Hamburger menu JOHN DUNNE - GREEN TV'S DECARBONISATION SUMMIT 2021 AT THE COP26 CLIMATE CONFERENCE COP26 saw the last-minute agreement of the Glasgow Climate Pact to accelerate action on climate change. But, with so many of us wondering whether this deal is enough, it is clear there is no time to lose in swiftly addressing the impacts that we ourselves are having on the environment FIND OUT MORE ABOUT HOW WE'RE CHANGING OUR HABITS FOR COP 26 We work in one of the least environmentally sustainable industries in the world. According to the Construction Climate Challenge, our sector is responsible for up to 50 per cent of climate change, 40 per cent of energy usage and 50 per cent of landfill waste. And, during week two of COP26, this was the focus of a Green TV panel I attended, alongside other industry experts. Unpacking the challenges faced by the built environment sector in the drive to Net Zero, it becomes apparent that there is a huge task ahead. It was encouraging to hear, however, that other panelists were on the same page as me about what is needed if we are to step up the rate of progress. The need for more data and knowledge sharing is critical, as well as greater leadership and collaboration, to leverage the incredible technologies that can help us achieve climate targets. Watch the Buildings and Architecture Panel Video Lack of data is a fundamental challenge for our industry. We can implement new technologies, but without data to inform our understanding of how and where they will work most effectively, we will struggle to understand which changes will have the most impact, drive efficiencies and give us the best return on investment. Better data leads to better decision making. Coupled with this, is the need to share knowledge and in doing so encourage collaboration. To give an example, 95% of market ready sustainable technologies never get considered because key decision makers do not know they exist, or suppliers don’t have access to the key corporate decision makers. Promoting smarter solutions to design, construct, and maintain buildings, requires us to bridge that knowledge gap. Beyond that, we need to see businesses taking a lead and, as a sector, we need to encourage customers to push boundaries. One solution mentioned during the Green TV discussion was mycelium, a material with incredible thermal qualities. But the problem is that even when innovations are unearthed, many go unused because it is hard to get certified or because businesses are nervous about putting their faith in something new. At Wates, we are doing what we can to solve this issue. Through our Wates Innovation Network portal, we assess the viability of innovations and connect our customers with the solutions to help meet sustainability targets. We are seeing some great examples of what can be achieved, with Lloyds Banking Group already working with suppliers who are at the cutting-edge of sustainable technology. Ultimately, if we are to limit global warming to that critical 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, we as an industry need to break new ground. So many of the solutions are out there, but to reduce emissions at scale, we need the data to make sure they are being worked to their best advantage, and we need to see more businesses having the courage to put them into action and lead the way. Latest news Wates & JLL win silver green apple environment award for energy management system 19 NOVEMBER 2021 An environmental partnership between Wates FM and JLL has received a silver International Green Apple Environmental Award as part of a campaign to find the greenest technologies. "There is no Planet B" VIDEO Designing, constructing and maintaining buildings in response to the challenge of climate change. Watch our video documentary. Connecting innovators with large corporates is key to achieving COP26 goals BLOG Dr. Zainab Dangana discusses how connecting innovators, such as those that are a part of the Wates Innovation Network portal, with large companies is key to achieving the COP26 goals. Wates, Arup and HKS launch partnership to decarbonise NHS estate 19 OCTOBER 2021 Decarbonising Health Estates Partnership (DHEP) launched at industry roundtable to discuss NHS’ net zero challenge. Wates and Lloyds Banking Group join forces to drive environmental sustainability 05 AUGUST 2021 Wates and Lloyds Banking Group will work together to seek out new energy efficient innovations to form an elite network of green tech businesses, adding to the WIN Portal’s current network of 45 Innovation Partners. Wates supports the Terra Carta - a roadmap to a sustainable future 23 FEBRUARY 2021 We are proud to support the TerraCarta from HRH The Prince of Wales’ Sustainable Markets Initiative. The Terra Carta provides a roadmap to 2030 for businesses to move towards an ambitious and sustainable future. Wates introduces first fleet of electric vehicles 06 OCTOBER 2021 Wates Property Services has taken the next step in its commitment to eliminating waste and carbon from its operations by 2025 with the delivery of its first fleet of electric commercial vehicles. Wates Group commits to zero waste and carbon from operations by 2025 13 JANUARY 2020 The Wates Group has today committed to eliminating waste and carbon from its operations by 2025, well ahead of the Governments own environmental targets. The company has committed to three bold targets to help ensure it does zero harm to the environment… Wates rises to zero carbon challenge with launch of social housing energy services 25 NOVEMBER 2020 Wates Living Space has launched a new service to help social landlords to prepare their housing stock to meet zero carbon obligations. © Copyright Wates 2021 To find out more about the cookies we use, see our Website Privacy Policy. Settings Yes, I agree