Welcome to the first of four exciting regional Innovation Centres Roadshows! This event, hosted at Edinburgh College’s Sighthill Campus on 27th November 2024, marks the beginning of a new decade of groundbreaking activity by Scotland’s four national innovation centres. These centres connect Scotland’s academic expertise with industry, public, and third-sector organisations to drive economic and societal benefits:

Register for your free tour of the BE-ST Innovation Factory that has been supporting construction related businesses to collaborate and innovate. The monthly tours cover the role of BE-ST and how our four core programmes intend to support industry to accelerate the built environments transition to zero carbon.

Join the Heatsource team at our in-person event in Aberdeen on Tuesday 26th November to learn more about heat networks and how Aberdeen City Council are working collaboratively with suppliers to deliver multiple schemes across the city.

With speakers from Scottish Government’s Heat Network Support Unit, Aberdeen City Council, Aberdeen Heat and Power and Vital Energi on the £25million Torry District Heat Scheme and gain insights from a number of our Heatsource champions on innovation in the supply chain.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to be part of the conversation to identifying how we overcome the barriers to mass adoption of heat networks in Scotland’s major cities. The event will be followed by a networking drinks reception to connect and continue the conversation and discuss specific opportunities or challenges you may have.

Session Overview

 12.30 Arrival/ Registration – light lunch provided

13.00 An introduction to Heat Networks and a spotlight on Torry District Heating Scheme

14.30 Break

14.45 Innovation in the supply chain presentations and round table discussion

16.30 Event Close

 16.30 Networking Drinks Reception

18.30 Networking Close

Connect with and hear about local Just Transition initiatives in Edinburgh and Leith around its built environment and housing.

Join  Architype at the Old Assembly Hall on the 14th of November as we host a Just Transition Town Hall - as part of the BE-ST Fest Fringe 2024. The evening will be a gathering of those working towards a just transition of our built environment, construction sector and housing locally. We are looking forward to welcoming contributions from EALA Impacts, Edinburgh Adapts, Living Rent's Leith Branch and Changeworks.

Buildings are one of Scotland's greatest contributors to climate change, but are one of the less widely understood areas for climate action and making progress towards Net Zero. Learn about exciting efforts underway and future opportunities to adapt our communities for our warming world, design healthier and more sustainable buildings, and retrofit our homes, streets and neighbourhoods. This is an opportunity to bring our local community together and to understand practical entry points to climate action through buildings.

Join us for an evening of short talks, and follow-up discussions and questions.

Arrive from 17.45 for the Town Hall to begin at 18.00.

14 November 2024 is a date not to be missed. Women in Property will be holding our first, CPD-accredited People-Innovation-Place Summit at the wonderful Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh.

Hosted by our Scotland branches, the Summit will explore the theme ‘Rethinking Places’, with speakers, panels and workshops.

We will be revealing lots more over the next few months so keep an eye on the website for further information.  Here’s what you need to know for now:

SUMMIT- BOOKINGS OPEN

• Thursday 14 November – a full day of inspiring talks, challenging discussions and insightful workshops and walking tours, followed by networking drinks to close the day.

FRINGE EVENTS - to be booked separately

• Wednesday 13 November – informal networking supper for those who can join us the night before - booking opening soon.

• Friday 15 November – site tours taking in some of the most highly anticipated schemes and talked about locations in the area - booking opening soon.

#PIPbyWiP

Alongside trusted training provider Coaction Training CIC, we’re offering Passvihaus Practical Training for Teir 1 supply chain members working on commercial, educational, public service and residential projects at scale.  

 Learn directly from the UK’s most experienced Passivhaus practitioners by exploring real-life scenarios using our bespoke training rigs and undertake rapid upskilling of:  

•  Designing for large scale construction projects 

• How to assess the risks in a design 

• What can go wrong and how to avoid it 

• What good looks like 

• What it takes to achieve airtightness 

• Impact of sequencing and material choices on build quality 

Attendees should have a prior understanding of Passivhaus or have completed the Coaction Certified Passivhaus Designer or Certified Passivhaus Tradesperson training. 

