FOOTPRINT+ podcasts

Energy performance is where the net-zero retrofit challenge will be won  but only if ambition is matched by delivery. Using Tower Bridge Court (TBC.London) as a live case study, this panel explores how one of London’s first all-electric, net-zero carbon retrofit workplaces translated energy ambition into measurable operational performance through building systems. Bringing together the developer,...

The Portman Estate’s relocation of its head office to One Great Cumberland Place presented an exciting opportunity to reimagine the workplace. The project aims to set a benchmark for sustainable commercial interiors across its 110-acre Marylebone estate. The retrofit of the 8,400 sq ft office prioritises collaboration, wellbeing, and exemplary environmental performance while working within an exis...

So what is Regenerative Design? Regenerative design is increasingly discussed across the built environment sector, yet it is often unclear what it means and how it differs from other sustainability practices within construction.  This session will provide a concise, accessible introduction to what regenerative design is, what it aims to do, and why it can’t be reduced to a checklist.  Drawing on i...

2 Finsbury Avenue is a 38‑storey, 106,000 sq m development set to Chairperson Marion Charlier, Central Engineering Lead - Arcelor Mittal Speakers Matthew Webster, Head of Sustainability - British Land Ollie Wildman, Director - Buildings - Ramboll Kathryn Castledine, Senior Sustainability Manager - Sir Robert McAlpine Jonathan Davis, Technical Director - William Hare Group David Chapman, UK Sustain...

One Exchange Square reimagines a 1980s office building and demonstrates how novel methods can be used to expand commercial floor space on a large-scale cut & carve project whilst minimising carbon impact. The whole building has been redesigned to deliver healthier working environments with roof terraces, interior planting and a diversity of uses contributing to a revitalised whole. The project...

Investor approaches to greening real assets span a wide spectrum—from doing the bare minimum to comply with regulation, to deep retrofits designed to meaningfully reduce climate impact. This session explores what truly matters to investors across this range of ambition and how differing priorities shape capital allocation, asset design, and operational decisions. We examine how owners, developers,...

Is it possible to remove mechanical heating and cooling systems entirely while still providing comfort? Buildings today are increasingly designed around mechanical systems rather than people. Comfort is routinely solved through equipment, driving complexity, cost and carbon. Heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems alone can account for over 15% of construction budgets, often exceeding th...

Much to the annoyance of linguists, Will Arnold argues that regenerative design is a verb, not a noun. It's a process we can all follow - on any project - to move us closer to the goal of doing more good with construction, rather than just minimising harm.  In this keynote, Will will share a simple process he has developed to anchor all the amazing innovations, processes and mindsets that exist in...

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 s...

Workplace Futures Group shine a light on the impact of CAT A fitouts within construction. The session will provide real world data on the impact of CAT A fitouts, reviewing waste, carbon and cost impacts created in the move from landlord to tenant ownership. The panel will also discuss examples of ways our design and site teams can reduce their impact, and showcase the innovative new technologies...

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 learnin...

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 practi...

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 wi...

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 can the much-heralded UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard be used as a tool to transform your existing buildings and retrofit schemes? This panel features technical team members behind the Standard, as well as industry leaders applying it to real-world retrofit projects during its pilot phase. Discover practical insights, challenges, and successes as we prepare for the Standard’s Version 1 l...

GPE’s 30 Duke Street St James’s (formerly 180 Piccadilly) raises the bar for circular economy applications as London’s largest steel reuse project. The project is a striking eight-storey development where the majority of the structural frame is repurposed from another donor building. But it’s not just about steel. The project embraces material reuse beyond the frame, with its façade partially cons...

SKArating is a sustainability assessment methodology that measures the environmental impact of commercial fit-outs and refurbishments. The methodology integrates good practice performance into daily project delivery, and moves the whole interior fit-out industry forward in a synchronised way. The approach provides a consistent system of measurement and benchmarking against good industry practice....

The Principles for Responsible Timber Construction set out a clear, ambitious, and achievable framework to build trust, align policies, and drive investment in sustainable timber construction — for the future of both forests and cities. This framework not only advances environmental goals but also ensures that the transition to sustainable construction is equitable and inclusive, embodying core te...

Data centres have seen a massive growth since Covid and in recognition of their importance to economic development have been classified as critical infrastructure by the government. Data centres are involved in almost every human activity and interaction. Located in urban settings, typically in industrial areas, they need access to good fibre networks. On most urban sites this means compact multi-...

The UK built environment has a high proportion of buildings on the verge of becoming stranded assets as environmental targets tighten. The scale of the challenge to upgrade buildings of this type is huge. How can a project balance both a retrofit led investment and deliver the potential for increased rental values? At 300 Gray’s Inn Road the team have embedded carbon analysis whilst interrogating...

The UK has some of the highest use of flame retardants, many of which are toxic to health, in the world. Many of these chemicals show up in building materials that you are specifying today. Some manufacturers are taking steps to design out toxic chemicals of concern, but how do you find identify and specify building materials that fundamentally protect, restore, and enhance the health of humans an...

Reusing the construction products that arise from refurbishment or demolition offers multiple benefits, such as reduced embodied carbon through the displacement of new products and materials. It also supports self-sufficiency in a sector that imports a significant quantity of materials and products, with added advantages of reducing impacts of material extraction globally, preventing loss of biodi...

The transition to a circular economy in construction is gaining momentum, but how do we turn ambition into reality? This session explores the process behind material reuse – how it works, what data is needed, and how risk is managed. With insights from industry pioneers, we will unpack the key challenges around passporting materials, transparency, and the role of insurance in facilitating transact...

Building a resilient and sustainable construction supply chain is essential for the UK’s economic security and long-term infrastructure goals. However, ensuring that this resilience does not come at the expense of workers, communities, and vulnerable groups is crucial for a just and equitable transition. What are the strategies and frameworks needed to create a construction supply chain that leave...

What are the options for commercial buildings not captured in heat networks? Changing the source of heat can be an extremely challenging process for businesses. In this session we explore the opportunities for some of the biggest emitters to overcome the barriers: Market readiness: How the supply chain is developing  How to move businesses over to heatpumps How government is supporting businesses...