Building New or Renewing: A Pivotal Discussion from the 2024 CTBUH International Conference
Last month, the global construction industry gathered at The Barbican Centre in London for the 2024 Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) International Conference. The central topic of debate? Whether to prioritise the construction of new buildings or focus efforts on renewing existing ones. This conversation is vital, especially as environmental challenges, population growth, and urbanisation pressures mount.
At Hebs, we’re intimately familiar with this dilemma. As specialists in facilities management and sustainable building practices, we recognise the crucial balance between innovation in new developments and the restoration of older buildings to meet modern environmental and safety standards. This question doesn’t just affect future cityscapes; it shapes the way we think about sustainability, resource management, and urban development.
The Case for Building New: Smart, Sustainable Growth
There is no doubt that new construction is necessary, particularly in rapidly growing urban areas. Cities around the world are seeing unprecedented population growth, and infrastructure must keep pace. New builds allow for the integration of state-of-the-art technologies, energy-efficient materials, and forward-thinking designs. These buildings are built with adaptability and sustainability in mind, designed to minimize environmental impact and maximize energy savings from day one.
For example, modern high-rises can incorporate advanced building fabrics and materials that not only optimise thermal efficiency but also reduce a building’s overall carbon footprint. At Hebs, we have been part of projects that prioritise sustainability through the use of specialist glass, heat-reflective coatings, and advanced insulation systems. By sourcing and installing these cutting-edge materials, we ensure that newly constructed buildings are equipped to meet the environmental demands of tomorrow.
New buildings are also typically more resilient to the evolving challenges of climate change, thanks to updated regulations and technology advancements. From rainwater harvesting systems to renewable energy integration like solar panels, these developments are pushing the boundaries of what urban architecture can achieve.
The Power of Renewal: Preserving Heritage, Reducing Waste
However, while new construction is critical, there is a strong case to be made for renewing and retrofitting existing buildings. Older buildings often have rich cultural, historical, and architectural significance. Instead of demolishing these structures, retrofitting and upgrading them offers a more sustainable approach to urban growth.
Renewal projects often present opportunities to reduce waste and carbon emissions associated with demolition and new construction. By repurposing the existing building fabric and structure, we can extend a building’s lifespan while upgrading it to meet modern energy efficiency and safety standards. This minimizes the environmental impact, as less material is sent to landfills and fewer resources are consumed in the construction of entirely new structures.
At Hebs, we are strong advocates for this approach. Our work in facilities management involves helping clients upgrade their existing buildings through measures like energy-efficient glazing, improved insulation, and smart roofing systems that regulate heat. These strategies not only enhance a building’s performance but also contribute to reducing its overall carbon footprint.
Moreover, retrofitting can make financial sense. Instead of investing in entirely new builds, many property owners find it more cost-effective to enhance what they already have. From a sustainability standpoint, this aligns with circular economy principles, where the reuse and optimisation of resources take precedence over consumption.
The Future of Urban Development: Striking the Balance
What the 2024 CTBUH International Conference made clear is that the future of urban development lies not in choosing between building new and renewing old structures, but in striking the right balance between the two. As cities evolve, both approaches offer valuable solutions to the challenges of urbanisation, environmental sustainability, and resource management.
At Hebs, we see both sides of this debate. Our commitment is to provide sustainable, forward-thinking solutions, whether that involves installing market-leading materials in new developments or retrofitting existing buildings to optimise energy performance and safety. Our experience in both areas positions us to help clients navigate these complex choices, ensuring that they are making the best decisions for their projects, the environment, and future generations.
The Way Forward
The key takeaway from the conference is that there is no single answer to the question of whether to build new or renew. Each project, location, and structure has its unique challenges and opportunities. However, one thing is certain: sustainability must remain at the forefront of every decision.
At Hebs, we are committed to helping our clients achieve sustainable urban development, whether through cutting-edge materials in new builds or innovative retrofitting solutions for existing structures. The future of our cities depends on our ability to adapt, innovate, and, most importantly, find the balance between preservation and progress.
If you’re ready to explore how Hebs can help you with your next project—whether it’s a new build or a retrofit—get in touch with us today. Together, we can create a greener, more sustainable future.
