In this insightful episode, we delve into the complexities of carbon emissions within the construction industry. Our guest, Gilbert Lennox King, CEO and co-founder of Construction Carbon, shares his mission to simplify carbon management for developers. We explore the crucial distinction between embodied and operational carbon, the drivers behind the growing focus on embodied carbon, and innovative financial incentives for sustainable development. Discover how Construction Carbon is helping developers and funders forecast, track, and reduce their carbon footprint, and gain valuable insights into the future of sustainable construction.  

Key Takeaways

● Embodied carbon refers to emissions from the materials and construction processes of a building, while operational carbon is associated with its energy use.  
● The importance of embodied carbon is growing as operational emissions decrease due to grid decarbonisation.  
● Construction Carbon aims to simplify carbon management for developers by providing tools to forecast, track, and reduce emissions.  
● Financial incentives, such as rebates on development loans, are being used to encourage developers to reduce embodied carbon.  
● The UK Net Zero Carbon Building Standard provides benchmarks and definitions for net zero carbon in construction and operation.  
● Measuring and verifying embodied carbon is becoming increasingly important for reporting to voluntary frameworks and for due diligence.  
● There are differing views on the role of timber in reducing embodied carbon, particularly regarding the accounting of carbon sequestration.  
● The industry is working towards better integration of various standards and data to improve building sustainability.  

Best Moments
● "It's not that complicated really."  
● "Sometimes it's not that nice to run your company either."  
● "We're on a mission to try and make carbon simpler for developers."  
● "You could build the most energy-efficient building in the world and fly in the materials from coal-fired factories and nobody would actually care about that upstream emissions, whereas now I think there's sort of broader recognition that you need to look at the whole life of a building."  

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Jon Ackroyd - https://uk.linkedin.com/in/jonackroyd

Oliver Lowrie - https://www.linkedin.com/in/oliver-lowrie/?original_referer=&originalSubdomain=uk

EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT

The Future of Sustainable Design with Kelly Alvarez Doran
Is the Future of Housing Rental? With Michael Keaveney from Grainger PLC

ABOUT THE HOSTS

Jon Ackroyd and Oliver Lowrie, the visionary hosts of Urban Forecast, bring their expertise from leading their innovative practice, Ackroyd Lowrie. Known for pushing the boundaries in urban design, Jon and Oliver use their podcast to delve into the future of cities, sharing insights from their work on projects that emphasise sustainability, community, and transformative architecture. Through Urban Forecast, they engage listeners with discussions on how architecture and design shape urban living, aiming to inspire new ways of thinking about the spaces around us.

CONNECT & CONTACT

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ackroydlowrie/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/ackroyd-lowrie/

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/discover/urbanforecast

Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@UrbanForecast

Email: [email protected]

In this episode of Urban Forecast, we sit down with Kelly Alvarez Doran, Co-founder and CEO of Half Climate Design, to discuss the crucial role of embodied carbon in architecture. Kelly shares insights from his career, from working in mining to leading sustainable projects in Rwanda, exploring the choices architects make and their far-reaching impact. We dive into why current regulations are stifling low-carbon construction, how embodied and operational carbon should be viewed together, and what needs to change to make truly sustainable building practices mainstream.


Key Takeaways

1. Embodied vs. Operational Carbon – It is not an either-or debate. Both must be considered over a building’s lifetime.
2. The Scale of Architectural Impact – A single design decision, such as a foundation for a residential project, can have the carbon equivalent of driving a car for 60 years.
3. Lessons from Rwanda – Working in a context where materials are expensive but labour is abundant offers a completely different design approach, freeing architects to be more innovative.
4. UK Regulations Are Holding Us Back – Post-Grenfell fire safety rules have inadvertently made it harder to use lower-carbon materials like timber, despite these materials not being involved in the disaster.
5. Architects' Agency in Sustainability – While building regulations are restrictive, architects still have influence over material choices, and even small decisions can make a difference.
6. The Role of Education – Training architects and builders to understand the full carbon impact of their decisions is crucial for real change.
7. The Future of Sustainable Building – Countries like Denmark have embraced whole-life carbon policies, setting an example for others to follow.
8. Rethinking Materials – The construction industry relies too heavily on high-carbon materials like aluminium when lower-impact alternatives exist.


