New London Architecture

Can tall buildings be sustainable?

Debate

Wednesday 26 July 2023
18:30 - 20:30

To discuss the feasibility of tall buildings being net zero, join this NLA Debate to hear for and against the sustainability of high rises.
The future of high rises continues to be a topic of significant debate as the industry looks for environmental solutions to accommodate growing populations. 
 
Retrofitting existing tall buildings present increased challenges with new construction policies underway and reviewed fire safety regulations off the back of Grenfell, so what lies ahead for the future of high rises in London, and can they be sustainable in the long term? 
 
High rises provide a crucial solution to housing in dense urban areas and can free up land for green spaces that can regenerate cities. However, the construction of tall buildings has led to higher embodied carbon than mid to low rise blocks due to increased structural construction, overheating and excess heat loss.
 
Can environmental standardisations be adapted successfully for the construction of tall buildings or do we need to find alternative ways of tackling urban density?
 
To dispute how tall buildings can remain a viable solution to a growing population whilst staying green, we will hear key responses to the following crucial question: Can tall buildings be sustainable?
 
NLA Debates use a presentation format that is based on a simple idea: aye or nay? We pose a motion to a set of speakers with contradicting views on a burning issue. Speakers then present a case for either, with the audience ultimately voting to reject or approve the motion.

Programme

Programme:
 
18:30    Arrivals and refreshments
 
19:00    Welcome from Chair
              Jo Bacon, Partner, Allies and Morrison 
                                            
19:07   Debate
             Russell Whitehead, Director, Building Structures Division Lead, Robert Bird     
             Group
             Agnieszka Zimnicka, Regeneration Manager – Place, London Borough of Tower 
             Hamlets 
             Luke Askwith, Senior Associate, Gensler
             Simon Erridge, Director, Bennetts Associates
 
 19:30  Audience comments and Q&A
 
20:00   Drinks and networking 
 
20:30   End
 

Speaker biographies

Jo Bacon

Partner, Allies and Morrison

Russell Whitehead

Director, Robert Bird Group

Dr Agnieszka Zimnicka

Regeneration Manager, London Borough of Tower Hamlets

Luke Askwith

Architect, Associate, and Developer Office Buildings Practice Area Leader for Europe, Gensler

Simon Erridge

Director, Bennetts Associates


Tall Buildings

#NLATallBuildings

Venue

The London Centre, 
3 Aldermanbury, 
London, 
EC2V 7HH

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