GoGreen

Sustainable Westminster Symposium

On April 10^th 2008, Westminster City Council held a symposium at the Royal Institute for British Architects entitled Sustainable Westminster: Retrofitting Historic Buildings for Sustainability. This event explored how Westminster’s historic and protected buildings can be adapted in the face of climate change, addressing both policy approaches and practical examples.

Westminster has over 11,000 listed buildings and 55 conservation areas, covering over 75% of the city’s area. This historic environment is unique, extensive and worthy of the highest levels of protection. However, some of the most serious challenges lie in making existing buildings more sustainable and energy efficient, especially where these are listed or require special consideration due to their architectural or historic interest.

All of those involved with the management and development of this historic environment need to be aware of these challenges and implement fundamental changes to the way in which these buildings operate, in addition to seeking new and innovative ways of reconciling the issues of sustainability and the protection of the historic environment.

The symposium brought together a host of expert speakers - from key organisations such as English Heritage, architecture and conservation practices, as well as policy makers and practitioners - to give an overview of the issues we face and the solutions we must pursue.

This symposium is the first of an intended programme of events exploring this issue. A follow-up symposium will be held on February 10th 2009 at New London Architecture from 8am - 2pm. Book tickets for this event on www.newlondonarchitecture.org/conferences.

For more information about the event, please follow the links below:

Event Programme

Edited Transcripts

PowerPoint Presentations:

'Sustainability & Developement in a Historic City: Policy, Processes and Values'

'The English Heritage Perspective'

'Reconciling Energy and Building Conservation'

'The Carbon Challenge: an Artchitect's Perspective'

'The Flagship Home Project'

'Is Retrofitting Eaton Square Sustainable?' (Grosvenor Estate)

'Is Retrofitting Eaton Square Sustainable?' (PDM Consultants)

'The Portman Estate: Investing in the Future'