Group
Centre for Sustainable Construction and Retrofit
Unit(s) of assessment: Architecture, Built Environment and Planning
Research theme(s): Safety and Sustainability
School: School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment
Overview
Net Zero by 2050 presents a huge challenge to the construction sector, which accounts for up to 50% of carbon emissions. An absence of skills, knowledge and expertise threaten to derail plans to retrofit the current building stock. This Centre will build on and enhance the existing activity with the School. Sustainability in the built environment has been a research strength of ADBE and we have a strong reputation in housing retrofit.
The CSCR is an interdisciplinary network to explore how the built environment transitions to a sustainable future.
- Our activities include
- Undertaking research: we undertake critical interdisciplinary research to analyse the socio-technical, economic, political, cultural and ecological dimensions of the built environment.
- Delivering courses: We deliver courses that address the skills gap to build resilience, enable a just transition and support inclusive growth.
- Developing partnerships: We work with business, NGOs, and policy makers to build knowledge, capacity and skills for a sustainable future.
Since we formed in 2023 we have been busy. Highlights include:
- Over £370k of research funding
- 6 funded PhD studentships
- Influenced Regional policy agenda on skills, investment and retrofit (EMCCA & LARA)
- Inform National Retrofit & Construction Skills Policy
- International research: workshops & panel debates in multiple countries, editing SI journal & EU bid with academic, policy & industry partners
- Invited keynotes and panel leads at key UK, EU & International conferences
- Award winning regional SME support & consultancy
- New construction lab opened by the regional Mayor
- Green skills bootcamp funding
Short courses and professional development for construction, engineering and real estate industries
You might be just starting out and looking to enhance your CV or a professional exploring how continuing professional development (CPD) can support your career progression. Whatever your motivation, NTU is the place to come.
We offer a range of short courses that start throughout the year and are specifically designed to fit around work and other commitments. Daytime, evening and Saturday courses are available. Some offer credit, others a CPD certificate.
Explore short courses and professional development opportunities.
Building a Sustainable Future
Training, short courses and professional development for the built environment
We offer a range of short courses that start throughout the year. They’re specifically designed to fit around work and other commitments. Daytime, evening and Saturday courses are available.
Sustainability in Enterprise
This programme provided practical support and funding to reduce the carbon footprint of SMEs in the local area. Support focused on four key areas of business performance: people, processes, premises and products.