This course has been endorsed by the Passivhaus Trust at an intermediate level. 

The biggest event in the CENSIS calendar is their annual conference, the Technology Summit. Join us on 14th November to celebrate innovation in Scotland. This is an in-person event and the event will not be live streamed or recorded.

You can expect a similar style and format to previous conferences including cutting edge presentations and panel sessions, excellent networking opportunities and our vibrant marketplace of exhibitors.

Join South of Scotland Enterprise and HeatSource at our second event dedicated to exploring opportunities to those seeking to decarbonise their properties.

Hear from specialists offering technical and place-based solutions and connect with like-minded professionals to drive positive change in the South of Scotland.

The event is free to attend (lunch will be provided), but prior registration is essential.

Places are limited to two tickets per organisation.

Agenda

• 9am to 9.30am - Registration

• 9.30am to 9.35am - Welcome and introductions

• 9.35am to 10am - Regional and national aspirations

• 10am to 11am - Domestic Heat Decarbonisation (followed by Q&A session)

• 11am to 11.30am - Networking break

• 11.30am to 12.30pm - Non-domestic heat decarbonisation (Followed by Q&A session)

• 12.30pm to 1.30pm - Lunch and networking

• 1.30pm to 2.15pm - Industry and place-based support Session 1 (followed by panel discussion with Q&A)

• 2.15pm to 3pm - Networking break

• 3pm to 3.45pm - Industry and place-based support session two (followed by panel discussion with Q&A)

• 3.45pm to 4pm - Closing remarks and next steps – networking to continue!

Next Gen is a programme designed to allow young people from across Scotland to get hands-on with and inspired by the potential of low carbon and sustainable construction.

Since 2023, BE-ST has provided training to over 1,000 young learners, covering knowledge and training in retrofit, Passivhaus digital construction and modern methods of construction. Together with Daydream Believers and Class of Your Own, BE-ST is hosting our first annual Next Gen Summit. The event will bring together 200 S1 pupils from across North Lanarkshire for an exciting day of hands-on experiential learning and inspiring speakers. 

This is a closed event.

Decarbonising heat is one of our greatest challenges in achieving net-zero. City-wide heat networks are already common in Europe and have a key role to play in providing Scotland’s cities and towns with reliable, low-carbon, low-cost heat.

What is needed to increase large-scale heat networks across Scotland? How can we utilise local excess heat ?

Speakers include:

• Neil Kitching, Clean Heat Specialist, Scottish Enterprise

• Paul Bevington, Business Director – UK, Fenagy

• Gillian McCallum, Policy Lead, Scottish Government

• Iain Richards, Isoplus Piping Systems

• Sheelagh MacGregor, Associate Director - Net Zero, Scottish Futures Trust

• Alex Coupe, Business Development Manager – District Energy, Danfoss

• Gavin Slater, Head of Sustainability, Glasgow City Council

• Hamish Martin, Strategy Officer, Climate Change and Zero Waste Team, Fife Council

• Ian Mockett, Director – Energy, COWI

• Chris Dunham, Managing Director, Carbon Descent/ EMD

• Gina Nielsen, Head of Sales and Marketing, Drone Systems

Full program to be announced.

The event is organised by the Danish Embassy in London together with the Scottish Cities Alliance, Glasgow City Council and Stirling Council.

Denmark has a long experience of heat networks at scale, with 63 percent of all building heat supplied by heat networks.

For more information please contact Senior Advisor Rasmus Leth Traberg on rastra@um.dk

As cities continue to expand, the challenge of creating spaces that are not only well-connected but also liveable and environmentally sustainable is more pressing than ever. How do we transform towards more liveable, well-connected, and green cities? This seminar tackles this key question, focusing on the role of master planning and urban mobility in shaping the future of our urban environments.

The discussion will centre on how thoughtful urban planning can enhance public spaces, integrate green infrastructure, and develop efficient, sustainable transport systems. By exploring innovative mobility solutions, including greener transport networks and smarter connectivity, the session will present actionable ideas for building cities that balance growth with environmental responsibility and the well-being of all citizens.

