AUDE’s Big Conversation: Something Old, Something New and perhaps, something less?

Last week, Mills & Reeve partner Christian Bull chaired a panel discussion at AUDE’s Big Conversation, which touched upon a number of thought provoking and timely issues facing the university estate:

• ESG remains of key importance. The associated cost of maintaining and operating large campuses, often incorporating ageing and energy inefficient buildings is prompting some to question whether downsizing is the way to go, with a focus on quality over quantity. Could such downsizing, coupled with investment in modern, energy efficient buildings help universities meet their sustainability targets, reduce overall costs and free up capital for investment?
• Funding pressures continue. All panellists reflected upon the significant ongoing funding pressures the sector is having to work under. Attendees gave examples of schemes which have been designed for phased implementation, to allow progression in line with availability of capital budgets. Estates strategies are being designed as dynamic and flexible frameworks, rather than rigid ‘one size fits all’ documents, to try to take account of the uncertain and changeable environment in which universities may need to operate over coming years, and allow the estate to continue to freely evolve in line with changing circumstances.
• Central government funding? There was some suggestion that states’ obligations towards cutting carbon emissions by 2030 may prompt some to open up central funding to assist with improving the efficiency of ageing building stock- something to watch over the term of the new parliament.
• Rebuild or retrofit? The drive towards carbon neutrality means that universities often prefer to retrofit and redevelop existing building stock. It was noted however that the quality of the architecture, fitness for modern teaching and attractiveness to students in an increasingly competitive global marketspace is of prime importance, and may occasionally make new buildings the better option.
• Communities at the heart. Many schemes are underpinned by a desire to create a more extensive integration of the universities within their localities. Campuses are being designed to offer a welcoming and open space to their local communities. The economic and social value of universities to their regions cannot be understated, so ensuring that local residents (and town planners) feel welcomed and in turn value their universities is of key importance.
• Effective space utilisation remains key. Improved building data collection will have a significant role to play, but the economic, social and environmental benefits of sharing space and facilities with other institutions and stakeholders was noted by attendees. 
  The event aligned with the theme of ‘Something old, something new’ from AUDE’s Legacy Buildings Guide available here and summarised by Christian Bull here.