Carbon dioxide reduction of emissions, climate emergency, less waste, recycle more, consider your carbon footprint and more were the focus of the last few weeks.
I recently took Historic England/Heritage Alliance’s ‘Heritage Carbon Literacy’ course. It was two half-days online and included calculating your own carbon footprint, watching a very concerning programme by Sir David Attenborough on the current state of our planet, learning about how we can as individuals and within our own organisations improve our carbon footprint, etc.
The following image is a summary of what was adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015. It was created as a blueprint for peace and prosperity for all and the planet focusing on today, but also on our future. The 17 Sustainable Development Goals agreed globally for all countries to focus on below:
Thought-provoking discussions included how ‘green’ we are. I personally thought I was quite green oriented and try to reduce my general waste, recycle as much as possible, etc. However, when the speaker posed the trying to put NOTHING in either bin, I realised I am quite far from being there.
The principle is to reduce the need for having to recycle or throw away things in the first place. When calculating my own carbon footprint however, I noticed that the programme was far from nuanced. There are many variables for trying to be more climate friendly. The biggest variable are finances and money. The ability to buy as local as possible, the ability to buy items without packaging, the ability to drive less for work, change the fabric of your house or add more energy efficiency measures all vary.
For example, I privately rent and have no control over the building in which I live and spend my money on utilities. I also have to drive for site visits, client meetings, etc. and do not have the option of taking public transportation. I know that I can do more- can you?
The purpose of participating on courses like this is to improve my own knowledge base and start to implement at least some of the recommendations taught. It is clear that we all need to retrain ourselves to prepare for a new world. I can't lie when I say that I have seriously considered moving somewhere higher above sea level and further away from the equator to reduce the impact on me and my family. Not everyone has that ability or choice.
As a heritage professional, I work with owners, architects, builders, planners, etc. on improving and managing heritage assets. It is clear that the principle of retrofitting (for designated and non-designated heritage assets) is the future and way forward. It is thought that more than 20% of the UK building stock dates from the 1930s, which means a lot of what exists today was built before cavity walls and modern materials and methods. Understanding this as a starting point and using a fabric first approach is key to creating healthy and happy buildings and occupants.
Too long the focus has been on ensuring buildings keep people warm in the winter. However, the last decade has demonstrated that we may need to think more about the summers as well. Many people I know who have purchased modern new houses have had to sleep downstairs during the summer because it is too hot upstairs. And don't get me started on current building regulations!!
Therefore, I am hoping to gain as much knowledge as possible for my business and my clients. I also enjoy participating in these courses in order to meet other professionals who are currently working on retrofitting projects or Passivhaus, etc. I can then share these contacts with clients. It is clear that things are changing, which brings hope.
Unfortunately, it does feel that things are going much slower than it can and should be doing. Best practice, good examples and documentation of results over the longer term are all needed. Once these kind of projects are completed, the information needs to be shared.
The other carbon-oriented event I attended was the Cambridge Carbon Footprint’s ‘Retrofitting Historic Homes' with Cambridge Association of Architects own James Rixon (and many others)! This was also an online event that was a good refresher on heritage assets 101.
It was good to hear talks from a current conservation officer at the Greater Cambridge Shared Planning Service, 3C Building Control and several architects about how to understand your historic home, what information you will need to know, how to start the process, who you need to speak to, etc. Fortunately, as a former conservation officer myself, I was well aware of most of the information shared. This was reassuring that I have the knowledge and skills needed to offer advice and guidance.
Summary of the last two weeks is that I will try to be more mindful in how I live, how I work and how I can improve both things towards a cleaner and greener way.
Carbon Literacy Action Day is on the 14th November.
Check to see what is happening in your local area to get engaged and learn more. Here are some links to some of the references from my courses:
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