Dorset CPRE Summer Conference

Press Release – updated

Can Dorset Join the Leaders of the Zero Carbon Housing Revolution?

Dorset CPRE Summer Conference – 4th June 2025, 6:30 pm – 9 pm (Online via Zoom)

As the climate crisis intensifies, Dorset has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to lead the UK’s transition to zero carbon homes. On Wednesday 4th June, Dorset CPRE will host its Summer Conference online, titled, ‘Net Zero Homes. Can Dorset Do It?’.

With the UK construction sector responsible for 39% of global energy related carbon emissions*, and over 1 million homes built since 2015 now requiring costly retrofits, the urgency for change has never been greater. This high-impact conference brings together industry innovators, local authorities, developers, planners, and architects to explore bold new solutions and the radical transformation needed in the way we build homes.

The conference will be opened by Dorset CPRE President, former BBC Chief News Correspondent, Kate Adie and chaired by Andrew Procter, Dorset CPRE Planning Group Chair.

*World Green Building Council. Bringing Embodied Carbon Upfront

Speakers include:

• Andrew Procter, Chair, Dorset CPRE Planning Group – Making the case for Zero Carbon in Dorset
• Sam Goss, Founder, Barefoot Architects – Bridport Cohousing: A Place To Grow
• Dr Will Hawkins, Lecturer in Structural Engineering Design, Centre for Sustainable Energy Systems, University of Bath – Pioneering Net Zero Carbon Construction Planning Policy in Bath and North East Somerset Council
• Ian Pritchett, Co–founder and Innovation Director, Greencore Homes – Delivering “better than Zero Carbon“ Homes Now

Following the presentations our speakers will be joined by representatives from BCP and Dorset Councils and local environmental groups for a round table discussion on the issues raised.