![Place Roundtable Digital Estates Hero](https://assets.hydrock.com/production/resources/images/Place-Roundtable_Digital-Estates_Hero.jpg?w=630&h=352&q=95&auto=format&fit=min&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1692800223&s=55d4409d3e7d1914133ea300dc7f3446)
There’s no escaping the fact that if the UK is going to meet its net zero targets, we need to get serious about retrofit.
While the need for improving existing estates is clearly evident, it can still be a hard sale for investors and portfolio holders.
Working behind the scenes, estates teams face a network of challenges and are often responsible for delivering on goals and commitments they might not have been involved in setting. From ambitious net zero targets to changing fire regulations, knowing how to prioritise works to meet these high standards can be daunting.
Combine that with issues around space utilisation, backlog maintenance and access to funding and you have the ingredients for a wicked problem.
We hosted a Place North West roundtable and discussed how critical collaboration, data collection, and clear briefs are to unlocking an effective decarbonisation strategy.
Our roundtable
Special thanks to all our contributors:
- Craig Anderson
- Bec Bennett, assistant director of sustainability at the University of Salford
- Chris Bowie-Hill
- Helen Cutts, head of sustainability at the University of Central Lancashire
- Alex Edwards, sustainability director at Bruntwood
- Heather Evans, national head of sustainability at Rider Levett Bucknall
- Sunny Johal, development director at Glenbrook
- Aleksandra Przydrozna, associate director at Mace
- Sheldon Walsh, partner at Ryder Architecture
- Chaired by Julia Hatmaker, editor of Place North West
If this sounds like something you’re grappling with, visit our estate optimisation page to find out more about our solutions.
Explore related
- Articles
![Fire safety building Web size](https://assets.hydrock.com/production/resources/images/Fire-safety-building_Web-size.jpg?w=600&q=95&auto=format&fit=min&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1731586730&s=bed14dd80e47c605dfabd5cef1bfbbbe)
James McNay comments in RICS Built Environment Journal: Compliance with guidance may prompt safety complacency
Read more- News
![Shutterstock 2332396073 RESIZED](https://assets.hydrock.com/production/resources/images/shutterstock_2332396073-RESIZED.jpg?w=600&q=95&auto=format&fit=min&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1728028598&s=6a4d355c5ac2bafef9e4f39103cb8e4c)
Sadaf Askari comments in Institutional Real Estate Europe: How can investors navigate regulatory constraints and drive sustainability?
Read more- News
![SWNS MARK WALKER 002 RESIZED](https://assets.hydrock.com/production/resources/images/SWNS_MARK_WALKER_002-RESIZED.jpg?w=600&q=95&auto=format&fit=min&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1721649861&s=3bdb62f470c464ba3e770d3346daf071)
Mark Walker comments in Green Street News: Could healthcare revive the heartbeat of our high streets?
Read more- News
![Image to support GRAHAM news story and case study RESIZED](https://assets.hydrock.com/production/resources/images/Image-to-support-GRAHAM-news-story-and-case-study-RESIZED.png?w=600&q=80&auto=format&fit=min&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1714128457&s=7965e14ec37bf6b4e16c18cee5e330da)
Hydrock assists GRAHAM in achieving industry accreditation for carbon management system
Read more- News
![Crown Works Studios Thumbnail](https://assets.hydrock.com/production/resources/images/Crown-Works-Studios_Thumbnail.jpg?w=600&q=95&auto=format&fit=min&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1713435139&s=fb1d5f7c4113883a2161d4e9bd70ceb8)
Lights, Camera, Action! Sunderland gets set for Hollywood with planning approval of Crown Works Studios
Read more- News
![The Catalyst Newcastle University hero](https://assets.hydrock.com/production/resources/images/The-Catalyst-Newcastle-University-hero.jpg?w=600&q=95&auto=format&fit=min&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1655914681&s=a06068a81f21b41436c40f39a79b71e9)
Ground-breaking study provides valuable insight into construction innovation in north east England
Read more- Articles
![Ken Livingstone Boris Johnstone and Sadiq Khan](https://assets.hydrock.com/production/resources/images/MicrosoftTeams-image-7.png?w=600&q=80&auto=format&fit=min&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1709809027&s=7bf709336b3a250716fda9a74da1d619)
