The latest Constructing Excellence Climate Action Group session brought together industry leaders to explore two pioneering approaches to sustainability in the built environment: the sustainable regeneration of the Carpenters Estate in Newham and the development of a borough-wide Retrofit Design Code in Barking & Dagenham.
Reimagining Carpenters Estate: Retention Over Demolition
James Traynor from ECD Architects shared insights into the transformation of the 1960s Carpenters Estate, a site comprising three high-rise blocks and numerous low-rise homes originally earmarked for demolition. ECD’s involvement marked a turning point, shifting the conversation from demolition to retention and retrofit.
The team worked closely with the London Borough of Newham to establish clear assessment criteria, with embodied carbon reduction emerging as a critical factor. Analysis revealed that demolition would result in the highest embodied carbon impact, making retrofit the most sustainable option.
The masterplan set out a bold vision for the estate, starting with James Riley Point, the first high-rise to undergo transformation. Key challenges included addressing fire compliance and improving energy performance. Through energy modelling and environmental analysis, ECD developed a strategy that prioritised thermal efficiency, safety, and placemaking—creating healthier homes and vibrant green spaces.
This approach underscores a vital industry shift: moving beyond narrow definitions of “net zero” toward sustainable placemaking, where environmental, social, and economic benefits converge.
Empowering Retrofit at Scale: Barking & Dagenham’s Design Code
Emma Elston from BeFirst introduced the group to Barking & Dagenham’s ambitious retrofit programme, centred on the Becontree Estate—Europe’s largest housing estate with 29,000 homes.
The BeFirst team undertook a comprehensive review of housing assets, recognising the need to support owner-occupiers alongside social housing tenants. A pilot involving 25 diverse households provided invaluable insights into lived experiences, informing practical retrofit solutions that balance carbon reduction, thermal comfort, and affordability.
The resulting Becontree Retrofit Guide, now out for public consultation, offers clear pathways for homeowners—from quick wins to deeper interventions—tailored to different budgets and property types. Complementing this, BeFirst developed a Retrofit Design Code, enabling residents to understand how design improvements can enhance energy efficiency and overall home quality.
This initiative exemplifies how community engagement and knowledge sharing can drive meaningful climate action, empowering residents to take ownership of sustainability.
Looking Ahead
The session sparked lively discussion on the future of retrofit and regeneration, with participants highlighting the importance of involving clients in future conversations to understand internal challenges and unlock wider adoption. As retrofit moves into the mainstream, these projects offer powerful examples of innovation, collaboration, and leadership in tackling the climate emergency.
Get Involved
This session was held as part of the Constructing Excellence Climate Action group. To find out more about this group and their activities, visit the Climate Action page. Alternatively, find out about our other groups here or explore our upcoming events on the events page.
