The built environment (BE) accounts for over 40% of global greenhouse gas emissions, making its decarbonisation a critical focus for achieving climate targets. Historically, buildings and infrastructure within the BE have been addressed separately in policy and practice. However, recognising their interconnections and shared impact on society, a UK-China workshop held in December 2024 explored how a more holistic approach could drive meaningful progress.
Collaboration for change
With funding from the British Embassy in Beijing and the SuDBE Programme of Chongqing University, the workshop brought together experts in buildings and infrastructure. Held on 10–11 December 2024 at the Institution of Civil Engineers in London, the event aimed to evaluate current policies, identify lessons from a more integrated perspective, and propose strategies for decarbonisation.
Key figures leading this initiative included Professor Tim Broyd of UCL and Professor Runming Yao of Chongqing University, with support from a diverse range of contributors, including Darren Woolf, Chair of the CIBSE Building Simulation Group.
CIBSE’s role
CIBSE actively participated in the workshop, represented by Dr. Zoe De Grussa, Research Manager, and Julie Godefroy, Head of Net Zero Policy. Both delivered insightful presentations on behalf of CIBSE, highlighting the organisation’s work in decarbonisation and climate resilience. Contributions from other key players, such as the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), the British Standards Institution (BSI), and the UK Government’s Infrastructure and Projects Authority, further enriched the discussions.
The workshop provided a platform for open dialogue between UK and Chinese experts. The main outcomes will include:
- A comprehensive document outlining how decarbonisation policy can be improved through a holistic approach to the built environment.
- A detailed roadmap prioritising urgent research needs to support the integration of decarbonisation and climate resilience policies for buildings and infrastructure.
Building a collaborative future
The event underscored the importance of cross-sector collaboration and global partnerships in tackling the climate crisis. By fostering dialogue and sharing expertise, workshops like this contribute to shaping actionable policies that promote a sustainable and resilient built environment.
CIBSE remains committed to driving innovation and policy development in the built environment, playing an active role in the global push toward net zero.