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Professor Gavin Killip's Inaugural Lecture

Building decarbonisation: a systemic challenge for policy, research and practice

Gavin Smiling at the camera
Networking | Public lectures | Seminars

In this lecture, Gavin Killip will give an overview of the multi-faceted challenge of transforming buildings and the energy systems in buildings at the scale and speed required to meet climate targets. He will highlight key issues for research, policy and practice, introducing the work of NTU’s new Centre for Sustainable Construction and Retrofit.

  • From: Tuesday 10 October 2023, 5.30 pm
  • To: Tuesday 10 October 2023, 7.30 pm
  • Registration: 5.30 pm
  • Location: Lecture Theatre 4, Newton building, Goldsmith Street, Nottingham, NG1 4BU
  • Booking deadline: Tuesday 10 October 2023, 3.30 pm
  • Download this event to your calendar
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Event details

How can we achieve decarbonisation targets in the built environment in a way that is socially just and economically progressive? In this lecture, Gavin Killip will give an overview of the multi-faceted challenge of transforming buildings and the energy systems in buildings at the scale and speed required to meet climate targets. He will highlight key issues for research, policy and practice, introducing the work of NTU’s new Centre for Sustainable Construction and Retrofit.


Taking a socio-technical and ‘system of systems’ approach, Gavin argues that an over-narrow focus on energy supply technologies (solar, wind etc) hinders the positive benefits that can come from focusing attention on where energy is used in people’s day-to-day lives. In a push towards greater electrification to replace fossil fuels (e.g. heat pumps, electric vehicles), wide-reaching transformations are needed in the systems we rely on in buildings, for transport, consumer goods - and more besides.


The de-centralisation of energy systems as they become more reliant on renewable energy systems is both an opportunity and a challenge for city-regions and communities. New technologies will need to go hand in hand with innovations of process and practice, for example through new kinds of business models and new roles for local government. Creating, maintaining and operating these new zero-carbon energy systems can support dignified employment and promote social welfare.

Biography

Gavin joined NTU’s School of Architecture, Design & Built Environment in May 2023, having spent the previous 19 years at the University of Oxford’s Environmental Change Institute. He was one of the first UK researchers to seriously consider the role of the construction industry in climate and energy policy, prompted by his own practical DIY experience on innovative building renovation projects.


He has been a collaborator in the UK Energy Research Centre since its early days in the 2000s and, more recently, with the Centre for Research into Energy Demand Solutions. Gavin is an Honorary Associate of Oxford University’s Research Centre on Skills, Knowledge and Organisational Performance (SKOPE). He is active in knowledge exchange activities through various committees, advisory boards and policy forums.


Gavin’s first degree was in Linguistics from York University, but he later switched focus and did an MSc in Energy and Environment Studies at the University of East London (taught at the Centre for Alternative Technology in Wales). He got his doctorate from the University of Oxford.
Before turning to research as a career, Gavin worked in the private, public and third sectors.

Programme

5.30 pm

Registration and welcome refreshments

6 pm

Welcome talk

6.05 pm

Lecture begins

6.50 pm

Close and thanks by Executive Dean

7 pm

Drinks reception

7.30 pm

Close

Location details

Room/Building:

Lecture Theatre 4, Newton building

Address:

Goldsmith Street
 Nottingham
 NG1 4BU

Parking:

Take a look at our maps and directions page to find the best route for you to our City campus.

Travel Info:

Take a look at our maps and directions page to find the best route for you to our City campus.

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