news from the BRE Group
published: 18/5/2009
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Tackling the big issues at INSITE09
At the INSITE09 conference at BRE Watford on 1-4 June, a very distinguished line up of expert speakers will discuss and debate some of today's most pressing issues, including:
- the unprecedented challenges of climate change,
- the urgent need to refurbish much of the UK building stock,
- the ticking time bomb of our ageing population, and
- the complex problem of making towns and cities more sustainable.
Addressing these issues will be well known figures such as Housing Minister, Margaret Beckett MP, and environmental campaigner, Jonathan Porritt CBE, along with prominent experts in wide ranging aspects of sustainability and senior journalists from the built environment sector.
Day 1 - 1 June - Climate change
Jonathan Porritt and other leaders in this field will tackle the challenges of climate change. How, for example, should we adapt to its consequences, such as increased flooding, windstorms and other extreme weather events - and how do we go about reducing carbon emissions and progressing to zero carbon buildings to mitigate its effects? Building magazine's Editor, Denise Chevin, will Chair the event, and lead a panel discussion and Q&A session.
Day 2 - 2 June - Rethinking refurbishment
While much of the sustainability focus has been on new buildings, most current buildings will still be here in 2050, when the UK is aiming to have reduced carbon emissions by 80%. Refurbishment is therefore a vital issue, and a great opportunity to develop a high quality, resource-efficient building stock.
Rt Hon Nick Raynsford MP, President of the National Home Improvement Council, Paul King, the UK Green Building Council Chief Executive, and other leading figures will investigate the best strategies for refurbishing and improving the UK's existing buildings, reducing their carbon footprint and using this opportunity to regenerate communities. Jim McClelland, Editor of Sustain magazine, will lead the panel debate and Q&A.
Day 3 - 3 June - Grey is the new Green
With an increasingly large proportion of elderly people in our communities, we must now consider how homes can be designed and equipped meet the needs of older occupants, and how the ever growing demands for healthcare are going to be effectively met in future.
David Pencheon, Director of the NHS Sustainable Development Unit, Michael Clarke, the Health Manager of Willmott Dixon, and other prominent experts will discuss innovations for ‘assisted living' at home, new strategies for home and community healthcare provision, and other issues such as the problems of fuel poverty and affordability. The Panel debate and Q&A session will be led by Philippa Ward, the Commissioning Editor of Construction News.
Day 4 - 4 June - Sustainable urbanism
Margaret Beckett MP will deliver the keynote speech on sustainable urbanism. Expert speakers will examine related issues such as delivering sustainable masterplans, developing green infrastructure, using BREEAM Communities and living in a low-carbon home. Construction News Editor, Nick Edwards, will lead the panel debate and Q&A discussion.
Conference delegates will also be able to view the full-scale demonstration homes and community buildings on display as part of the INSITE09 exhibition at the BRE Innovation Park.
For more information about INSITE09 and attending the conference, visit http://www.insite09.com/ , tel 01923 664800 or email insite09@bre.co.uk
Note for editors
INSITE09,
INSITE09 is a showcase event for sustainability and innovation in the built environment. Its four-day exhibition and conference offer unique opportunities to gain an insight into the future of low carbon and sustainable buildings. The event takes place at BRE Watford from 1 to 4 June 2009.
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