EU Sustainable Energy Week 2017 : Can sustainability raise the profile of research and innovation ?
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Sustainable spaces
EU Sustainable Energy Week 2017 : Can sustainability raise the profile of research and innovation ?
EU Sustainable Energy Week 2017 took place on 19-25 June . The University of Nottingham , through its Energy Technology Research Institute ( ETRI ), co‐ordinated several events intended to raise the profile of research and innovation activities around sustainable energy . On Thursday 22 June , a group of interested stakeholders were brought together by the University of Nottingham ’ s Innovation Park ( UNIP ) for a breakfast roundtable .
Arranged by Mark Tock , of UNIP Management Ltd , the event was chaired by Richard Baker of Baker-Baird Communications Ltd , and attended by sustainability stakeholders from
UNIP ’ s Ingenuity building was designed by architect Matt Hutton multiple sectors , including local council representatives , university management , architects , academics , business incubation practitioners , and UNIP entrepreneurs from the green tech and sustainability sectors . Participants were asked to discuss sustainable spaces and the environment they create for future innovations in sustainable technologies .
What is the no 1 priority for sustainable spaces ?
“ Reduced space ,” said Matt Hutton from Bond Bryan Architects , responsible for UNIP ’ s Ingenuity Building , in which the roundtable event was taking place .
We should be building only the space we need . A fabric first approach is required to source materials that will ensure minimum carbon footprint during construction . Realism is key , such that all built-in tech should be both reliable , affordable , and usable . Projects should focus on more than just the building itself . Green spaces are required for balance , and the transport networks for getting people to and from the building are important too .
“ Knowledge , information , and awareness are essential to ensure users get the best from any sustainable space ,” said Nick Gostick , Director of Inntropy at the Nottingham Sustainability and Enterprise Centre ( NSEC ).
Lucelia Rodrigues , from the University of Nottingham ’ s Sustainable and Resilient Cities priority area and ETRI , agreed and summarised the three things she believes to be vital to successful sustainable space projects : “ Design , education , and collective thinking – working together – are key . Shared solutions such as group energy storage can provide cost-effective sustainable solutions but require collaborative thinking .”
How can we persuade people sustainability is a good investment ?
“ Evidence is important ,” said Richard Wigginton , Head of Capital Projects , UNIP . It is critical to articulate the commercial imperative and added value to tenant businesses . The long-term benefits must be clear . While sustainable solutions don ’ t have to cost much there is also an ethical view that sustainability offers added social and moral value in the longer term . These decisions do not always need to be commercially driven . “ The University of Nottingham is in a position where it is able to lead the sustainability agenda by being by being a Good Corporate Citizen ,” explained Tock . “ Sustainability , if done right , is ethical as well ,” said Gostick .
62 | UKSPA breakthrough | Summer 2017