Best Moments

1. "One design decision I made for a foundation had the same carbon impact as driving a car for 60 years."
2. "Once you see embodied carbon, it is hard to unsee it."
3. "The irony is that post-Grenfell regulations have made it harder to build with sustainable materials that were not even involved in the fire."
4. "Architects are like chefs who do not think about the slaughterhouse – we specify materials without truly considering where they come from or their impact."


VALUABLE RESOURCES

Ackroyd Lowrie - https://www.ackroydlowrie.com

Half Climate Design - https://halfclimatedesign.com/ 

Jon Ackroyd - https://uk.linkedin.com/in/jonackroyd

Oliver Lowrie - https://www.linkedin.com/in/oliver-lowrie/?original_referer=&originalSubdomain=uk

ABOUT THE HOSTS

Jon Ackroyd and Oliver Lowrie, the visionary hosts of Urban Forecast, bring their expertise from leading their innovative practice, Ackroyd Lowrie. Known for pushing the boundaries in urban design, Jon and Oliver use their podcast to delve into the future of cities, sharing insights from their work on projects that emphasise sustainability, community, and transformative architecture. Through Urban Forecast, they engage listeners with discussions on how architecture and design shape urban living, aiming to inspire new ways of thinking about the spaces around us.

CONNECT & CONTACT

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ackroydlowrie/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/ackroyd-lowrie/

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/discover/urbanforecast

Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@UrbanForecast

Email: [email protected]

In this special episode of Urban Forecast Podcast, we’re diving into the buzz of MIPIM – the global real estate event in Cannes. We discuss why we attend, how it compares to UKREiiF, and the evolving landscape of networking in the industry. From the shifting presence of local authorities to the changing culture of the event, we explore whether MIPIM still holds the same influence post-COVID and amid economic pressures. Tune in for insights on the value of attending, the realities of costs, and the opportunities that make it a must-visit for many in the built environment.

Key Takeaways

1. MIPIM remains a key global networking event – It offers a chance to connect with real estate professionals, investors, and decision-makers in an international setting.
2. The role of local authorities is shifting – Post-COVID and with financial pressures, fewer local councils attend, altering the traditional networking landscape.
3. UKREiiF vs. MIPIM – UKREiiF provides strong UK-focused opportunities, but lacks the global investment presence and glamour of MIPIM.
4. The cost of attending is significant – With tickets, accommodation, and travel, budgets can easily hit £10,000 for two people.
5. The culture of MIPIM is evolving – While it has historically been male-dominated, there is increasing diversity in attendees.
6. London has a strong presence – The London stand at MIPIM acts as a key hub for architects, developers, and planners.
7. Beyond the Palais – Much of the real networking happens in the bars, restaurants, and informal gatherings around Cannes.
8. RIBA offers discounted access for chartered practices – This can help ease the financial burden for first-time attendees.

Best Moments

💬 "MIPIM is about networking, bringing people together, and having ideas—it’s more than just an expo."

💬 "There’s a perception of it being a ‘champagne-on-the-beach’ event, but in reality, it’s where big discussions about investment and development happen."

💬 "UKREiiF is great, but it can feel like a holiday park in Butlins compared to the international scope of MIPIM."

💬 "Whether you’re in the Palais or just at the bars and restaurants, the real value of MIPIM is in the people you meet."

