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.

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