Speakers include:

• Stirling Council, TBA

• Cameron Baillie Senior Planner, Granton Waterfront, Edinburgh City Council

• Fife Hyland, Operations Director, Drum Properties

• Stephen Willacy, Urban advisor, Stephen Willacy Architect + Urbanist and former City Architect of Aarhus

• Tine Holmboe, CEO, Dissing+Weitling

• Nick Cotton, Senior Designer / Masterplanner, Glasgow City Council

After the seminar you are invited to join a guided tour of the Forthside development. Once you have registered you will recive an email with seperate information about the tour.

The Liveable City

The two-day event features four independent seminars addressing the question of how cities can become better places to live, work and play as well whilst increasing quality of life for everyone.

The event is organised by the Royal Danish Embassy in London in partnership with Glasgow City Council, Stirling Council, the Scottish Cities Alliance and Creative Denmark and aims to bring together best practice from Denmark and Scotland in architecture and city development.

As more people continue to live in cities globally, fostering healthy urban environments becomes essential for enhancing the quality of life for an ever-growing population. Central to this is the question: How can we design buildings and urban spaces that positively impact health wellbeing and productivity? It starts with the structures where we spend the majority of our time – homes, and work spaces. How can we create urban spaces that incentivise healthy living? How can we improve housing quality to benefit both younger and older generations alike? This seminar will explore the intersection of health, architectural integrity, and urban planning to address these crucial challenges.

Speakers include:

• Heather Claridge, Director of Design, Architecture and Design Scotland

• Rita Justensen, Head of Planning and Urban Spaces, By & Havn/ Copenhagen Development Company

• Richard William, Senior Architectural Development Manager, Velux

• John Norton, Head of Design, igloo Regeneration

• Jonathan Perks, Associate Director, Steensen Varming

• Christian Thing, Partner, Living Better

• Brian Mark Evans, Professor of Urbanism & Landscape Glasgow School of Art Adviser, UNECE

• Paola Pasino, Principal Officer City Centre Strategy, Glasgow City Council

• Chris Rankin, Landscape Architect, University of Edinburgh

• Kompan, TBC

The Liveable City
The Liveable City is a celebration of architecture and urban planning where central and local government, businesses, politicians, professionals and the general public take part in talks, seminars, and debates

The two-day event features four independent seminars addressing the question of how cities can become better places to live, work and play as well whilst increasing quality of life for everyone.

The event is organised by the Royal Danish Embassy in London in partnership with Glasgow City Council, Stirling Council, the Scottish Cities Alliance and Creative Denmark and aims to bring together best practices from Denmark and Scotland in architecture and city development.

The Educator Programme is a six-month agile leadership course, starting during BE-ST Fringe, aimed towards college management and educators in built environment. The course adopts a competency-based focus to support educators to reduce skills imbalances in the sector.

The programme is delivered by Built Environment-Smarter Transformation (BE-ST). BE-ST is Scotland’s Innovation Centre for construction and built environment and is already delivering programmes such as Low Carbon Learning and Passivhaus Practical to accelerate Scotland's journey towards net zero. The Educator Programme fills an exciting gap by supporting educators of the future workforce to be more agile in their competency delivery.

Course objective:

To support Educators to be more agile in their approach to teaching within the built environment and adopting a competency-based approach to education. All with the ambition to reduce skills imbalances among learners.

Through peer-to-peer learning, practical engagement with demonstrators and rigs in our Innovation Factory, and input from guest speakers, participants will by the end of the course have:

• Identified their leverage as an educator to move beyond skills development into competency building.

• Enhanced practical skills to deliver training in a more agile way, building a more resilient and innovation-minded future workforce

• Built knowledge around different strategies to align student competency with rapid changes in the built environment.

We all strive to create liveable cities where people thrive, prosper, and feel included. But how do we develop cities where everyone sees their priorities recognised in the built and natural environments they call home? How can we turn this vision into reality?

