Inaugural professorial Lecture: “Delivering Net Zero Places: Realities, Constraints and Opportunities” by Jim Coleman

The UK Government has committed to achieve net zero carbon emissions for the whole economy by 2050. This pathway is subject to numerous constraints and challenges. The roles of the various built environment disciplines and their expert advisors are critical to this process. This lecture highlighted the ‘real world’ challenges involved, but also the benefits and opportunities that might emerge from a collective effort towards ambitious outcomes. With examples including urban energy systems and delivery of net zero housing, the various implementation challenges and the innovations needed in policy and financing approaches were explored.