{"id":31888,"date":"2021-11-26T17:40:50","date_gmt":"2021-11-26T17:40:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/newsblogsnew.ihbc.org.uk\/?p=31888"},"modified":"2021-11-26T17:40:50","modified_gmt":"2021-11-26T17:40:50","slug":"ihbccop26-helpdesk-launches-some-observations-on-moving-forward-after-cop26-discussing-doing-more-about-conserving-our-planet-by-conserving-our-places","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/newsblogs.ihbc.org.uk\/?p=31888","title":{"rendered":"IHBC@COP26 Helpdesk+ launches \u2018Some observations on moving forward after COP26\u2019: Discussing doing more about \u2018Conserving our Planet\u2019 by \u2018Conserving our Places\u2019"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"Following discussions around the IHBC@COP26<\/a>, the Helpdesk+<\/a> has highlighted some options in policy and practice standards that might help us do more about \u2018Conserving our Planet\u2019 by \u2018Conserving our Places\u2019 with \u2018Some observations on moving forward after COP26\u2019<\/a>.<\/em><\/h3>\n

<\/p>\n

\u2026 yet another positive contribution led by the IHBC to advocate on behalf of a more sustainable future\u2026<\/span><\/em><\/h2>\n

IHBC Chair David McDonald said: \u2018I\u2019m delighted to welcome the publication of these new observations on options to move ahead after COP26 as yet another positive contribution led by the IHBC to advocate on behalf of a more sustainable future\u2019.<\/p>\n

\u2026 \u2018IHBC did our bit to raise awareness of the value of conservation\u2026 in tackling climate change.\u2019<\/span><\/em><\/h2>\n

\u2018While views on the success of COP26 have been mixed, I was pleased that the IHBC did our bit to raise awareness of the value of conservation and the positive role that the built and historic environment can play in tackling climate change.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Our IHBC@COP26 HelpDesk+<\/a> service included the accessible Guidance on Conservating our planet through conservation<\/a> – specially drafted for the event \u2013 as well as our partnering with the SPAB, Heritage Trust Network and BEFS.\u00a0 And that\u2019s not to mention the inspiring \u2018<\/em>Climate and Conservation\u2019<\/em> podcasts<\/a> that, if you have not listened to them yet, I\u2019d recommend do so as soon as possible.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018All together these achievements represent a suite of innovative and important statements that demonstrate the IHBC\u2019s potential to make the difference!\u2019<\/p>\n

IHBC Director Se\u00e1n O\u2019Reilly said: \u2018The IHBC@COP26 Helpdesk+<\/a> offered some truly inspirational moments, from any of our popular \u2018Climate and Conservation Podcasts<\/a>\u2019 to the platform discussions by partners on critical issues, not least SPAB on its Old House Project<\/a>\u2019.<\/p>\n

\u2018Reflecting on our COP26 statement on how \u2018Conserving our Places Conserves our Planet<\/a>\u2019, we have now developed our own six observations on how we might better conserve our planet by conserving our places\u2019.<\/p>\n

\u2026 how we can make places more \u2018Sustainable\u2019 through \u2018Care\u2019, \u2018Repair\u2019 and \u2018Adaptation\u2019\u2026. we will promote these [headlines] for discussion and review across our extensive networks\u2026<\/span><\/em><\/h2>\n

\u2018Our new headlines now focus on how we can make places more \u2018Sustainable\u2019 through \u2018Care\u2019, \u2018Repair\u2019 and \u2018Adaptation\u2019, for the benefit of \u2018Nature\u2019 and \u2018Communities\u2019, and we will promote these for discussion and review across our extensive networks.\u2019<\/p>\n

\n

The IHBC writes in \u2019Some observations on moving forward after COP26\u2019<\/em>:<\/p>\n

Sustainable<\/strong><\/span>: Historic buildings and places, including historic gardens and landscapes, constitute non-renewable resources and their conservation is a key component of our sustainable future.<\/em><\/p>\n

Observations<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Adjusting national policy, investment and practice could get us closer to COP26 ambitions, but we must work together to succeed<\/li>\n
  2. Successful implementation demands quality practice in all aspects of care, conservation and enhancement, including especially building retrofit, with competent trade and professional specialists following established guidance and standards.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
    \n

    Care<\/strong>: Conserving buildings and structures \u2013 which includes their care and maintenance \u2013 controls the carbon already captured in their construction and minimises the climate-unfriendly waste of demolition and landfill.<\/em><\/p>\n

    Observations
    \n<\/strong>Making demolition subject to planning permission, and embodied energy a material consideration in planning, would together support sustainability as a priority in the planning and management of our places.<\/p>\n

    \n

    Repair: <\/strong>Repairing, caring for and adapting existing buildings encourages low- carbon traditional construction practices, skills and materials, reducing the need for carbon-heavy concrete, steel and new-build materials and their associated transport and production impacts.<\/em><\/p>\n

    Observations
    \n<\/strong>Reducing or eliminating VAT on repairs \u2013 and, ideally, maintenance – would ensure that our current building stock, and all its embodied energy, is properly managed.<\/p>\n

    \n

    Adaptation<\/strong>: Adapting existing structures to suitable new uses typically is the best way to offer low-carbon, climate-friendly and environmentally sensitive new facilities and places, as many construction awards testify.<\/em><\/p>\n

    Observations
    \n<\/strong>Investing and encouraging investment in the maintenance, renewal and revival of fabric and structures, rather than reproducing, replacing or relocating them, is the best way to give our planet a fighting chance.<\/p>\n

    \n

    Nature<\/strong>: As with caring for gardens and landscapes, traditional design and materials \u2013 from eaves overhanging walls that encourage nesting birds to earth construction \u2013 support the natural environment and encourage biodiversity.<\/em><\/p>\n

    Observations
    \n<\/strong>Planning policy that encourages traditional design solutions and, where appropriate, materials, gives nature more of a fighting chance than policies led by personal taste.<\/p>\n

    \n

    Communities<\/strong>: Historic and traditional places are inherently sustainable, being designed to facilitate pedestrian and other low-carbon traffic, all of which also brings health, well-being, social and community benefits.<\/em><\/p>\n

    Observations
    \n<\/strong>Investing and encouraging investment in our existing local areas and places gives communities more of a fighting chance than wholesale redevelopment or new build.<\/p>\n

    \n

    Download \u2018Some observations on moving forward after COP26<\/em>\u2019 from the Helpdesk+ page<\/a> or HERE<\/a><\/p>\n

    See the original six summary statements from the Helpdesk+ on how \u2018Conserving our Places Conserves our Planet<\/a>\u2019.<\/p>\n

    See more on IHBC@COP26<\/a> from the IHBC NewsBlogs<\/a><\/p>\n

    Sign up free for the twice-weekly IHBC NewsBlog email alerts HERE<\/a><\/p>\n

    See also from the IHBC and partners:<\/p>\n