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Achieving a net-zero carbon built environment

Read our article to learn about the 2023 London Climate Action Week (LCAW) event we hosted with Grimshaw.
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By Peter Dolamore , 

Advisory Risk Partner, Construction Specialty

20/09/2023 · 4 minute read

Managing the risks in innovative materials and construction 

As a contribution to London Climate Action Week (LCAW), Marsh and Grimshaw partnered to host  ‘A net-zero carbon built environment: Managing the risks in innovative materials and construction’. This expert-led roundtable discussion explored how sustainable materials and processes can be more readily adopted across the UK built environment. 

Marsh and Grimshaw recognised the importance of cooperation and early communication from all participants in the construction sector. The event aimed to encourage cooperation while providing  a platform to address the various challenges posed by net-zero targets. Contributions from lawyers, developers, architects, sustainability consultants, and contractors provided unique perspectives on the critical topics of a net-zero carbon built environment.

Addressing challenges and solutions

Grimshaw’s Dr Paul Toyne chaired an engaging discussion, supported by expert insights from Marsh’s Kate Fairhead and Peter Dolamore, plus Grimshaw’s Annelie Kvick Thompson and Ewan Jones. The panel highlighted the most urgent challenges facing the market, as well as, potential solutions that could help address the industry-specific issues identified.  

Current challenges posed:

  • Current weaknesses in managing supply chain, construction management, and serial defects risks when delivering modern methods of construction (MMC) projects. 
  • Future proofing masterplan designs to facilitate further innovation during their lifespan.
  • Establishing adequate metrics, free of conflict between each ESG pillar, to measure the sustainability credentials of projects.
  • Satisfying insurers’ concerns over the unknown performance of materials against physical loss or damage.

Potential solutions suggested:

  • To be successful, the construction and insurance industries need to support each other through sharing lessons learned.
  • Project priorities should be established at the outset, enabling all stakeholders and workers to collectively and efficiently progress toward the end goal. 
  • Early risk profiling for delivery and operation is key to avoiding potential future difficulties. 
  • While encouraging sustainability, the risks of innovation must be considered early, suitably managed, and shared among key parties such as potential funders and insurers.
  • Leveraging industry collaboration and engagement to rectify the data gap surrounding lack of information on physical loss or damage to buildings.

Next steps

Further discuss the challenges and potential solutions facing the market to provide value to all involved parties – something Marsh and Grimshaw are keen to continue facilitating and supporting. 

We look to organise future events and release additional articles following ‘A net-zero carbon built environment: Managing the risks in innovative materials and construction’, to foster engagement and advance strategies. 

For exploration of any topic discussed at this event, please contact your Marsh or Grimshaw representative. 

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