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Ackroyd Lowrie - https://www.ackroydlowrie.com

MIPIM - https://www.mipim.com/en-gb.html#/

EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT

How ESG can make you money and help the planet with Andy Cox - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TqQWYGnAuYQ

Is the Future of Housing Rental? With Michael Keaveney from Grainger PLC - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KUCVQHJ0Hg

ABOUT THE HOSTS

Jon Ackroyd and Oliver Lowrie, the visionary hosts of Urban Forecast, bring their expertise from leading their innovative practice, Ackroyd Lowrie. Known for pushing the boundaries in urban design, Jon and Oliver use their podcast to delve into the future of cities, sharing insights from their work on projects that emphasise sustainability, community, and transformative architecture. Through Urban Forecast, they engage listeners with discussions on how architecture and design shape urban living, aiming to inspire new ways of thinking about the spaces around us.

CONNECT & CONTACT

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ackroydlowrie/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/ackroyd-lowrie/

Email: [email protected]

RIBA is set to spend £85 million on refurbishing its London HQ - but could that money be better spent elsewhere? In this episode of Urban Forecast, we debate how those funds could be used to truly benefit the architectural profession. From AI’s impact on design to the need for research and development, we explore where investment could drive real industry change - rather than becoming a prestige project. Join us for an insightful discussion on how to build a better future for architects and the cities they shape.

Key Takeaways:
AI in Architecture – While AI presents opportunities, it also threatens to erode the traditional role of architects.

RIBA’s Responsibility – The £85 million should be invested in initiatives that truly benefit architects rather than prestige projects.

Incubation Spaces – Creating research and development hubs could drive innovation but would need to be commercially viable.

Material Testing Facilities – Allocating funds to test new materials could help improve sustainability and safety in architecture.

Supporting Young Architects – Financial backing for emerging talent and start-ups would strengthen the profession’s future.

Industry Collaboration – A portion of the funds should go towards fostering stronger connections between architects, developers, and policymakers.

Making Cities Better – Any investment should ultimately contribute to improving the built environment, aligning with RIBA’s core mission.

The Grenfell Impact – The tragedy reshaped building regulations, yet timber, an inherently sustainable material, was banned while other riskier materials remained in use.

Best Moments (Quotes):
“What I don’t think it should be is a vanity project for RIBA. It needs to actually make a difference in building better cities.”

“AI has the potential to reshape the profession, but could it also diminish the role of the architect?”

“Grenfell was a concrete-frame building wrapped in plastic and metal, yet timber got banned. Where’s the logic in that?”

“£85 million sounds like a lot, but when you break it down, it barely scratches the surface of what’s needed.”

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Riba £85m Proposal - https://www.architecture.com/knowledge-and-resources/knowledge-landing-page/riba-house-of-architecture-investment-plans-revealed#:~:text=The%20%C2%A385%20million%20proposal,more%20widely%20than%20ever%20before

Ackroyd Lowrie - https://www.ackroydlowrie.com/

EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT

How ESG can make you money and help the planet with Andy Cox - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TqQWYGnAuYQ

Is the Future of Housing Rental? With Michael Keaveney from Grainger PLC - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KUCVQHJ0Hg

ABOUT THE HOSTS

Jon Ackroyd and Oliver Lowrie, the visionary hosts of Urban Forecast, bring their expertise from leading their innovative practice, Ackroyd Lowrie. Known for pushing the boundaries in urban design, Jon and Oliver use their podcast to delve into the future of cities, sharing insights from their work on projects that emphasise sustainability, community, and transformative architecture. Through Urban Forecast, they engage listeners with discussions on how architecture and design shape urban living, aiming to inspire new ways of thinking about the spaces around us.

CONNECT & CONTACT

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ackroydlowrie/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/ackroyd-lowrie/

Email: [email protected]

Is renting the future of housing in the UK? In this episode of Urban Forecast, we sit down with Michael Keaveney, Director of Land and Development at Grainger PLC, to explore the evolution of Build to Rent (BTR) and its impact on the housing market. From navigating planning challenges to the sustainability debate, Michael shares his insights on where the sector is heading, the role of investors, and whether BTR can truly help solve the UK’s housing crisis.

