Organised in partnership with South West College, Belfast City Council, Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios and HOK, the conference, which was open to all those involved in the design, construction and operation of the built environment, took place in the University’s historic Riddel Hall.

Professor Michael Alcorn, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Sustainability and Special Projects, who opened the conference, said:

“We are delighted to hold, in collaboration with partners, a conference dedicated to exploring and sharing knowledge on strategies for reducing carbon in buildings, with a particular focus on embodied carbon.

“Through our University’s Social Charter, Queen's is committed to providing leadership locally and globally, promoting a positive impact on society through our research and education and pursuing equality and social justice. Sustainability is a key principle of our Social Charter and our University is home to a broad range of research, teaching and practical actions in the field. Institutionally, we have committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2040.”

Other conference speakers included Debbie Caldwell, Climate Commissioner, Belfast City Council; Joe Jack Williams, Passivhaus Consultant, Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios; Una Barrett, KTP Associate, Queen’s University Belfast; and Gary Clarke, RIBA, Honorary Professor, Queen’s University Belfast.

In October 2023, Queen’s launched an ambitious Net Zero Plan setting out the University’s commitment to and plan for achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040.

This ambitious target builds on the significant contribution the University makes through delivering world-leading research and education provision on sustainability, as well as its role as a social and civic leader in the transition to net zero in Northern Ireland and, more widely, on the island of Ireland.

Find out more about Queen’s Net Zero Plan.