ENGINEERS and Architects from across Scotland came together for a breakfast networking event exploring the evolving landscape of net zero building standards.
Held at Material Source in Glasgow, the event was co-hosted by the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) and the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) Scotland, welcoming members from both organisations for a morning of networking and continuing professional development.
Alongside RIAS head of practice, Zoe Black, and CIBSE Scotland vice-chair, Sarah Peterson, attendees heard presentations exploring the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard, the Scottish Government’s Net Zero Public Sector Buildings (NZPSB) Standard, and the Net Zero Pathfinder Project at Fife College, delivered by Reiach and Hall Architects.
The session concluded with an audience Q&A, providing architects and engineers with the opportunity to engage directly with the speakers, ask questions, and discuss the future development of the standards.
Commenting on the event, Zoe Black, head of practice at RIAS said, “It is essential that building projects aiming for genuine net zero outcomes are led by Chartered Architects and Building Services Engineers. Their professional training and commitment to excellence ensure that these rigorous standards are not only applied but also interpreted with the depth of knowledge required to deliver buildings that are credibly quantified as net zero.
“Only with this level of expertise can we avoid greenwashing and deliver the high-quality, future-proofed environments our communities deserve. At this event, through open dialogue and shared expertise, we have identified both the common ambitions such as robust carbon and energy targets, third-party verification, and a science-led approach. Together with the nuanced differences in scope, deadlines, and sector focus that reflect the unique needs of Scotland and the wider UK.”
Sarah Peterson, director at Atelier Ten and vice chair, CIBSE Scotland added, “It was encouraging to see such strong engagement from across Scotland’s built environment sector. The discussion highlighted the growing alignment between private sector and public sector approaches to net zero, while reinforcing the importance of collaboration between clients, architects, engineers and policymakers to turn ambitious standards into practical, measurable outcomes”.
Ingrid Berkeley, associate director at Scottish Futures Trust, commented, “The event was a great opportunity to discuss areas of alignment across the Scottish Government’s Net Zero Public Sector Buildings Standard and the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard and also it’s always fantastic to see at events like these real projects delivering these net zero standards in practice.”
Katie Clemence-Jackson, CEO of Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard Limited, said, “Events and conversations like this strengthen the industry’s understanding of the alignment between net zero standards in the UK, and practical examples provide both proof of concept, and support learning on how to deliver buildings to meet these standards. We were delighted to participate, both to learn about and to facilitate the great work being done toward Net Zero buildings in Scotland.”