The Liveable City’s opening seminar will explore the process of transforming aspirations into tangible action. Drawing from recent transformations in Danish and Scottish cities, the session will highlight how urban planners and policymakers are bridging the gap between vision and implementation. Examples of successful project proposals that have driven economic development and attracted investment will be showcased, along with strategies for drawing in landmark projects and early adopters.

Speakers include:

• Rene Dinesen, Ambassador, Royal Danish Embassy in London

• Susan Aitken, Leader of the Council, Glasgow City Council

• Rita Justensen, Head of Architecture at Copenhagen Development /Head of Planning and Urban Spaces, By & Havn

• Jens Linnet, Founding Partner, BOGL

• Sarah Shaw, Head of Planning, Glasgow City Council

• Mark Ward, Principal Planner, Glasgow City Council

• Etive Currie, Senior Planner, Glasgow City Council

• Mairi Laverty, Director, Collective Architecture

• Marc Cairns, Managing Director at New Practice

• Tamsie Thomson, Chief Executive at Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland.

The Liveable City

The two-day event features four independent seminars addressing the question of how cities can become better places to live, work and play as well whilst increasing quality of life for everyone.

The event is organised by the Royal Danish Embassy in London in partnership with Glasgow City Council, Stirling Council, Scottish Cities Alliance and Creative Denmark and aims to bring together best practices from Denmark and Scotland in architecture and city development.

Register for your free tour of the BE-ST Innovation Factory that has been supporting construction related businesses to collaborate and innovate. The monthly tours cover the role of BE-ST and how our four core programmes intend to support industry to accelerate the built environments transition to zero carbon.

Geovation Scotland and BE-ST are back, with an event designed to explore the following key themes through a fast-paced creative workshop. 

• Carbon Capture / Green Homes 

• Retrofit Technologies 

• Conveyancing Process 

• Planning Process – streamlining 

• Smart Cities 

Bring your problems with the sector and best thinking hats for a fun, idea-filled session. No solution is too bold, the more inventive the better. 

Agenda 

9:30 – 10:00 Arrival 

10:30 – 11:00 Intro / Icebreaker 

11:00 – 12:45 Workshopping Session 

12:45 – 1:30 Networking lunch 

 
Who is this event for? 

If you work in property, construction, built environment, proptech or tech this is the event for you. Bring your best thinking hats and get ready for a deep dive into what the future of proptech could look like.  

We need those who are working in the sector to understand the pain points, the problems. If you are working in property or construction and have always thought ‘there should be an app for that’, or are you working in tech but look at the property sector and think ‘surely there should be more innovation and opportunities’ then come along! 

I don’t work in any of the above sectors, is this event right for me? 

Drop us a line at admin@geovation.scot and we can have a chat about whether the event will be beneficial to you. 

Will I need to bring my computer? 
Nope – this is an ideation workshop / hackathon – technical folks encouraged but we wont be deep diving into the data or tech. 

Can I attend online? 
Unfortunately not, this is an in-person event. 

Who will be there? 

There will be representation from Geovation Scotland, BE-ST, Registers of Scotland and Scottish Enterprise. Delegates will include those working in proptech, property / legal sector, construction sector and more. 

It’s a long session, will food be provided? 

Yes, refreshments and lunch will be provided.

* Please note all individuals will need to provide Photo ID when they arrive. Photographs will be taking during the session for marketing purposes, please let a member of staff know if you are not comfortable with your photo being taken.

The sessions will cover knowledge and training in Retrofit, Passivhaus, Digital Construction and Modern Methods of Construction, whilst always considering the Fabric First approach.

The sessions will be delivered at BE-ST, covering both theory, interactive learning and practical sessions. This programme can support travel to our innovation centre in Blantyre.

This is a closed event.

