Here’s some of the key messages from the talk that Anna Beckett and Gareth Atkinson gave on behalf of The Engineers Reuse Collective at the Architects’ Journal Retrofit Live conference last week.

To continue to reduce carbon spend in the built environment we need to get better at “working together”. Fundamentally this starts with better collaboration and sharing of ideas and information with our industry peers.

There’s no intellectual property when it comes to trying to combat climate change. Sporting a pair of sharp elbows to fend off competitors has been the industry norm, but now, more than ever, we need to …. “change our mindsets”.

We need to create the space to work harmoniously to find the right direction, quicker together. We need to innovate and change our approaches and behaviours in the industry to be less wasteful with our resources and be more intellectually resourceful at reusing more.

It sounds easy right? … nope. To make real change takes masses amount of extra energy, time and effort. It requires breaking down barriers, being magnanimous and investing in those relationships and partnerships where lines are usually drawn.

The Engineers Reuse Collective (tERC) stemmed from the mindset of being able to make a difference together.

Regardless of whether one firm felt it had a market edge or greater IP in being able to be seen as more sustainable, or being able to offer better carbon efficient designs, the founding companies recognised we were only going to make a greater difference, and quicker, if we did it together.

Starting with 6, we now have over 30 consultancy members in our non-for-profit company. The collective supports the sharing of skills and knowledge whilst providing a catalyst to enrich each member’s own innovation and mindset to set sail in a more positive, planet friendly direction.

So, if we are really passionate about making a difference, it’s out with the sharp elbows and in with the collaboration. It’s the proverbial no brainer, chicken dinner … winner winner.

Download a copy of the slides below: