28 Jan Students invited to learn sustainable construction from industry experts
Built environment students from across the UK are being invited to join industry experts in February to learn how they can help to make the future of construction sustainable through a series of webinars. The webinar series is being held as part of the national Riverside Sunderland: University Design Challenge (RS UDC) which will be launched on 1 February.
The webinar series is split into four weeks, covering the Climate Challenge, Sustainable Construction, Materials and Carbon Emissions, and Net Zero in Practice.
Each week features speakers with practical experience of building sustainably talking to students on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings with Friday offering students a chance to reflect ask questions, talk and form teams with other students for RS UDC.
Speakers recruited for the series include award winning architects, life cycle assessment experts, fabric first advocates, and construction professionals from across the built environment, all who are dedicated to reducing the carbon emissions of our built environment.
Around 40% of the UK’s total carbon footprint can be attributed to the built environment according to the UK Green Building Council, including 50 MtCO2e* of embodied carbon per year. Construction professionals have a significant role to play in reducing emissions.
Tabitha Binding, Programme Manager for RS UDC, said:
“Business as usual is no longer an option. We need great inter-disciplinary teams to create carbon neutral, desirable homes and vibrant communities. This competition is a unique opportunity for students to gain practical insights on how they can help make this happen.
“Students who sign up to the competition will become more climate literate, understand what sustainable timber is, what timber and timber products are available and how to use them effectively and efficiently. These webinars are a chance to engage with real people in industry and build skills.”
Anyone interested in the future of construction can register for the webinar series from the MOBIE, TRADA or CTI websites. You can also find out more about the Riverside Sunderland University Design Challenge competition here too.
A launch event for the Riverside Sunderland: University Design Competition is being held at 6pm Monday 1 February for students, lecturers and tutors. Sign up here. Limited spaces are also available for interested members of the wider profession, public or media are provided via RSVP.
What is the Riverside Sunderland: University Design Challenge (RS UDC)?
RS UDC is bringing together interdisciplinary students from across the UK to design a unique, carbon neutral urban quarter, with an indicative masterplan of around 100 homes on the riverside site, and a one 3-bed family home in detail that meets or exceeds the RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge**.
Who can participate?
Students from all built environment courses at UK universities, from first to final year, along with 2020 graduates. However, students must register to participate by 28 February.
Where can I find out more details on the webinar series?
The indicative programme is available online, with weeks one through four themed as Climate Challenge, Sustainable Construction, Materials and Carbon Emissions, and Net Zero in Practice. A full programme will be sent after registration.
How can I register to participate in the competition and webinar series?
Simply fill out your details via the online form, with your name, the details of your lecturer or tutor, university and course, and any other details relevant to participation.
How long will the competition run for?
The competition is officially launched on 1 February, and will run for four months, closing Friday 28 May 2021. The webinar series is being run along the first month to provide students the advice and expertise to help them succeed.
