Highlights from FOOTPRINT+ 2024

Last week, we attended FOOTPRINT+, the world’s leading conference for the decarbonisation of the built environment. It was our first time attending and was a fantastic opportunity to meet with like-minded people to learn about the latest industry advances.

It was so inspiring to see some of the innovative solutions this industry has to offer, and to come together with so many people who are working towards a more sustainable future. Some particular highlights included:

Optoppen
Optoppen (Dutch for ‘topping up’) is an online platform that will allow quick and intuitive appraisal of property portfolios to unlock the potential of incorporating vertical extensions using mass timber. Currently being developed by Whitby Wood and Mule Studio, and funded by Built by Nature, Optoppen increases the useable space in a building whilst minimising construction emissions and saving existing embodied carbon.

Xylo
The largest all-timber frame office building in the UK, which is 9-storeys, 97,300 sqft NIA, with an operational carbon reduction of 82%. Sited in the Hatton Garden Conservation Area, the project overcame Camden’s ‘retro-fit first’ policy. The team worked with insurers to address concerns related to fire and water damage risks. The project showed how a committed client and design team can deliver highly sustainable and inspiring commercial projects.

Graphenstone Paints
A lime-based paint with Graphene fibres, that can absorb CO2 as it cures.

Minimass
A 3D-printed concrete system that can produce structural elements with much reduced volumes of concrete.

Love Your Workspace
A range of furniture constructed from various recycled and sustainable materials, including recycled hospital gowns, recycled ocean plastics, and a seating formed from hemp.