Advancing the decarbonisation of community and public buildings and estates in Scotland

Join Architype and mwclubb on the 24th of October, at the Old Assembly Hall in Leith as we come together to share insights into what enables and what holds back the decarbonisation of non-domestic buildings and local authority estates. We’re hosting this event as part of the BE-ST Fest Fringe 2024, both in-person at Old Assembly Hall and online as a webinar*

Adapting civic infrastructure for our warming world, reducing its contribution to climate change and reducing its operational costs in the face of economic uncertainty and tightening budgets is one of the greatest challenges facing Scotland today. However, evidence-driven methodologies have been developed to enable and understand cost, and early demonstrators are identifying what needs be adjusted in the funding and policy landscape to make greater things possible.

Architype's co-owners will share lessons learned developing EnerPHit Informed Retrofit Plans which offer a phased and targeted approach across local authorities' educational estates in Scotland. mwclubb will share their work championing decarbonisation and retrofit works in the north-east, developing net zero plans for Scottish rugby clubs and advocating for policy change to optimise available funds for their greatest impact.

Arrive and tune in from 17.45 for the event to begin at 18.00

*This event is being held both online and in-person. This is the ticket for the in-person event. To join us online instead, please book here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1008472938707?aff=oddtdtcreator

Nextgen collaboration for climate action: calling all architects, designers, engineers, ecologists, cost and planning consultants, project managers, contractors and specialists in the built environment!

The BE-ST Changemakers are exploring the future of construction, how we can envisage an alternative future - one where we have broken free of “business as usual” and embraced innovation, collaboration and radical optimism. 

We are excited to host three speakers, who will each explore the role we can play in creating and executing a vision for the built environment. The space is open to inquisitive minds and all questions - no judgement.

Speakers include:

• Robin Ellis, Graven

• Robert Colvin, New Future Construction

• Zarja Krevelj, HLM Architects

Location: Glasgow Collective, 15 East Campbell Street, Glasgow, G1 5DT

Alongside trusted training provider the Verdancy Group, we’re offering a 1-day retrofit course for the public and third sector working on energy efficiency upgrades at scale.

Through a mix of classroom and hands-on activities using our bespoke training rigs and demonstrators, we are increasing retrofit literacy through:  

• Understanding the basic retrofit principles – from technical to practical

• Mapping the co-benefits of retrofit – from climate to health and finances

• Balancing the impact of insulation, ventilation, and renewable heat

• Taking air tightness principles into practice

• Explore what good retrofit looks like; what can go wrong and how to avoid it

We welcome attendees of different levels who want to increase their understanding and boost their confidence in addressing retrofit in their workplace.

Alongside trusted training provider Coaction Training CIC, we’re offering Passvihaus Practical Training for Teir 1 supply chain members working on commercial, educational, public service and residential projects at scale.  

 Learn directly from the UK’s most experienced Passivhaus practitioners by exploring real-life scenarios using our bespoke training rigs and undertake rapid upskilling of:  

•  Designing for large scale construction projects 

• How to assess the risks in a design 

• What can go wrong and how to avoid it 

• What good looks like 

• What it takes to achieve airtightness 

• Impact of sequencing and material choices on build quality 

Attendees should have a prior understanding of Passivhaus or have completed the Coaction Certified Passivhaus Designer or Certified Passivhaus Tradesperson training. 

This course has been endorsed by the Passivhaus Trust at an intermediate level. 

A celebration of 12 years serving communities across Scotland in line with the Black History Month theme this year, "Reclaiming Narratives".

This event will be an opportunity to reflect on our journey highlighting both the challenges we've faced and the successes achieved.

Attendees will have the unique opportunity to engage with antiracism experts, hear from our partners about their experiences working with minoritised communities and be inspired by powerful speakers from the Radiant and Brighter community sharing personal experiences and stories.

There will be free parking, tasty food and drinks

Don't miss out on this opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and to be part of something special at this in-person event. We would like to thank our sponsors Enable and SCVO who are working with us to make this a successful and inclusive celebration.

Get ready to be inspired and uplifted at 12 Years of Radiant and Brighter!