We also discuss the 'Goldilocks zone' for BTR viability, why placemaking is critical to long-term success, and the policy changes that could make or break the industry’s growth. Whether you're an investor, developer, or simply interested in the future of housing, this episode is packed with valuable insights.

 Key Takeaways:

Build to Rent is here to stay – BTR has grown significantly in recent years, but challenges remain in scaling it to meet demand.

The ‘Goldilocks’ principle – BTR only works in locations where land costs and rental income align, making it viable in some areas but not others.

Sustainability is a renter’s concern—up to a point – Operational energy costs matter, but embodied carbon remains low on the priority list for tenants.

The importance of placemaking – BTR developments thrive when they integrate well with their surroundings and contribute to local communities.

Policy and investment are crucial – Government subsidies, planning reform, and investor confidence all shape the future of the sector.

COVID-19 accelerated the rise of BTR – Lockdowns highlighted the importance of quality rental housing with strong amenities.

Tenant expectations are evolving – More renters are considering EPC ratings and total cost of living when choosing a home.

Subsidy is essential for affordable housing – Without increased government support, BTR alone won’t solve the UK’s housing crisis.

Best Moments (Quotes):

“COVID-19 really proved the value of Build to Rent – people started to understand why quality rental housing matters.”

“If you get placemaking wrong, your development won’t work – it has to feel like part of the community, not just a block of flats.”

“The reality is, you can’t have subsidised housing without subsidy – social rent needs serious government support.”

“There’s a ‘Goldilocks’ zone for Build to Rent – too expensive, and it doesn’t stack up. Too cheap, and it won’t get built.”

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Ackroyd Lowrie

Grainger PLC

EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT

Modernise or Die: the hard truths about MMC and housing delivery

How ESG can make you money and help the planet with Andy Cox 

ABOUT THE HOSTS

Jon Ackroyd and Oliver Lowrie, the visionary hosts of Urban Forecast, bring their expertise from leading their innovative practice, Ackroyd Lowrie. Known for pushing the boundaries in urban design, Jon and Oliver use their podcast to delve into the future of cities, sharing insights from their work on projects that emphasise sustainability, community, and transformative architecture. Through Urban Forecast, they engage listeners with discussions on how architecture and design shape urban living, aiming to inspire new ways of thinking about the spaces around us.

CONNECT & CONTACT

Instagram

LinkedIn

Email: [email protected]

In this episode of Urban Forecast, we sit down with Andy Cox, Director & Co-founder of Trigon, to discuss the evolving landscape of development management, ESG, and the Building Safety Act. Andy shares his journey into real estate, the challenges of navigating increasing regulation, and why sustainability must be more than a compliance exercise.

With discussions around risk management, stranded assets, and the impact of regulation on development, this episode is a must-listen for anyone in the property, construction, or investment sectors.

Are we drowning in legislation, or can we carve out a clearer path forward? Tune in to find out.

 Key Takeaways:

From karaoke to construction – Andy’s unconventional route into real estate and why people, not just projects, fuel his passion.

The real impact of ESG – Why sustainability isn’t just a ‘nice-to-have’ but essential for asset resilience.

Regulation overload? – The tension between economic growth and increasing legal constraints in the UK property market.

The risk of stranded assets – How developers are adapting to maintain asset value amid rising ESG expectations.

Building Safety Act realities – What’s working, what’s not, and why clarity is key for the industry.

Procurement evolution – Are we heading towards a new hybrid model of development and construction management?

A housing market in limbo – Can planning reform, increased housing targets, and viability challenges ever align?

What’s next? – Predictions for 2025 and beyond—will we see real progress, or are we in for another year of uncertainty?


 Best Moments (Quotes):

 “Sustainability shouldn’t be a bolt-on. It needs to be woven into everything we do.” – Andy Cox

 “We’ve got the accelerator on and the brake on at the same time. No wonder the industry is stalling.” – Oli

 “The Building Safety Act has changed the definition of compliance - it’s no longer about ticking a box.” – Andy Cox

 “If we want certainty in the market, we need to distill regulation - not just keep adding more.” – Jon


VALUABLE RESOURCES

Ackroyd Lowrie - https://www.ackroydlowrie.com/

Trigon - https://trigon-dm.com/about/

EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT

The Architect who entered politics - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LmrNRTM5HKk

Modernise or Die: the hard truths about MMC and housing delivery - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lW4N6hDk5i4

ABOUT THE HOSTS

Jon Ackroyd and Oliver Lowrie, the visionary hosts of Urban Forecast, bring their expertise from leading their innovative practice, Ackroyd Lowrie. Known for pushing the boundaries in urban design, Jon and Oliver use their podcast to delve into the future of cities, sharing insights from their work on projects that emphasise sustainability, community, and transformative architecture. Through Urban Forecast, they engage listeners with discussions on how architecture and design shape urban living, aiming to inspire new ways of thinking about the spaces around us.

CONNECT & CONTACT

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ackroydlowrie/reel/CpcSrjlDreV/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/urban-forecast-podcast

Email: [email protected]

In this special episode, Urban Forecast Podcast teams up with Architects for Change to explore the intersection of politics, architecture, and urban regeneration. Jay Morton, Director at Bell Phillips and former political candidate, joins host Oliver Lowrie to discuss the vital role of government vision, sustainable innovation, and community engagement in shaping the built environment.

Together, they unpack how architects can navigate political challenges, influence policy, and drive meaningful change in cities. From tackling the housing crisis to bridging the gap between planning policies and real-world development, this episode offers invaluable insights for anyone passionate about the future of urban spaces.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Architect as Activist: Jay Morton’s unique journey from biochemistry to architecture and political candidacy.
2. Shaping Policy and Spaces: Why architects must influence politics to drive sustainable housing solutions.
3. Fast-Paced Decision-Making: Lessons from campaigning that translate to leadership in architecture.
4. Confidence in Construction: How a stable government vision impacts investor trust and project delivery.
5. Bridging Gaps with Design: The importance of bespoke approaches to engaging diverse communities in urban planning.
6. Sustainability Meets Regulation: Addressing the tension between fire safety laws and low-carbon innovation.
7. Local Leaders as Game-Changers: Why borough-level leadership often has the greatest impact on urban development.
8. Collaborative Innovation: The need for a cross-industry task force to drive innovation and sustainable construction.

BEST MOMENTS

1. "People make places - and that’s where the real power of architecture lies."
2. "Don’t let perfect be the enemy of good - sometimes you just need to act."
3. "A clear, consistent government vision is essential for confidence in the construction sector."
4. "Local leaders know their communities best - they’re the real changemakers in urban planning."

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Ackroyd Lowrie

Bell Phillips

Architects For Change

EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT

Vision 2040: What next for the City of London’s bold vision for transformation

Modernise or Die: the hard truths about MMC and housing delivery

ABOUT THE HOSTS

Jon Ackroyd and Oliver Lowrie, the visionary hosts of Urban Forecast, bring their expertise from leading their innovative practice, Ackroyd Lowrie. Known for pushing the boundaries in urban design, Jon and Oliver use their podcast to delve into the future of cities, sharing insights from their work on projects that emphasise sustainability, community, and transformative architecture. Through Urban Forecast, they engage listeners with discussions on how architecture and design shape urban living, aiming to inspire new ways of thinking about the spaces around us.

CONNECT & CONTACT

Instagram

LinkedIn

Email: [email protected]

In this episode of the Urban Forecast Podcast, we’re joined by Mark Farmer, influential author of Modernise or Die and a leading voice in the housing industry. Mark dives into the hard truths about the future of housing delivery, exploring whether modern methods of construction (MMC) can truly meet the demands of 300,000 homes a year. From workforce challenges to the downfall of high-profile startups, Mark offers bold opinions and fresh perspectives on what’s needed to transform the housing sector.

