The Oxford Institute for Sustainable Development (OISD) Annual Conference

The Oxford Institute for Sustainable Development (OISD) Annual Conference Highlights Critical Role of Sustainability in the Built Environment.

On Thursday 5 September 2024, Oxford Brookes University hosted the Annual Conference of the Oxford Institute for Sustainable Development (OISD) on the theme of “Sustainable and Resilient Built Environment”.

The conference was organised by Professor Rajat Gupta (Director of OISD), Dr Shahab Resalati (Reader & Research Lead, School of Architecture) and Dr Esra Kurul (Reader & Research Lead, School of the Built Environment).

As global climate challenges and urbanisation continue to escalate, the need for resilient, sustainable infrastructure has never been more pressing. The conference brought together experts from EPSRC, Department for Energy Security & Net Zero, Homes England, AtkinsRéalis, Arup, Hutton + Rostron, Oxfordshire County Council and Oxford Brookes to address issues like building reuse, digitalisation, circular economy strategies, and healthy cities. These discussions highlighted innovative solutions for creating more sustainable, adaptable cities.

The event was well attended by over 65 delegates and featured keynote addresses and panel discussions, covering vital topics like climate resilience, net-zero design, and planning for healthy neighbourhoods. 

Professor Rajat Gupta commented on the event: “By bringing together industry leaders, academics, and policymakers, the 2024 Annual Conference of OISD served as a critical platform for advancing the global sustainability and resilience agenda. It fostered collaboration aimed at addressing some of the most urgent environmental challenges facing the built environment today.”

The conference presentations, photographs and key messages are available on the OISD Conference website.