BE Sustainable Episode 1: One Size Does Not Retrofit All - with Dr James Ritson

University of the Built Environment

Retrofitting is the art of breathing new life into existing buildings. It goes beyond simple maintenance and repair. In this episode of BE Sustainable, Dr James Ritson explores the ‘hot topic’ within the built environment in the last few years.

With 80% of the buildings we’ll see in 2050 already standing, the urgency of retrofitting could not be any clearer. While policymakers view it as a silver bullet for energy efficiency and sustainability, the reality is far more complex.

Join Dr Ritson as he discusses how the idea has been coveted as a ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution, yet, the policies are fragmented, and the initiatives insufficient.

So, where do we turn for solutions? Dr James Ritson considers technological integration and the three pillars of sustainability, unravelling the challenges of mitigation versus adaption, post-COVID lifestyle changes, technological development, and the impractical pursuit of zero carbon.

Subscribe now via:
- Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ucem/id1524980861
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Czk2mZlZmknjUZfwLmLTa
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/universitycollegeofestatemanagement
Guest

Dr James Ritson

Dr James Ritson is a Senior Lecturer at UCEM, and an architecturally trained building conservator with a focus on sustainability and historic built environment documentation. Alongside his role at UCEM, James holds key positions in various organisations, such as his role as the Vice President of ICOMOS International Scientific Committee on Energy and Sustainability, and is published widely on sustainability, health, and conservation issues.