How the London Plan sets the example for consistency in climate-related policy making
Read more- Articles
![ESOS image 1 shutterstock 2201996681](https://assets.hydrock.com/production/resources/images/ESOS-image-1-shutterstock_2201996681.jpg?w=600&q=95&auto=format&fit=min&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1706719246&s=8b9bde6dfcb939184060c36a55cb10b7)
Decarbonise for less: unleash the cost-saving power of the Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme
Read more- News
![Sadaf Askari](https://assets.hydrock.com/production/resources/images/Sadaf-Askari_2024-01-30-095534_glma.jpg?w=600&q=95&auto=format&fit=min&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1706608534&s=764f199adabff806711bdbd66817e2b6)
Sadaf Askari comments in BE News: EPCs are a blunt instrument in a very large toolbox
Read more- News
![RA St Andrews](https://assets.hydrock.com/production/resources/images/RA-St-Andrews.jpg?w=600&q=95&auto=format&fit=min&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1701187550&s=4d09696df25cded4eb946de397ab1fc0)
Hydrock’s fire safety experts support planning application for new R&A project in St Andrews
Read more- News
![Hydrock wins at the Building Awards 2023](https://assets.hydrock.com/production/resources/images/Hydrock-wins-at-the-Building-Awards-2023.jpg?w=600&q=95&auto=format&fit=min&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1699527661&s=4e4c4526cb0a4b0a5cc7b5ff3910b8f6)
Leading the way: Hydrock crowned Engineering Consultant of the Year at Building awards
Read more- Articles
![Time to Lead BSA Conference 91](https://assets.hydrock.com/production/resources/images/Time-to-Lead-BSA-Conference-91.jpg?w=600&q=95&auto=format&fit=min&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1698246239&s=612c1bb21bdd8e94b0b2e0d2679c9ae5)
Our Time to Lead session: The higher education sector and the Building Safety Act
Read more- Articles
![Time to Lead BSA Conference 112](https://assets.hydrock.com/production/resources/images/Time-to-Lead-BSA-Conference-112.jpg?w=600&q=95&auto=format&fit=min&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1698240447&s=0b430d43f30adc4215a425cc079f8a9c)
Building safety regulations: Time to Lead — Can the building industry regulate itself?
Read more- News
![Healthcare](https://assets.hydrock.com/production/resources/images/Healthcare_2023-10-19-131924_cawg.jpg?w=600&q=95&auto=format&fit=min&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1697721565&s=2b65b8ad63aa3eec1f8a975904502a53)
Hydrock brings expertise to NHS estates programme to help meet sustainability and safety goals
Read more- Articles
![Acoustics article main](https://assets.hydrock.com/production/resources/images/Acoustics-article-main.jpg?w=600&q=95&auto=format&fit=min&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1698242801&s=02f2a3684c6ed7ad18c5d92b4b4c5609)
Why 'just add mass' is no longer an acoustic solution in a carbon conscious world
Read more- Articles
![EV hero](https://assets.hydrock.com/production/resources/images/EV-hero.jpg?w=600&q=95&auto=format&fit=min&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1697458903&s=bc0914cca3f276b3280a78fecc9f62bd)
Navigating the electrifying world of EV charging investments: Making 'big data’ central to due diligence
Read more- News
![Sellafield Scene Hero](https://assets.hydrock.com/production/resources/images/Sellafield-Scene_Hero_2023-09-07-100423_eigg.jpg?w=600&q=95&auto=format&fit=min&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1694081064&s=37b0ea25a25b46c28d79ba72d426ef32)
Ground-breaking land contamination conceptual model paves the way to a cleaner and safer future at Sellafield
Read more- News
![Risk vs reward in data centres](https://assets.hydrock.com/production/resources/images/risk-vs-reward-in-data-centres.jpg?w=600&q=95&auto=format&fit=min&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1654589279&s=0b8b88955b915a1727a023ee64e9609f)
Data centres, fire risk and the digital golden thread of information: Hydrock contributes to Fire Middle East
Read more- News
![Peter Sibley](https://assets.hydrock.com/production/resources/images/Peter-Sibley_2023-08-22-133218_hzja.jpg?w=600&q=95&auto=format&fit=min&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1692711138&s=ac2bd1225ba8bf2ee385d8387fd15f49)
Peter Sibley comments in Building Magazine: Will Sunak’s ‘plan for growth’ be a magnet for future investment?