Tune in to hear Mark’s take on the real roadblocks and opportunities for change in housing.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

The housing sector faces a declining workforce, exacerbated by an ageing population and post-Brexit labour restrictions.

Current methods of construction are unsustainable if we aim to deliver 300,000 homes annually.

Modern methods of construction (MMC) offer promise but come with challenges, including high fixed costs and market volatility.

High-profile MMC failures like Top Hat and Splash reveal deeper issues with the industry’s approach to scaling innovation.

The importance of long-term resilience in the housing market—short-term gains won’t solve systemic problems.

Collaboration and bold thinking are needed to align policies, funding, and innovative approaches.

Political and economic stability play a critical role in encouraging investment and growth in housing.

Mark emphasises the need for the housing industry to adapt quickly to meet sustainability and market demands.

BEST MOMENTS:

“We need to change the physical delivery model… If we’re going to do more with the same or less, we need to change the model.”

“The industry’s reliance on subcontracting clashes with the fixed costs of manufacturing. It’s a volatile model that isn’t built to withstand downturns.”

“High-profile MMC failures aren’t isolated—they’re symptomatic of an industry that hasn’t fully embraced the new ways of working needed to succeed.”

“If we don’t innovate now, we risk falling further behind in delivering sustainable, scalable housing solutions.”

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Ackroyd Lowrie - https://www.ackroydlowrie.com/
Cast Consultancy - https://www.cast-consultancy.com/

EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT

Housing Crisis: Local Leaders, Bold Solutions - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6EVosyQcyE

Vision 2040: What next for the City of London’s bold vision for transformation - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YTxl537vyaQ

ABOUT THE HOSTS

Jon Ackroyd and Oliver Lowrie, the visionary hosts of Urban Forecast, bring their expertise from leading their innovative practice, Ackroyd Lowrie. Known for pushing the boundaries in urban design, Jon and Oliver use their podcast to delve into the future of cities, sharing insights from their work on projects that emphasise sustainability, community, and transformative architecture. Through Urban Forecast, they engage listeners with discussions on how architecture and design shape urban living, aiming to inspire new ways of thinking about the spaces around us.

CONNECT & CONTACT

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ackroydlowrie/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/ackroyd-lowrie/
Email: [email protected]

In this episode of the Urban Forecast Podcast, we’re joined by Mark Farmer, influential author of Modernise or Die and a leading voice in the housing industry. Mark dives into the hard truths about the future of housing delivery, exploring whether modern methods of construction (MMC) can truly meet the demands of 300,000 homes a year. From workforce challenges to the downfall of high-profile startups, Mark offers bold opinions and fresh perspectives on what’s needed to transform the housing sector.

Tune in to hear Mark’s take on the real roadblocks and opportunities for change in housing.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

The housing sector faces a declining workforce, exacerbated by an ageing population and post-Brexit labour restrictions.

Current methods of construction are unsustainable if we aim to deliver 300,000 homes annually.

Modern methods of construction (MMC) offer promise but come with challenges, including high fixed costs and market volatility.

High-profile MMC failures like Top Hat and Splash reveal deeper issues with the industry’s approach to scaling innovation.

The importance of long-term resilience in the housing market—short-term gains won’t solve systemic problems.

Collaboration and bold thinking are needed to align policies, funding, and innovative approaches.

Political and economic stability play a critical role in encouraging investment and growth in housing.

Mark emphasises the need for the housing industry to adapt quickly to meet sustainability and market demands.

BEST MOMENTS:

“We need to change the physical delivery model… If we’re going to do more with the same or less, we need to change the model.”

“The industry’s reliance on subcontracting clashes with the fixed costs of manufacturing. It’s a volatile model that isn’t built to withstand downturns.”

“High-profile MMC failures aren’t isolated—they’re symptomatic of an industry that hasn’t fully embraced the new ways of working needed to succeed.”

“If we don’t innovate now, we risk falling further behind in delivering sustainable, scalable housing solutions.”

