Building a Net-Zero Future: Co-Designing Sustainable Neighbourhoods
On October 21, 2024, a transformative workshop focused on co-designing energy-positive neighbourhoods Jointly organized by London South Bank University (LSBU), University of Surrey, Loughborough University, University of Nottingham, the Chetwynd Community Interest Company (CIC), and the RECLAIM Network Plus, the event brought together diverse stakeholders to tackle sustainability challenges collaboratively.
Workshop Objectives
This workshop was designed to:
Raise awareness of bio roofs, solar PVs, and zero-carbon retrofitting.
Discuss sustainable business models and public engagement strategies.
Collect feedback on Broxtowe and Nottingham councils' Carbon Supplementary Planning Document (SPD).
Explore the implementation of the Community Energy Fund (CEF)-supported project.
Attendees and Partners
The event brought together over 40 participants, including:
Councillors Skinner (Broxtowe Borough Council) and Kerry (Nottinghamshire County Council).
Representatives from community groups, such as local energy activists and environmental organizations.
Industry stakeholders, including developers, energy consultants, and Tomato Energy representatives.
Academic experts from LSBU, University of Surrey, Loughborough University, University of Nottingham and Bath University
Workshop Highlights
Morning Session
The morning began with a welcome address by Project Lead Hua Zhong (LSBU), who emphasized the importance of participatory approaches to sustainability.
Ian Ward (Chetwynd CIC Chair) outlined the regional net-zero fund proposal, presenting strategies for the Toton, Chilwell Meadows, and Chilwell West areas.
Mark Trought (Net Zero Lead, CTTCNF) delivered a keynote titled “A Sub-Urban Net-Zero Community,” exploring solar PVs, microgrids, and retrofitting initiatives as solutions for achieving net-zero.
Prof. Aoife Houlihan Wiberg (Bath University) shared insights from Norway’s zero-emission building projects, showcasing international best practices for sustainable neighborhoods.
Keynote Presentation
The University of Surrey presented findings from a decade-long study evaluating the long-term effectiveness of RECLAIM project.
Afternoon Session
The afternoon opened with Julie Godefroy (CIBSE) delivering a keynote titled “Retrofit Revisit,” emphasizing the significance of retrofitting in climate-resilient buildings.
Dominika Walker and Iain Wheeler (Tomato Energy) provided industry insights into innovative solar PV business models.
Group discussions, chaired by Hua Zhong, Ian Ward, and Mark Trought, explored local challenges, economic and technical barriers, and strategies for engaging the public in net-zero adoption.
Key Discussions and Outcomes
The round-table discussions delved into several critical challenges and opportunities:
Addressing aesthetic and property market concerns surrounding solar PV installations.
Enhancing grid resilience to accommodate dense solar infrastructure.
Expanding solar initiatives into broader community infrastructure, including heat networks.
Participants raised key points such as:
“People don’t like mirrors on their roofs.”
“Homes with solar PVs can be harder to sell.”
“Increased solar PV density reduces installation costs but may strain the local distribution network.”
These discussions provided actionable insights to guide the Chetwynd CIC’s Business Feasibility Study Which is funded by Midland Net Zero Hub.
Acknowledgments
The success of the workshop was underpinned by the collaboration of:
London South Bank University (LSBU).
University of Surrey.
Loughborough University.
University of Nottingham.
Chetwynd CIC.
This workshop has been supported by the UKRI-funded RECLAIM Network Plus grant (EP/W034034/1). Special thanks to the RECLAIM Network for funding and supporting the event, and to all participants whose contributions enriched the discussions. The workshop highlighted the transformative power of co-design and community engagement in creating sustainable urban futures.
For further details or to contribute, please contact Hua Zhong at hua.zhong@lsbu.ac.uk