Events by RIBA East

The climate emergency remains the most significant challenge facing the built environment today. The RIBA East: Sustainability & Net Zero Workshop is an intensive, one-day technical event aimed at equipping practitioners with the data-driven strategies required to meet the RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge targets. Hosted at the environmentally pioneering Green Centre in Wat Tyler Country Park, the setting itself serves as a living laboratory for the themes of the day. This workshop moves beyond high-level concepts to provide actionable insights into carbon sequestering, thermal performance, and circular economy principles. The morning session focuses on "Whole Life Carbon" assessments. We will examine the software tools currently available for measuring embodied carbon from the early design stages through to demolition. Experts from the RIBA Sustainable Futures Group will lead a session on retrofitting existing post-war structures—a topic of immense relevance to the Basildon area. We will discuss the technical nuances of external wall insulation (EWI), moisture management in heritage buildings, and the economic viability of "Retrofit First" policies. In the afternoon, the focus shifts to renewable energy integration and biodiversity net gain. We will explore how architects can collaborate with ecologists to ensure that new developments in the East of England enhance local ecosystems rather than disrupt them. The day concludes with a "Materials Marketplace" where local suppliers of sustainable timber, recycled aggregates, and high-efficiency glazing will present their latest products. Participants will leave with a personalized "Net Zero Roadmap" for their own practices and a renewed sense of purpose in the fight against climate change. This is a technical, hands-on day designed for those who are ready to move from commitment to implementation.

As the East of England continues to witness a rapid demographic shift and an increasing demand for high-quality residential spaces, the RIBA East: Future Housing & Urban Growth Seminar stands as a pivotal gathering for the architectural community. This comprehensive seminar is designed to delve into the complexities of modern urban planning within the specific context of Basildon and the wider Essex region. We will explore how architects can lead the charge in creating resilient, inclusive, and aesthetically pleasing environments that do not sacrifice sustainability for density. The program kicks off with a keynote address on the "New Town" legacy of Basildon and how its unique mid-century modernism can be leveraged to inspire 21st-century growth. Attendees will engage in deep-dive sessions focusing on the integration of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) in large-scale housing developments and the legislative shifts in the UK planning system. We will specifically analyze the "Design Code" implementation and how local authorities in the East are adapting to these requirements. Following the lunch break, the seminar transitions into a series of case studies showcasing award-winning residential projects from the RIBA East portfolio. These presentations will highlight innovative use of materials, particularly the transition toward cross-laminated timber (CLT) and low-carbon concrete. The final segment of the day is a collaborative workshop where attendees will work in multi-disciplinary groups to tackle a hypothetical site-planning challenge in Basildon, mentored by RIBA East committee members. This event offers a rare opportunity to bridge the gap between theoretical policy and practical design, ensuring that the next generation of housing in the East is built to last. Whether you are an established partner or a newly qualified architect, this seminar provides the tools and networking environment necessary to excel in the evolving housing market.