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Ackroyd Lowrie - https://www.ackroydlowrie.com/
Cast Consultancy - https://www.cast-consultancy.com/

EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT

Housing Crisis: Local Leaders, Bold Solutions - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6EVosyQcyE

Vision 2040: What next for the City of London’s bold vision for transformation - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YTxl537vyaQ

ABOUT THE HOSTS

Jon Ackroyd and Oliver Lowrie, the visionary hosts of Urban Forecast, bring their expertise from leading their innovative practice, Ackroyd Lowrie. Known for pushing the boundaries in urban design, Jon and Oliver use their podcast to delve into the future of cities, sharing insights from their work on projects that emphasise sustainability, community, and transformative architecture. Through Urban Forecast, they engage listeners with discussions on how architecture and design shape urban living, aiming to inspire new ways of thinking about the spaces around us.

CONNECT & CONTACT

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ackroydlowrie/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/ackroyd-lowrie/
Email: [email protected]

In this episode of Urban Forecast by Ackroyd Lowrie, we speak to Shravan Joshi, MBA, Chair of the Planning and Transportation Committee at the City of London Corporation. Shravan discusses the transformative Vision 2040 framework, which redefines sustainability, heritage, and urban growth in the Square Mile. From addressing the embodied carbon of buildings to balancing modernisation with the City’s rich 2000-year history, Shravan offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to plan for the future. We explore the rise of retrofit-first strategies, the power of green finance, and the role of global collaboration in building a truly sustainable urban environment.

KEY TAKEAWAYS
Vision 2040: A bold roadmap for the City of London, focusing on sustainability, heritage preservation, and economic growth.

Retrofit-First Policy: How prioritising retrofitting over redevelopment is reshaping the City’s approach to sustainability.

Green Finance & Transition Finance: Why investment is increasingly driven by environmental credentials and the rise of super-prime sustainable buildings.
Balancing Heritage with Modernisation: The unique challenge of preserving historic architecture while embracing cutting-edge development.

Post-Pandemic Reimagining: Adapting office spaces for hybrid working and integrating cultural and experiential elements to “earn the commute.”

Global Urban Learnings: Insights from cities like Paris and New York on sustainable urban regeneration and planning innovations.

Incentivising Sustainability: Why tax reforms like reduced VAT on retrofitting are crucial for driving sustainable development.

Digital Planning Revolution: How the City of London is spearheading a unified digital framework for planning across the UK.

BEST MOMENTS

“You cannot not have change. What we need is responsible change that respects both heritage and sustainability.” – Shravan Joshi

“Retrofit is no longer just policy—it’s market demand. Developers are now driving the shift towards sustainability.” – Shravan Joshi

“Vision 2040 is about growth, but growth done responsibly, celebrating our history while innovating for the future.” – Shravan Joshi

“Urban densification is not just about economics—it’s about reducing our carbon footprint and planning for long-term sustainability.” – Shravan Joshi

VALUABLE RESOURCES
Ackroyd Lowrie - http://www.ackroydlowrie.com
City of London Corporation - https://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/about-us

EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT

Labour Reacts to the budget: Can we deliver £1.5 million homes - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NCvAcDx9e6g

Housing Crisis: Local Leaders, Bold Solutions - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6EVosyQcyE

ABOUT THE HOSTS

Jon Ackroyd and Oliver Lowrie, the visionary hosts of Urban Forecast, bring their expertise from leading their innovative practice, Ackroyd Lowrie. Known for pushing the boundaries in urban design, Jon and Oliver use their podcast to delve into the future of cities, sharing insights from their work on projects that emphasise sustainability, community, and transformative architecture. Through Urban Forecast, they engage listeners with discussions on how architecture and design shape urban living, aiming to inspire new ways of thinking about the spaces around us.

CONNECT & CONTACT
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ackroydlowrie/reel/CpcSrjlDreV/
LinkedIn - http://linkedin.com/company/urban-forecast-podcast
Email: [email protected]