BSRIA Conference 2021

[edit] Introduction

On 30 September 2021, the Building Services Research and Information Association (BSRIA) held its inaugural BSRIA conference. The virtual event brought together top built environment experts to examine the theme, “Practical Pathways to Net Zero Buildings”. Speakers discussed the use of smart technologies as a tool for delivering net zero targets in buildings and explored how buildings of the future need to be healthy as well as “green”.

[edit] Inaugural event

After a welcome from BSRIA CEO Julia Evans and keynote presentation by Clara Bagenal George of Elementa Consulting, the online conference began.

Dr Aaron Gillich, Associate Professor of Energy and Building Systems Engineering LSBU and Director of the BSRIA LSBU Net Zero Building Centre facilitated the day long programme. Each 10 minute presentation was followed by a joint panel discussion that was moderated by Gillich, based on questions submitted by the audience.

[edit] Educational programme

The educational portion of the event included a series of brief sessions that were linked by a common theme or topic. Recurring topics were mentioned throughout the day. Some of the most popular concepts were digital twins, boardroom buy in, data measurement, building retrofits, Soft Landings and NABERS UK.

The schedule included:

Session one:

• Buildings of the future. (For more information, see Human centric.)
• Driving net zero from the boardroom.
• Supporting information adoption of sustainable heating technologies: the potential of ex-ante and ex-post assessments.

Session two:

• A structured approach to delivering net zero buildings.
• Using your BMS to create wellbeing - going beyond energy efficiency.
• Field device technology and its place in net zero.

Session three:

• Using data to drive performance-based outcomes.
• The digital twin approach to market leading building energy performance.
• The power of data to achieve efficient building monitoring - a commissioning perspective.

Session four

• Circular-flexible-adaptable: how can forward-thinking help us get net zero carbon?
• Net zero carbon buildings: Challenges and opportunities.
• Achieving zero carbon buildings: the five essentials.

[edit] Networking

The online platform supported networking opportunities through direct messaging and a social timeline operating in real time. There was also a virtual hall where attendees could visit exhibitors participating in the event.

[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings

• 2021 Soft Landings Conference.
• BSRIA.
• BSRIA articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.
• Building management systems BMS.
• Digital twin.
• Human centric.
• NABERS UK.
• Net zero carbon 2050.