Lincolnshire’s path to net zero requires an injection of urgency, more adequate funding and higher quality building standards, according to a panel of built environment experts.

During our sustainability roundtable in Lincoln, the 13-strong panel discussed a range of subjects including funding issues and opportunities, who is truly responsible for creating a positive legacy, and whether it’s new or existing buildings that require more attention.

Steve Golightly, principal sustainability officer at Lincolnshire Council, said:

“The event was a well thought out opportunity to bring local experts together, who understand the Lincolnshire-specific challenges. We are a county like no other and solutions must be bespoke. Whether it’s the rural environment or the unusual population changes caused by tourism throughout the years, we must consider every factor and every stakeholder as we look forward.

“Like many local authorities, we are not where we need to be on our net-zero journey, but there is still time. There are several things that can positively impact the pace of progress – such as policy that pushes whole life cost, and incentives for carbon reduction measures that won’t take away from other vital services we provide – while we still maintain responsibility for all other issues in front of us. As long as we continue to work with the powers above and the changemakers we’re fortunate to have in Lincolnshire, we can achieve net zero.”

Considering Lincoln’s history and the county’s reduced infrastructure investment compared to elsewhere in the UK, attendees discussed how the city can become more sustainable, retain its character and influence neighbouring areas.

Tim Yates, head of operations at Lincoln Science & Innovation Park, said:

“I’m acutely aware of the role that both the public and private sectors play in achieving net zero, however, we’re all on this journey together and although many buildings have efficient and sustainable systems inbuilt, the way that buildings are used on a daily basis can be improved. This comes down to education and adopting best practice and includes everything from recycling through to reducing energy consumption - things we should all play a part in doing”

Confident in the power of collaboration, Marie Jackson, preconstruction manager and Lincoln office lead at Willmott Dixon, said:

“The private sector has greater flexibility to drive innovation and the public sector has more influence on ensuring consistency, so it’s a balance of responsibility in reaching where we need to be by 2050. We all have to hold ourselves accountable and work together to raise standards.

“One solution to Lincolnshire’s challenges may be a ‘place first’ approach. Instead of organisations working in siloes and being driven only by the 2050 target, together the public, private and voluntary sectors can unlock funding, drive down costs, increase efficiency and begin providing benefits at scale – which individual organisations are currently restricted from making possible. Working more closely with competitors plays into this approach too, removing an uncomfortable feeling felt by many when sharing progress.”

You can hear more from some of our roundtable guests in this short video

The panel was chaired by Liz Cartwright (Cartwright Communications) and featured Maggie Hall (Willmott Dixon), Marie Jackson (Willmott Dixon), Francesca Bell (City of Lincoln Council), Steve Golightly (Lincolnshire County Council), Tina Shaw (Lincolnshire County Council), Teri Marshall (Lincolnshire County Council), Jacqui Bunce (NHS Lincolnshire Integrated Care Board), Kevin Kendall (Lincolnshire Co-op), Dave Wakelin (Gleeds), Jon Rigby (Bond Bryan) Daniel Collins (Polkey Collins) and Tim Yates (Lincoln Science Park).