PSE365: Why understanding public sector building performance is key

Decarbonising our public sector buildings is an essential part of many local authorities’ journeys to net-zero, with the improvement of existing buildings a key part of any successful efforts.

Kicking off our PSE365 virtual event on Public Sector Decarbonisation, delivered in association with Liberty Charge, the conversation quickly framed itself around those existing buildings and how important it was to first understand the current performance of these buildings prior to planning.

Alex Snelling-Day, Green Investments Manager at South Cambridgeshire District Council, explained the significant office building project they had underway in her district, which had been kickstarted by a full analysis of their building and using that data to dictate what options best suited the project.

Alex explained: “Carbon was the biggest driver for us in our building. We looked at all aspects of retrofit, from lighting to EV charging in the car park.

“The main part of the project was a ground-sourced heat pump. We had fabric issues with the building too, such as the glazing in the windows, which we needed to look at, but it didn’t alone give us the carbon savings.

“Understanding the condition of our building before starting the project was key.”

That importance in understanding the performance of the building as a first step was agreed by Moses Jenkins, Senior Technical Officer at Historic Environment Scotland (HES), who had been involved in similar retrofitting efforts in a number of traditional buildings in Scotland.

“We’re always thinking about what materials we can put on the roof, the walls or under the floor to make our traditional buildings more thermally efficient, and considering what works with ventilation, moisture, and such.

“There’s lot which we could do, but we just need to take care to understand how these buildings perform first.

“I do believe all of our buildings can be made efficient, with the right skills and investment.”

Carpet being replaced in an office building

Also joining Alex and Moses on the panel were Naomi Baker, Senior Policy Manager at Energy UK and Kate Dougherty, Head of Net Zero & Sustainability for Building Services Associate Director at WSP, adding similar expertise to the conversation around the retrofitting and reusing efforts – with a major push on the need for improving existing buildings, not just building new structures.

Today’s first panel discussion will be available to watch on demand within the PSE365 platform.

There’s still time to tune in to today’s PSE365 further decarbonisation discussions too. Register to attend to the virtual event here.

PSE October/November 2023

PSE October/November 2023

How the Midlands can be supercharged

Our October/November 2023 edition of PSE brings you expert comment and analysis on a range of key public sector topics, from EV infrastructure to Digital transformation and reducing carbon emissions.

 

Videos...

View all videos
#PSE365: Public Sector Events

Be A Part Of It!

PSE365: Public Sector Virtual Events

PSE has created a full calendar of events to address the most important issues that influence the delivery of public sector services. 

 

Over 365 days you’ll have the opportunity to hear from a range of highly motivating, informative and inspirational speakers. These speakers will equip you with knowledge and unique insight to enable you to overcome the challenges that you face.

 

See our full events calendar and register now! 

Public Sector Executive Podcast

Ep. 46
Loyalty, Covid pressures, and crucial transport connections
Tom Riordan

In 2020, most of the world stopped. People were forced to stay at home and many people were furloughed. This episode's guest, however, was thrown into the forefront of the government's response to to the Covid-19 pandemic, leading the tracing system and working alongside local and central government bodies.

Host Dan Benn is joined by Tom Riordan, Chief Executive of Leeds City Council, to discuss loyalty, the pressures of Covid-19, and the importance of transport to a city like Leeds.

More articles...

View all