Strategies that prioritise health, biodiversity, strong leadership and good design were all among topics discussed at the West Midlands Great Debate 2023.
The event in March, which attracted over 100 guests, featured a panel of experts representing the UK’s leading built environment professional bodies including CIOB.
The event ‘Making the Most of What We’ve Got: How to Improve the Existing Built Environment’ was chaired by Professor Carl Chinn.
The panel discussion was kicked off by Susan Bridge, RTPI president, who emphasised the need for plans grounded in strong leadership, vision and community empowerment. Jane Findlay, immediate past president at the Landscape Institute, then provided insights on how best to tackle the issue of climate emergency and biodiversity.
Infrastructure and good design
Next up, Vicky Bache, representing ICE, shared her views on how the industry can best utilise existing infrastructure. Josh Foster, RIBA representative, spoke about the critical role of good design. Randip Singh Bahra, representing RICS, addressed decarbonisation and the need for a common language.
Finally, Sandi Rhys Jones, CIOB senior vice president, delivered a passionate speech on the need for a retrofit strategy that prioritises skills and health. She stressed the need for the industry to foster collaboration and understand each other’s approaches to sustainability: “Modern professionals in the built environment have the skills to help deliver the sustainability solutions we face – let’s seize the moment.”
Rhys Jones highlighted the recent governmental funding allocated towards retrofitting social housing, and highlighted the significance of sustainability skills and inspiring the next generation to ‘look up’.
As the evening drew to a close, she delivered a message to the audience, emphasising that every individual can contribute towards sustainability, and even small changes in our personal lives can yield substantial positive effects.