Building Balance: Well-being, Sustainability, and Career Growth in Construction

Join Architype and Women in BIM on the 10th of October at Old Assembly Hall and as part of the BE-ST Fest Fringe ‘24 for an exciting event exploring the balance between workplace well-being, sustainability, and career growth in the construction industry. This is your chance to connect with industry professionals and gain insights that drive positive change. 

 At the heart of the event, we’ll dive into the intersection of mental health, sustainability, and career growth. Through expert discussions, we’ll explore how a focus on mental well-being can improve workplace culture and productivity, while sustainability in construction offers innovative solutions for building a more environmentally responsible future. A special presentation from an architectural professional will showcase how her journey in Building Information Modelling (BIM) and sustainability reflects the broader potential for career growth and industry innovation to work together. 

 Whether you're passionate about workplace well-being, sustainable construction, or personal career development, this event promises valuable insights and networking opportunities to shape a more balanced future. 

 Arrive from 17.45 for the event to begin at 18.00. 

Without innovation, the world would be a very different place - quite simply, it would never change. It's at the forefront of everything we do as a society and is integral to businesses.

Such innovation often comes from research carried out by academics and research professionals in universities and businesses across the world. That research allows organisations to create positive impact on our communities and environment, saves lives and empowers people to have a greater quality of life.

We're delighted to welcome all 4 Innovation Centres as well as other Innovation Support Institutions to Walter Bower House at the University of St Andrews to allow the academic research community and businesses to connect and learn more about the support they offer. This event is hosted by the University of St Andrews but open to colleagues at Abertay University and the University of Dundee as well.

Lunch will be provided therefore, please ensure you RSVP and let the team know of any dietary requirements.

Who is the event for:

• Academics

• PhD students

• Postdocs

• Research fellows

• Regional businesses 

• All those interested in innovation support!

Schedule:

1.00pm   Networking Lunch and Arrivals (Entrepreneurship Centre)
2.00pm   Welcome and Introductions by: Innovation Centres, Interface, EoS KTP Centre, IUK Business Connect(Cathedral Room)
2:15pm   Exhibitions and networking (Cathedral Room)
4.00pm   Exhibition Close
4.00pm   Eden Campus tours

Travelling to Walter Bower House There is ample parking onsite and visitors can park in any available marked parking space.

The Canadian Wood Council (CWC) proudly marks its 65th anniversary as a leading force in advancing building codes and standards for wood construction, ensuring market access for Canadian wood products, and accelerating the adoption of sustainable, wood-based construction in the marketplace.

Their mission is to support their members by accelerating market demand for wood products and championing responsible leadership through excellence in codes, standards, and regulations.

The Canadian Wood Council are conducting a Knowledge Exchange tour to Scotland.

The sessions will cover knowledge and training in Retrofit, Passivhaus, Digital Construction and Modern Methods of Construction, whilst always considering the Fabric First approach.

The sessions will be delivered at BE-ST, covering both theory, interactive learning and practical sessions. This programme can support travel to our innovation centre in Blantyre.

This is a closed event.

Fusing architectural and structural engineering insights into, and perspectives on Whole Life Carbon for greater collective action

Join Architype and Harley Haddow on the 3rd of October at Old Assembly Hall as we work together to broaden horizons and explore synergies around whole life carbon. We’re hosting this event as part of the BE-ST Fest Fringe 2024.

With the embodied carbon of new buildings accounting for 40-70% of their lifetime carbon impact, and the U.K. and EU construction sector being on course for blowing its 1.5C carbon budget by 2026, the immediate effects of upfront carbon, and the significance of whole life carbon over a building's lifecycle cannot be overlooked.. Architects and structural engineers design, optimise, specify and steward differing yet complementary aspects of projects and the sooner we begin accounting for carbon, the greater our possibility for positive and combined impacts.

Hear about EnerPHit Informed Retrofit Plans across Scotland, the cascading effects of the optimisation of house types, adaptive reuse, and innovative approaches to championing embodied carbon reduction.

Join us for an evening of shared learnings from Harley Haddow and Architype, panel discussions and audience participation.

Arrive from 17.45 for the event to begin at 18.00.