Net Zero Through Retrofit: Applying the UK NZC Buildings Standard to Your Existing Building Stock

Heat pumps and improved EPC ratings: Making them fit for purpose

Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) have shaped the non-domestic built environment since their introduction in 2008 and, despite ongoing criticism, are clearly here to stay. While EPCs are often challenged for relying on simplified and sometimes outdated assumptions, overlooking factors such as heritage constraints and offering only a broad view of building performance, they continue to exert significant influence on investor confidence, tenant demand and asset value. This session explores whether EPCs are the right tool to drive progress towards net zero and, crucially, how they can be used more effectively.  Panel members will discuss how EPC assessments are approached in practice, the transformative impact of Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES), and recommended pathways for ongoing improvement. The discussion will cover practical measures to improve ratings, including the role of commercial heat pumps, and the differing levels of retrofit required to reach target ratings. Real-world case studies will demonstrate how office buildings can be upgraded from EPC ‘E’ to ‘A’ or ‘B’, contrasting deep retrofits in vacant buildings with the challenges of working in occupied spaces. Chairperson Chris Newman, Zero Carbon Design Manager - Mitsubishi Electric [https://www.footprintplus.com/speakers/chris-newman] Speakers Les Lang, Partner - Till Asset Management [https://www.footprintplus.com/speakers/les-lang] Simon Smith, Director - Vital Direct [https://www.footprintplus.com/speakers/simon-smith] Nazli Dabidian, Head of Energy and Decarbonisation - Nova Ambiente [https://www.footprintplus.com/speakers/nazli-dabidian]

Circular Aluminium: Closed loops and the future of retrofit

Respecting materials is essential to credible circularity in construction yet current legislation fails to demand low-carbon or post-consumer metals. This gap is expected to close as policy evolves but progress on such regulation is slow. Using the example of a central London office retrofit this discussion will focus on the principles that shaped its low‑carbon strategy, the successes and learnings. The discussion explores why respecting materials is essential to credible circularity, and how current legislation fails to demand low‑carbon or post‑consumer metals; a gap expected to close as policy evolves. The panel will cover the challenges of downcycling, particularly where, once downcycled, aluminium alloys can never be upcycled again, and the need to maintain high material quality, highlighting the importance of closing the loop, reducing waste and treating metal as a resource we are all responsible for stewarding.  Chairperson Martyn Wright, Project Consultant - TECHNAL [https://www.technal.com/en-uk/commercial] Speakers Sarah Keetch, Senior Sustainable Design Specialist - Orms [https://www.footprintplus.com/speakers/sarah-keetch] Will Jarrett-Kerr, Director - Opera [https://www.footprintplus.com/speakers/jarrett-kerr] Helen Collarbone, Group Sustainability and Systems Associate Director - Deconstruct UK [https://www.footprintplus.com/speakers/helen-collarbone]

Stone: A commodity not a luxury: From spolia to stone bricks

Reimagining the future of stone as a utilitarian material; this talk will put stone centre stage and consider the concept that a brick can be a stone - and visa versa - and a stone can be an ashlar, with all of them a humble piece of rubble walling for the next century.  As ideas of circular economy and materials reuse become established in the lexicon of architectural language, the ancient practice of Spolia is rightly back in the spotlight. Reusing components from existing, soon-to-be-demolished, or already deconstructed structures significantly reduces the need for manufacturing new components, in turn reducing the carbon cost of the building. Shifting the status quo is vital to building more sustainably. The UK produces around 2 billion bricks a year which require high temperature kiln firing, considerably adding to CO2 emissions. Bricks are a familiar part of the UK landscape and often the go-to response by planners keen on replicating ‘context’ but a straightforward switch to natural stone bricks could be a game-changer for the future of sustainable construction. Chairperson Claire Dunne, Business Development Manager - Johnston Quarry Group [https://www.footprintplus.com/speakers/claire-dunne] Speakers Marcus Paine, Managing Director - Hutton Stone [https://www.footprintplus.com/speakers/marcus-paine] Robert Greer, Director - PAYE Stonework and Restoration Ltd [https://www.footprintplus.com/speakers/robert-greer]

Building Workplaces Better: The Path to B Corp and Beyond

Join Workplace Futures Group (WFG) as we delve into the transformative journey towards sustainability and social responsibility, anchored by the principles of B Corp certification. This engaging session will feature actionable insights and real-world case studies that highlight the challenges, triumphs, and innovative approaches driving meaningful change in workplace design and operations. Matt will explore the group’s sustainability strategy and its ripple effect on creating impactful, future-ready workplaces. Juliet and Tim will share insights from award-winning projects such as The Waterman and Alchemy Asset Management—illustrating how recycling, refurbishment, and collaborative funding platforms like Action Funder and Q Flow can reshape our impact on the environment. Learn how B Corp certification serves as a catalyst for aligning purpose with profit through initiatives like Correx Recycling, and partnerships with charities such as London Air Ambulance, and leave inspired and equipped to take your first or next step toward sustainable leadership in your own organisation. Chairperson Iain McIlwee, CEO - Finishes and interiors Sector [https://www.footprintplus.com/speakers/ian-mcilwee] Speakers Tim White, Chief Operating Officer - Workplace Futures Group [https://www.footprintplus.com/speakers/tim-white] Juliet Price, Project Director - Modus [https://www.footprintplus.com/speakers/juliet-price] Matt Robinson, Head of Sustainability - Ambit [https://www.footprintplus.com/speakers/matt-robinson]

Heritage reimagined: Transforming the Brighton Corn Exchange for a Sustainable Future

Hear from heritage and design experts as they share the story of the Brighton Dome Corn Exchange, a Grade I listed building transformed into a vibrant, sustainable cultural hub. Recognised with a prestigious 2024 Structural Award from the IStructE, this remarkable project showcases how innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to sustainability can add holistic value to historic buildings. Learn how the team navigated the complexities of modernising a 200-year-old venue while preserving its heritage, delivering a socially impactful and environmentally conscious space that sets a benchmark for future projects. Chairperson Jane Entwistle, Technical Director - Thomasons UK [https://www.footprintplus.com/speakers/jane-entwistle] Speakers Emily Duncombe, Associate - ARUP [https://www.footprintplus.com/speakers/emily-duncombe] Peter Clegg, Founding Partner - Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios [https://www.footprintplus.com/speakers/peter-clegg] Leslie Fair, Partner - Jackson Coles LLP [https://www.footprintplus.com/speakers/leslie-fair]