Spotlight on the Bartlett School of Sustainable Construction at COP29

29 November 2024

The Bartlett School of Sustainable Construction (BSSC) was represented by School Director, Professor Priti Parikh and a group of academics, alumni and current students cementing the school’s commitment to a sustainable future.

BSSC representatives standing on stage with other speakers at the China Pavillion at COP29

Collaboration with Tsinghua University and the Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology

Professors Jing Meng and Priti Parikh presented at the Green and Low-Carbon Technology Innovation, Practice, and Cooperation" session for the "China Carbon Neutrality Technology Development Roadmap" launch event. This event was in collaboration with Tsinghua University and the Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology.

Biosphere and C-Team session

Professor Xi Liang chaired the Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage event and panel discussion on promoting innovation and collaboration of carbon neutrality in the session and gave a keynote speech about Green Value Chain: Case Studies of Sustainable Fuel at the “Green Supply Chain: Joint Climate Responsibility for a Zero-Carbon Future” session. The session was hosted by Biosphere and C-Team.

Professor Priti Parikh's keynote speech and panel event

Professor Priti Parikh gave a keynote speech at the event titled China's SOEs towards Green Development Agenda which was organized by the Energy Conservation and Environmental Protection Group (CECEP) in collaboration with the Bureau of Social Responsibility of the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council, People's Daily Digital Communication Limited, China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), Power Construction Corporation of China (POWERCHINA) and Vanke Public Welfare Foundation.

Professor Priti Parikh also represented Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) where she discussed the value addition of PAS2080 which is a globally applicable standard for managing carbon throughout the lifecycle of buildings and infrastructure. She joined a panel event on knowledge, skills, standards & tools to implement sustainable, resilient and just solutions. The panel included International Coalition for Sustainable Infrastructure (ICSI), International Federation of Consulting Engineers (FIDIC), the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA), World Federation of Engineering Organizations Young Engineers Group on Climate Action (WFEO) and World Green Building Council.

China's strategies for addressing climate change

Professor Jing Meng participated in a session organized by the China Environmental Science Press, the World Institute of Sustainable Development Planners, and Sun Yat-sen University to discuss China’s strategies for addressing climate change. She contributed to a panel discussion focused on fostering innovative approaches to enhance quality and productivity in tackling climate change challenges.

The importance of nature positive infrastructure

Professor Priti Parikh also presented on the importance of nature positive infrastructure for climate adaptation and resilience. This was at a session co-hosted by ICSI and Conservation International on 20 November at the CDRI Pavillion. Speakers included Dirkjan Douma, Associate Director Advisory Group, Climate Resilience, Royal Haskoning DHV, Jill Hamilton, Blue Climate Strategy Director, Conservation International, Professor Priti Parikh FICE and Savina Carluccio, International Coalition for Sustainable Infrastructure (ICSI).

Dr Roberto Cardinale on green infrastructure

Dr Roberto Cardinale attended COP29 as a member of the UCL delegation. He held a number of meetings to discuss potential collaborations, including with State Oil Fund of the Republic of Azerbaijan (SOFAZ) on Sovereign Wealth Funds’ (SWFs) investments in the infrastructure asset class, especially in green infrastructure; with the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) for joint research on the challenges to repurposing gas infrastructure to transport green hydrogen; with the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its Special Envoy for Climate Change for joint research and educational projects on the development of greener energy infrastructure connecting North Africa to Europe; with the World Nuclear Association and with the Arab League on knowledge exchange with BSSC and activities for students.

BSSC alum and student representation

BSSC presence continued at COP29 with alumni Dr Imad Ahmed attending as negotiation advisor on the The New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) to the Chair of the Africa Group of Negotiators. He also assisted with the Africa Green Industrialisation Initiative. Mr Real Hajiyev a current MBA in Major Infrastructure Delivery student represented EBRD at COP29.