BE-ST Bits of March
Built Environment - Smarter Transformation
BE-ST is the launchpad to a zero carbon built environment.
Welcome to this month's edition of the BE-ST Bits! March has seen the launch of a new landmark retrofit project designed to revolutionise non-domestic building upgrades, recommendations on how the Scottish Government can deliver a Scottish Passivhaus equivalent from January 2025, and a fond farewell to our BE-ST Board Chair, Andy Outram.
1. Passivhaus Trust recommendations for a Passivhaus equivalent
The Passivhaus Trust has set out its key recommendations for how a Scottish equivalent to the Passivhaus standard could be delivered.
On the recommendations, Caitriona Jordan, head of retrofit programmes at BE-ST, added, “It is really useful to identify the key training needs for the uptake of a Scottish Passivhaus equivalent policy. It is possible to close the skills gap, train the workforce in Passivhaus, and meet the needs for implementation of the new building regulations at scale. BE-ST is ready to help make that happen.”
2. New ALCHEMAI project launch at Futurebuild
An initiative aimed at revolutionising the approach to retrofit and building upgrades for the UK’s non-domestic buildings was launched at the Futurebuild conference in London.
Funded by Innovate UK, ALCHEMAI (Advanced Low Carbon Heat and Energy Modelling Accelerating Investment) leverages immersive Digital Twin technology to seamlessly connect sensors, Passivhaus retrofit, electricity trading, and grid flexibility to deliver accessible and affordable clean heating solutions for the diverse needs of a range of non-domestic buildings and occupants including leisure centres, local museums, offices, and schools.
3. BE-ST at Scottish Parliament: Apprenticeship Week and more
During Apprenticeship Week this month, BE-ST attended Showcasing Construction Apprenticeships, hosted by CITB and Skills Development Scotland at the Scottish Parliament, to support apprenticeships in the sector.
Passivhaus Trust and BE-ST also hosted a reception at the Scottish Parliament exploring positive steps forward for the Scottish Passivhaus equivalent policy with MSPs and representatives from the Scottish construction industry in attendance, such as Alex Rowley MSP.
4. Digital Construction Skills across Colleges in Scotland
We have kept sharing Digital Construction Skills with Apprentices in Colleges over the last month to raise awareness of how digital equipment can apply to and enhance their jobs. We discussed the potential uses of different equipment, comparisons of what tools are best for what jobs, and how digital workflows have the potential to make time, efficiency, and cost savings for them on site and carbon savings for the wider sector.
5. Farewell to Andy Outram, BE-ST Board Chair
This past month Andrew Outram officially came to the end of a successful three-year term as the BE-ST Board Chair. It goes without saying that we wouldn’t be where we are now without the hard work, passion, and guidance from Andy!
Nicola Barclay, former Chief Executive of Homes for Scotland and MD of Athena Leadership Coaching and Consulting, has officially taken her place as Board Chair as we embark on the next phase of accelerating the built environment’s transition to zero carbon.
Thanks for reading the BE-ST Bits.
If you would like to receive?more updates, you can subscribe to our main newsletter here.
Want to stay in touch with us? Tune into our podcast or come visit us at our next Factory tour.