How can net zero be built into major projects? Does being a trend setter in this area make it harder – but easier for those who follow?

Anna Cockman, Head of Estate Development (Project Delivery) at Lancaster University, was once the hands of BBC2 (really), but is now overseeing a huge project to build the Net Zero Energy Centre.

After discovering exactly what project management is, we discuss the challenges universities face when it comes to declaring a climate emergency, and achieving Net Zero targets, and how approaches to sustainability in project management have changed in recent years.

We discuss the importance of messaging for major construction projects and their impacts, the challenge – and criticality – of carrying out life carbon assessments, and find out what the Net Zero Energy Centre is and how it will impact Lancaster’s carbon footprint.

Among the big questions, we ask: Is Jan good at managing projects? How niche can specialist topics be on Mastermind? And, is watching energy silos being delivered a good use of your weekend?

We reminisce over old BBC trailers, Jan offends Australians (again), Paul discovers the person responsible for his workplace conditions, Anna bemoans the impact of The Apprentice on the image of project managers, and Shortland Street gets some more well-earned publicity.

Read an outline of Lancaster University’s Net Zero Energy Project here: https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/facilities/estates/net-zero-energy-project/

And find more background on Lancaster University’s approach to sustainability here: https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/sustainability/annual-report/

Episode Transcript