_EyeLevel_Day.jpg?w=100&h=75&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1684015661&s=a9a6df08360a62f4854d1eaafb5010c2 100w, https://ahr-website.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/Projects/Hemisphere/PadHem_EyeLevel_Day.jpg?w=400&h=300&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1684015661&s=afaf5c2dc97a3fd1e2eb8fa2dfef6cf2 400w, https://ahr-website.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/Projects/Hemisphere/PadHem_EyeLevel_Day.jpg?w=600&h=450&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1684015661&s=4a89be530d8811e620744d90ab2fe554 600w, https://ahr-website.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/Projects/Hemisphere/PadHem_EyeLevel_Day.jpg?w=800&h=600&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1684015661&s=de0d136763cd45ca420c24658d603ee4 800w, https://ahr-website.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/Projects/Hemisphere/PadHem_EyeLevel_Day.jpg?w=1000&h=750&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1684015661&s=e8ce67ec3468c7769926b5fcbf7ea2d2 1000w)
Project News
Unveiling HEMISPHERE, a sustainable and dynamic building transforming the future workplace
HEMISPHERE is set to become one of first new builds in the UK designed to achieve six global sustainability accreditations.
Date: 14 Mar 23
![AHR -](https://ahr-website.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/People/avatars/AHR.jpg?w=80&h=80&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1684015344&s=b085d2dc1e90a32a5d66c9dbf93b1602)