Sustainability Conference Welcomes Delegates From Across The Globe To Enniskillen

(MENAFN- EIN Presswire)

Pictured at the Building a Sustainable Future conference at South West College' Erne Campus are left to right, Karl Pedersen (Mullarkey Pedersen Architects), Emma Osmundsen (Exeter Living), Dr Nicholas O'Shiel, (South West College), Councillor Barry McEld

South West College host attendees from Europe, North America, and Australasia for two-day conference and week-long series of sustainable design and construction

BELFAST, ANTRIM, NORTHERN IRELAND, October 17, 2022 / / -- International delegates from 20 countries were welcomed to Fermanagh last week as South West College hosted the inaugural 'Building a Sustainable Future' conference and climate resilience lecture. The conference hosted in association with Fermanagh and Omagh District Council and supported by Encirc took place alongside a programme of workshops, meetings and seminars delivered by the International Passive House Association which represents a network of 27 global affiliate organisations who are passionate about improving sustainability in the design and construction industry with Passive House now recognised as the fastest growing standard in that sector.

30 acclaimed industry speakers presented during the conference, covering not only design and construction, but also public and private transportation and sustainability strategy development. Key note speakers included Emma Osmundsen, Managing Director, Exeter City Living, Gary McRae from Dundee based Urban Foresight, Nichola Hughes, Director of Sustainable NI, Professor John Barry, Queen's University Belfast and Scott Foster, former Director of the Sustainable Energy Division at the United Nations.

The 'Building a Sustainable Future' conference and IPHA Camp was the first official event attended by the College's new Chief Executive and Principal, Celine McCartan who recently commenced in post. Celine gave a welcome address to local and international delegates at the Climate Resilience Lecture and speaking about the weeks' events said;

'This is a great way for me to return to the College and start in post. South West College has, for many years been recognised as a leader in sustainability for the Further and Higher Education sector across Northern Ireland. The 'Building a Sustainable Future' conference was an excellent opportunity to showcase the college's work and commitment to sustainable construction, transport and industry engagement while also providing a platform to offer local and international visitors the chance to experience the wonderful Erne Campus and the College's CREST Centre - both Passive House rated buildings, in Enniskillen.'

Celine continued by thanking staff from South West College, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council and the Passive House Institute for their work over the past few months in the development of the conference programme and in ensuring that every aspect of the week was carefully choreographed and managed.

Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Barry McElduff said;

'This conference was a cutting edge one for sure. I am proud that Fermanagh and Omagh District Council and South West College worked seamlessly together on this major event.

The Erne Campus' accreditation as the world's largest Passive House Premium rated building is something that gives our District great distinction.

From a council point of view we have a lot to learn about how to best achieve maximum energy efficiency, particularly in the current climate with the cost of living and the climate change crisis. This world class conference has helped to show us the way as we move forward with our own proejcts.'

Thanks to the generous support from a range of corporate partners and sponsors, a number of College students and staff as well as Elected representatives and staff from Fermanagh and Omagh District Council were invited to attend the conference, offering them the opportunity to build new relationships with international industry representatives and conference speakers. A number of exchange programme students studying architecture at Humber College in Toronto were also in attendance and spent six days visiting Enniskillen and exploring the wider Fermanagh area. This visit followed on from educational trip by South West College students to Toronto earlier this year.

Jill Goligher
ASG & Partners

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