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Why reusing buildings is the greenest move for future cities
Leanne Tritton discusses building reuse and urban sustainability challenges in Australia during her conversation with Belinda Coates
– Leanne Tritton discusses building reuse and urban revitalisation with Belinda Coates, highlighting Don’t Waste Buildings’ advocacy.
– Tritton highlights financial disincentives for reuse, London’s retrofitting success, and the need for clearer policy frameworks.
Leanne Tritton, co-founder of Don’t Waste Buildings, discussed asset revitalization and urban futures in a recent interview with host Belinda Coates. Don’t Waste Buildings, co-founded by Tritton, Will Hurst, and Richard Nelson, advocates for reusing existing buildings as the most sustainable choice. The group views these structures as community resources rather than mere assets.
In the UK, many buildings face unnecessary demolition yearly. Tritton highlighted that the financial system discourages reuse, particularly outside London. New constructions benefit from zero VAT, while reusing existing buildings is burdened by a 20% VAT, complicating the process for small to medium enterprises.
Retrofit Policies
Tritton praised London as a leader in retrofitting, showcasing innovative reuse of even mundane buildings from the 1960s. However, she noted a “confused” policy environment, where local authorities vary in their commitment to retrofit policies despite national goals aimed at achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
While Tritton recognizes that some buildings may need demolition due to structural issues, she suggests a broader perspective on preservation. She emphasized that recent constructions often have shorter lifespans, citing the Broadgate Tower as an example.
The Don’t Waste Buildings group aims to develop an AI model to gather global best practices in building policy. For further information, visit dontwastebuildings.com.
For more information, visit HarperB.