Read more- News
![Women of fire awards](https://assets.hydrock.com/production/resources/images/women-of-fire-awards_2023-08-18-112505_twqn.jpg?w=600&q=95&auto=format&fit=min&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1692357906&s=792890808c599c65ace4eff65c85d5cc)
Hydrock’s award-winning streak set to continue with multiple shortlistings at Insider South West Property Awards 2023
Read more- Articles
![North sea oil and gas rig](https://assets.hydrock.com/production/resources/images/North-sea-oil-and-gas-rig.jpg?w=600&q=95&auto=format&fit=min&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1691593497&s=c389edb4a9377bb38990991d2ae067a1)
Why the UK government’s case for investment in new oil and gas production is flawed
Read more- News
![Block of residential flats 1](https://assets.hydrock.com/production/resources/images/Block-of-residential-flats-1.jpg?w=600&q=95&auto=format&fit=min&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1691487517&s=ae79bacb64a075744543d30a90e6a656)
James McNay joins HSE Industry Competence Committee (ICC) to guide safer building construction for everyone
Read more- News
![YPIA 2023](https://assets.hydrock.com/production/resources/images/YPIA-2023.jpg?w=600&q=95&auto=format&fit=min&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1690553079&s=d831782e89d7a79988175e2dd45b67e3)
Hydrock shortlisted for Consultancy of the Year at Insider Yorkshire Property Awards 2023
Read more- News
![Girls in STEM Cardiff Hydrock](https://assets.hydrock.com/production/resources/images/girls_in_STEM_Cardiff_Hydrock_2023-06-22-161023_mlhk.jpg?w=600&q=95&auto=format&fit=min&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1687450223&s=f28374d6cf7b6ffb55b122326953c58d)
Celebrating International Women in Engineering Day 2023: A journey of empowerment and growth
Read more- News
![MARK WALKER thumbnail](https://assets.hydrock.com/production/resources/images/MARK_WALKER_thumbnail.jpg?w=600&q=95&auto=format&fit=min&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1687187324&s=50b94e7f1829d22e3bce1862fed2d831)
Hydrock strengthens national MEP division with new healthcare sector lead: Accelerating innovation in sustainable healthcare engineering
Read more- Articles
![Canary Wharf London skyline with reflection](https://assets.hydrock.com/production/resources/images/Canary-Wharf-London-skyline-with-reflection_2023-06-29-083824_boar.jpg?w=600&q=95&auto=format&fit=min&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1688027904&s=2133838f535c332d12e1765b9b970bc8)
A two-tier system? Why we must embrace the digital golden thread across the built environment
Read more- Articles
![Strat EV plug in charger](https://assets.hydrock.com/production/resources/images/Strat-EV-plug-in-charger_2023-06-29-084843_tclq.jpg?w=600&q=95&auto=format&fit=min&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1688028532&s=867eeece227e74ef2b312a823d280512)
Mark Pearce comments in Fleetworld: How can ChargeUK enable fleets to go electric with confidence
Read more- News
![FORE 1](https://assets.hydrock.com/production/resources/images/FORE-1.jpg?w=600&q=95&auto=format&fit=min&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1683128915&s=11173d3bf71abf471194ef1762afe3d5)
Hydrock bolsters transport planning offer with acquisition of Fore Consulting Limited
Read more- News
![Ric Hampton Bristol](https://assets.hydrock.com/production/resources/images/Ric_Hampton_Bristol.jpg?w=600&q=95&auto=format&fit=min&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1683034440&s=467ebc7d1df9632dbcc944b96892db0f)
Ric Hampton comments in Property Week: The state of the UK’s film and TV studio market
Read more- Articles
![Square spiral staircase small](https://assets.hydrock.com/production/resources/images/Square-spiral-staircase-small.jpg?w=600&q=95&auto=format&fit=min&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1682504371&s=b54fc844a71b07fc7f2d5429b3160206)
The Building Safety Act's second staircase consultation: the easy way out for politicians as well as residents?
