Home of 2030 Young Persons' Challenge Winner Talks Net Zero

Rachael Milliner, architectural intern and winner of Home of 2030 young persons' design challenge explains why today’s social, environmental, and economic challenges should be balanced by aiming towards net zero and more socially conscious housing. Rachael's thought piece is published on Unlock Net Zero, a knowledge hub focusing on the practical reality of the transition to a net zero future. Read the original article here.

Historically social crises have led to Government action that have dramatically improved the lives of communities in the UK. For example, a century ago health and housing crises resulted in the 1919 Addison Act, which enshrined social housing in the UK. After World War Two the New Towns Act and The National Health service were established to tackle poverty and destruction. Today, social, environmental, and economic inequalities can be balanced through an upheaval of current regulations, realigned with Net Zero Carbon at the core.

Change has begun with a shift in public perception and the Government’s commitment to Net Zero. But we are at the beginning – the next challenge is to act. The younger generation – myself included – are bored of the lack of it. From Fridays for Future to subreddit taking on Hedge Funds, action is being taken against a failing system. The pandemic has proven individual and governmental capability to dramatically transform a society in crisis. Naomi Klein discusses the failed opportunity after the 2008 crash to build back with environmental intent. Yet again, the global recession is calling for the same. Our government has released plans to ‘Build Back Better’ and - even though the recent budget has come under criticism for the missed opportunity to centralise the Net Zero Goal - educating youth and upskilling workers could capitalise these promises. We have the knowledge to reach net zero. Platforms such as Unlock Net Zero are an opportunity. Groups such as LETI (London Energy Transformation Initiative) and ACAN (Architects Climate Action Network) are already championing change in the construction sector through open-source education

The existing housing stock is our biggest obstacle. New housing accounts for 1-2% of the building stock each year – the focus must therefore be on retrofitting. But what does this mean to homeowners and tenants? Participatory design, resident education and engagement need to be part of the solution. Information about the tangible positive impacts of Zero Carbon strategies – most importantly fuel poverty reduction - will help make the change. In the coming decade, the initial task is education across industries and for residents. Alongside this, the construction industry and related practices can begin the task of retrofitting our building stock.

Collective engagement with bottom up and top down projects will be necessary. After the Soviet Union collapsed Cuba was left with no food infrastructure. Overnight they had to transform their monocultural farming into a polyculture of urban farms. Urban farmers in Detroit (USA) reclaimed deserted blocks to tackle food poverty in a shrinking city. In the UK, climate friendly initiatives are being championed at schemes such as Goldsmith Street Passivhaus council estate in Norwich. While local housing authorities such as NCH are leading the retrofit revolution. Building regulations are not enough. Net Zero is an opportunity for innovation. Passive techniques, reintroduction of biodiversity, and fabric first design are just some of the strategies that can be utilised to stop constructing a built environment not fit for purpose. To reach not only net zero but a more socially and environmentally equitable future.