That’s a Wrap – A look back at COP26

The COP26 event proved to be a major talking point for industry leaders and climate change activists alike. After an incredibly busy week supporting Architecture Today at the event, we take a look back at some of the highlights of the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Glasgow.

Building Sustainably

First up, David Murray, our Head of Technical Affairs & Ireland Sales, discussed the company’s involvement with the COP26 House and its wider approach to environmental responsibility in conversation with AT’s Technical Editor, John Ramshaw.

David commented: “There is absolutely no excuse for all new buildings not to operate at net-zero carbon by 2030 – it’s easily done; reduce energy consumption, build with low embodied carbon materials, and generate on-site renewable electricity.

“One area that we have championed for a long time is sustainable forestry. The wood that we use is responsibly sourced from our parent company Coillte (the state-owned Irish Forestry company) and is both PEFC and FSC certified.”

Driving change in the industry

We were delighted to partner with AT to host the roundtable discussion on why consumer demand for sustainable materials and building techniques are the key factors in driving change in the construction industry. Hosted by AT editor Isabel Allen, a number of architects, engineers and sustainable construction experts discussed how to reshape practice to address the challenge of climate change.

“We need a plastic straw moment with housing,” said our National Account Manager, Roly Ward. “That level of education is what’s needed.” Read the full article here: https://architecturetoday.co.uk/we-need-a-plastic-straw-moment-for-housing-say-architects-at-cop26/

The COP26 House

The COP26 House played a significant role at the conference, not only in terms of showcasing low carbon, circular solutions in building and living, but it also hosted a number of round-table discussions and AT events.

AT’s Broadcast Director Dave Myatt hosted a virtual tour of the house with its architect Peter Smith of Roderick James Architects. MEDITE SMARTPLY played a crucial part in its build, which features three SMARTPLY OSB products: SMARTPLY AIRTIGHT, SMARTPLY ULTIMA and SMARTPLY STRONGDECK.

Watch the video on the AT website: https://architecturetoday.co.uk/virtual-tour-cop26-house-roderick-james-architects-medite-smartply-glasgow/

Climate ready education

Once again, we partnered with AT for a roundtable discussion at the COP26 House which invited experts across the industry to talk about how to reshape education to address the challenges posed by climate change.

Speaking at the event, Roly said: “If we’re changing the way we build, and we’re coming up with new ways of building, we need people to be able to deliver that. And that comes from education, and incentivising people at schools to do those subjects.”

Read more about what was said at this insightful discussion here: https://architecturetoday.co.uk/climate-ready-education-cop26-house/

How to build a sustainable supply chain

Roly Ward sat down with AT editor Isabel Allen to discuss how it is possible to build a sustainable supply chain and how to oust the ‘greenwashing’ craze that is growing in the construction industry. Roly commented: “Information that we supply is being seen as more credible – there is more awareness of the importance of them now. We pride ourselves on not greenwashing and striving to become thought leaders in this area.

“Being transparent and credible is vital. We also need industry collaboration to resolve issues preventing circularity within our industry. We must focus on the here and now. The climate emergency is now.” Read the full interview here: https://architecturetoday.co.uk/sustainability-supply-chain-medite-smartply-cop26-house/#

All articles can be found on the Architecture Today website: https://architecturetoday.co.uk/

Find out more about COP26 and our involvement here: https://mdfosb.com/en/cop26