Why timing is everything as we face up to the net zero challenge
More than 100 people join our Decarbonisation Dialogue with registrations open for our May event
Guest speakers from Cambridge and Bedfordshire colleges have shared their learning on how they are moving forward with their net zero journey.
Andrew Gair, estates manager at Gonville and Caius College in Cambridge and Dave Roffey, director of projects at Bedfordshire College Group, provoked healthy discussion and debate at our latest Decarbonisation Dialogue this week.
Both have navigated Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme projects.
The Salix event attracted more than 100 people working or planning decarbonisation projects across the country. Thank you to our excellent speakers and to all those who attended.
Andrew, who is a building services engineer with a mechanical bias, emphasised the importance of having a vision for the future with the long-term picture in mind.
The engineer, who has responsibility for the built environment, also urged people to challenge the experts whilst projects work to tight deadlines in a bid to keep everything on track.
He said: “The sooner one engages, the better and don’t be afraid to challenge the consultants.”
He also urged people to keep an eye on the big picture and future vision.
Andrew said: “It’s important that when we think about timescales, we talk about the picture in ten or 20 years from now. Whilst we may be spending £8m today, we’re doing fundamental work for the future.
“When it comes to replacing heat pumps in many years to come, we’ll be spending a lot less because so much of the large structural work has been done today.
“Timeframes are long-term.”
Dave has responsibility to spearhead impactful initiatives aimed at environmental stewardship and innovation.
His leadership has been instrumental in driving forward key sustainability projects, notably overseeing the development of three net zero carbon buildings, The Connolly Centre for Modern Construction in Bedford, Corby Sixth Form and Kings Hill Farm Teaching Centre.
Dave added: “Good planning is key, but we cannot always plan for everything, we must have done a million surveys at Bedfordshire College, but unexpected delays have still been caused by issues like asbestos or bats. We’ve had issues with newts and I am sure there is going to be a lot more that I have not thought of.”
Dave also emphasised the importance of good communication across all stakeholders to keep projects on track.
Both speakers addressed issues around commissioning, distribution network operators and design and construction.
They invited questions from our audience – thanks to everyone who came along and to those who asked questions.
Our next event is May 13 – register now
Our Decarbonisation Dialogue webinars are designed to help us all to listen, learn, contribute, question and discuss all things decarbonisation and energy efficiency with fellow public sector counterparts. We are keen to share experiences and encourage everyone to discuss challenges as well as successes.
Join our next Decarbonisation Dialogue on May 13. Please register for the event here.
Would you like to speak at a Decarbonisation Dialogue?
Please also let us know if you would like to speak at one of our future events and share your knowledge. Previous speakers include Janette Ackroyd, energy and carbon reduction manager at East Sussex County Council and Cristina Calleja sustainability manager at South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust.
We would love to hear from you and give you an opportunity to showcase your net zero work as well as talking about your experience of delivering a Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme project. Please email [email protected]
