ReWork: retrofitting offices

Half-day conference

Monday 17 July 2023
14:30 - 17:30

Join this half-day conference exploring how the retrofit-first approach can create flexible and sustainable workplaces for the modern workforce.

In the UK, non-domestic stock accounts for 23% of overall operational carbon emissions in the built environment. A recent report authored by JLL and the London Property Alliance determines that 74% of office buildings in Westminster and the City of London will need to be upgraded before 2030 to meet the mayor’s targets for a net zero carbon city. Advocating for a “retrofit first” approach, The British Property Federation (BPF) have called for the government to introduce an “overarching retrofit strategy and tax incentives”. How can the industry balance the pressing need for workplace retrofit delivery whilst developing a nuanced strategy for a complex range of typologies?

Commercial buildings present a distinct set of challenges, being more subject to turnover of use. How can practitioners meet the challenge of retrofitting adaptability and flexibility into buildings? Are there opportunities and resources for CAZ office buildings to be retrofitted for housing?

Employees increasingly expect workplaces to be sustainable, healthy, and flexible, and to offer an enticing alternative to working from home. As well as optimising energy savings and reducing operational costs, retrofitting existing workspaces can also serve to improve the wellbeing, productivity, satisfaction, and retention of employees. How can retrofit design work to attract employees into the office? What technologies, skillsets and amenities are necessary to meet the demand for workplace retrofits?

This conference will explore the steps that built environment stakeholders can take to streamline this process, first looking at trends, and then showcasing the retrofit-first approach.