Resource Efficiency in Construction and Building Environment (RE-C-BE)

Nearly half of the UK’s carbon emission are linked to the construction and operation of the built environment, and this figure excludes the embodied carbon in the materials used in construction. The challenge to reduce emissions from the built environment is immense: buildings have long lives locking in use-phase performance over generations; new build rates are at only 1% per year compared to the existing building stock requiring difficult retrofit options; design and construction processes are complex involving numerous materials, products, trades and decisions. And all the while, consumers continue to demand higher levels of service provision from the built environment. RECBE responds to these challenges by seeking to answer the question: how can the built environment deliver future energy and material services, while at the same time reducing resource use and environmental impact? RECBE provides a regular forum for academics, designers, engineers, contractors and policy makers to explore these ideas, to formulate novel solutions, and collaborate together on research and implementation projects. Practically, this means meeting two or three times a year, for a presentations and discussion around a chosen topical theme. Members are encouraged to present their ideas and findings from their research projects and activities, and to be open to potential collaborations. A small steering committee will be formed from the members to help with host and run these events. N/A Contact Jonathan Cullen jmc99@cam.ac.uk 44 7879116817 www.refficiency.cam.ac.uk