We are at a critical juncture when it comes to lowering carbon emissions and mitigating the most extreme effects of climate change.  As an industry, the built environment sector must unite and act decisively.

The UK’s Real Estate investment & infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF)’s annual event provides an opportunity to do just that. UKREiiF 2023 (16-18th May) aims to 'accelerate the Levelling Up Agenda whilst unlocking sustainable, inclusive and transformational investment across the UK'.

As a national engineering partnership delivering high quality building services consultancy, at the forefront of climate leadership, we are proud to sponsor the event and looking forward to attending and exhibiting.

Our team at UKREiiF

If you'd like to catch up with our team please get in touch with our delegates:

Rob Cargill - Partner
Mark Richardson - Partner 
Jill Hoggan - Associate
James Fraser-Chalk - Associate
Zoe Faulkner - Associate
Trevor Rees - Business Development

What will we be up to?

• Visit us on stand F30 in New Dock Hall to talk to our team about how we can help develop your roadmap to Net Zero Carbon -  whether you are designing a new property or looking at an existing building of any age, we can help you on your journey.
• Join us at our a fringe event to enjoy 'Craft Ale + Cocktails at Troup Bywaters + Anders Drinks Reception' on Wednesday 17th May at SALT Leeds City Taproom from 17:00pm
• Mark Richardson, Partner will be chairing a panel discussion titled ‘Sustainability and The Cost of Living – How Do We Make Net Zero Places Work For All?’ on Tuesday 16th May at the Bury Theatre from 15:30 – 16:30pm.

Sustainability and The Cost of Living – How Do We Make Net Zero Places Work For All?
by Mark Richardson

This topic has undoubtedly impacted both your personal and professional lives over the past year. The panel and I are delighted to have the opportunity to share some insights and ideas with you.

The UK is currently facing two interrelated crises: a cost-of-living crisis and the climate crisis. These can’t be solved independently. Any effective solution must produce positive outcomes for all. Not implementing comprehensive net-zero carbon plans immediately will disproportionately impact the most disadvantaged members of our society. Failure to immediately implement long term strategies addressing the root cause of the cost-of-living crisis, will again have the same effect. The most disadvantaged members of our society get hit again. As an industry, we have a responsibility to take action now, work collaboratively, and make decisive progress towards a more sustainable future.

As a leading building services engineering consultancy, Troup Bywaters + Anders understand the importance of our role in the world and the significant impact we can make through our actions, knowledge sharing and support for our clients. We are committed to delivering positive outcomes for all stakeholders, and we are proud to be chairing the session.

Throughout my career as an engineer focused on low carbon and sustainable buildings, I've witnessed a remarkable shift in the cost competitiveness of renewable energy technologies. In just the last decade, the cost of onshore and offshore wind, as well as solar photovoltaic generation, has plummeted, now these are less than half the cost of traditional fossil fuel-based generation such as combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT). This shift represents a significant milestone. It makes low carbon and sustainable energy sources truly viable on a large scale. Even before the recent fuel cost increases, renewables were already competitive.

Reducing energy bills and decarbonising the UK's energy system is a crucial step towards a more sustainable future. But, we must not lose sight of the fact that reducing energy consumption at the building level is even more effective. Retrofitting the UK's existing housing stock with better insulation and air-tightness to reduce the heat loss and therefore reduce energy needs is a tested, cost effective solution. Private businesses have been leading the way with innovative technologies and deployment strategies. Unfortunately, progress has been slower than is needed, and there has been a tendency to prioritize new build projects over retrofitting existing buildings. As a result, millions of people in the UK are still struggling with fuel poverty. The best way to insulate people from the effects of fuel price spikes, is to insulate their homes.

Looking forward to engaging with you at UKREiiF, we have a strong group of market and government leaders, responding to these two interrelated crises. Mark will be joined on the Panel by:

Marvin Rees – Mayor, Bristol City Council
Samantha Kempe – Chief Investment Officer, IMMO Capital
Jason Longhurst - Prologis
Neelum Choudhury – RivingtonHark
Alan White - Cllr Alan White
Ruth Moorehouse - Director, Asset Management, Ellandi