Organised by the Carbon Trust in Scotland, the three sessions aim to bring together a range of experts in the field to bust some myths about low-carbon building and present the business case for going green.

From April this year, all new buildings over 10,000 sq m sold or rented will have to have an Energy Performance Certificate, with buildings over 2,500m included from July 1 and those over 1,000 sq m joining the scheme in October.

John Stocks, manager of the Carbon Trust in Scotland, told edie that greener building was becoming not just an environmental, but a commercial necessity.

He said: “It’s become generally accepted that the extra cost is only a few percent and the running costs are much less.

“I think the conservatism in the building industry has been a little bit of a barrier and I don’t think they have tried to dispel the myth that it costs more.”

Mr Stocks added that there was increasing evidence to show that low-carbon buildings – which are often designed to incorporate more natural light – are more productive and happier workplaces.

He said that the public sector in Scotland could have a very important influence on driving low-carbon building, as they account for a large proportion of building and could provide leadership.

“We need them to make that change to persuade the smaller, more cost-conscious businesses in the more competitive areas to get on board.”

The three evening masterclasses will be held in Edinburgh on March 6 and 18, and April 3.

The first will feature Greg Franta, senior vice president of the Rocky Mountain Institute, who will be making the business case for high performance buildings.

For more information and to reserve a place, email carbontrustscotland@fenixevents.co.uk or call 07962 002690.

Kate Martin

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