Read more- News
![NWPA 2023 SHORTLISTED 1](https://assets.hydrock.com/production/resources/images/NWPA-2023_SHORTLISTED-1.jpg?w=600&q=95&auto=format&fit=min&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1680094046&s=aabfba2947fc7cef55422033ffd5487b)
Hydrock shortlisted for Insider North West Property Awards in its silver anniversary year
Read more- Articles
![Healthcare](https://assets.hydrock.com/production/resources/images/Healthcare.jpg?w=600&q=95&auto=format&fit=min&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1679051063&s=40ca579cf27aae9a1cafbd14ab57da58)
NHS Trusts need to be ‘fund-ready’ to maximise Government’s decarbonisation support
Read more- Articles
![Building at sunset small](https://assets.hydrock.com/production/resources/images/Building-at-sunset-small.jpg?w=600&q=95&auto=format&fit=min&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1679569311&s=3bb8b67463f43d9607143b57b93095d9)
The Building Safety Act: Is the building industry sleepwalking into a new regulatory regime?
Read more- Articles
![Ric Hampton Bristol Nights Advisory Board](https://assets.hydrock.com/production/resources/images/Ric_Hampton_Bristol_Nights_Advisory_Board.jpg?w=600&q=95&auto=format&fit=min&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1676381207&s=43000619a0db11d9e98e598d5660eba1)
Interview: Ric Hampton appointed to Bristol Nights Advisory Board to support nightlife & culture
Read more- News
![Building with Nature accreditation emphasises importance of green and blue infrastructure](https://assets.hydrock.com/production/resources/images/Building-with-Nature-accreditation-emphasises-importance-of-green-and-blue-infrastructure.jpg?w=600&q=95&auto=format&fit=min&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1676389998&s=f0184168a44dfa5b3aca70ef381c30c8)
Building with Nature accreditation emphasises importance of green and blue infrastructure
Read more- News
![Best companies live](https://assets.hydrock.com/production/resources/images/Best-companies-live.jpg?w=600&q=95&auto=format&fit=min&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1675850913&s=6de03d05a7fad65d2479547d5ed5d0f9)
Hydrock ranks #2 nationally and #1 regionally in three Best Companies 2023 league tables!
Read more- Articles
![What the second staircase rule would mean for high rise blocks](https://assets.hydrock.com/production/resources/images/What-the-second-staircase-rule-would-mean-for-high-rise-blocks_2023-05-03-084118_sjhs.jpg?w=600&q=95&auto=format&fit=min&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1683103285&s=3e2a4985272c396ece6e082988f32f30)
Hydrock comments in Building: The Building Safety Act and what the second staircase rule would mean for high-rise blocks
Read more- Articles
![Children learning in school](https://assets.hydrock.com/production/resources/images/children-learning-in-school.jpg?w=600&q=95&auto=format&fit=min&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1669912962&s=006318e722bcbc9ae3d437391e6b6ede)
Hydrock roundtable: Diversity and access to careers in the built environment sector
Read more- News
![Building physics](https://assets.hydrock.com/production/resources/images/Building-physics.jpg?w=600&q=95&auto=format&fit=min&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1693387823&s=7cfdaa3974457a9e22fafbfd0bd4a3e0)
Hydrock joins Task Group for delivery of UK’s first Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard
Read more- Articles
![Nuclear](https://assets.hydrock.com/production/resources/images/nuclear.jpg?w=600&q=95&auto=format&fit=min&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1667918922&s=e2d451e221ba2669f4d5d155fd1d3721)