Panel & Q&A | Decarbonising Buildings & Getting Back to Basics | Net Zero Scotland Conference 2025

🎙️ Filmed live at the Net Zero Scotland Projects Conference in Edinburgh, this engaging panel and Q&A brings together six sector leaders to share practical insights on overcoming design, construction, and retrofit challenges, while emphasising the importance of getting back to fundamentals to meet Scotland’s net-zero ambitions.

🧠 Moderated by John Curtis, Chair of the Net Zero Club, this session features:
• Kathryn Dapré – Head of Sustainability, Cala Group
• Rob Cartwright – Energy Services & Solutions Director, Cotality UK
• David Hall – Business Development Manager, Intergas Heating
• Alan Jackson – Director, Helvar
• Craig O’Donnell – Group Sales Director, SWIP
• Steve Hardy – Joint Managing Director, Sidey Solutions

Together, they explore:
• 🏘️ Decarbonising new-build housing while tackling policy and infrastructure constraints
• 🧱 Why “fabric-first” retrofit remains essential for long-term impact
• ⚡ How smart controls and energy management systems enhance comfort and cut emissions
• 🔄 Practical, circular approaches to retrofitting – especially in window and door systems
• 🔍 Honest reflections on funding, skills shortages, and delivery complexities
• 💬 Audience Q&A with real-world issues from councils and housing stakeholders

💬 Key Audience Questions Answered:
• “What’s stopping large-scale retrofit in rural and hard-to-treat housing stock?”
• “How do we ensure quality control as we scale up?”
• “How can the private sector help fill skills and delivery gaps in the public estate?”

🎯 Final Takeaway: Each Panellist Shares One Critical Success Factor:
• Kathryn Dapré: “Don’t wait for regulation—lead from the front.”
• Rob Cartwright: “Integrity in retrofit delivery.”
• David Hall: “Make it simple and sensible for users.”
• Alan Jackson: “Design for both energy and people.”
• Craig O’Donnell: “Get the basics right—every time.”
• Steve Hardy: “Collaboration and quality—it’s not complicated.”

📆 Event: Net Zero Scotland Projects Conference
🏛️ Location: Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh
📌 Session Theme: Overcoming Design, Construction & Retrofit Challenges
🎤 Moderator: John Curtis, Chair of the Net Zero Club

🟢 About the Net Zero Club:
The UK’s leading knowledge hub connecting public sector decision-makers with private-sector solution providers to accelerate the transition to net-zero through innovation, collaboration, and knowledge exchange.

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#NetZeroScotland2025 #PublicSectorDecarbonisation #RetrofitScotland #ZeroCarbonHousing #SmartBuildings #FabricFirst #CircularConstruction #GreenInnovation #NetZeroLeadership #NetZeroClub