Accelerate to Zero

This episode of Accelerate to Zero explores how better building data and control systems can unlock significant improvements in energy performance and comfort across the built environment.Gavin Johnson speaks with Joe Miles, founder of Atamate Building Intelligence, about his journey from environmental engineering and construction into developing a wireless building control platform designed to make buildings simpler, more affordable and more efficient to run.The discussion covers the performance gap between design intent and actual operation, the limitations of traditional building management systems, and why real time data is key to understanding how buildings are truly used.

This episode of Accelerate to Zero explores how education is helping shape the next generation of built environment professionals.Gavin Johnson speaks with Lee Ciarsolo, architect and lecturer at City of Glasgow College, about the 10th anniversary of the HNC Computer Aided Architectural Design and Technology course. They discuss how the programme combines design, technology and sustainability, giving students early exposure to carbon literacy, low carbon materials and industry tools.The conversation highlights strong links with industry and BE-ST, hands-on learning through live projects such as the Social Bite Village, and the value of site visits, competitions and international study pathways.It also reflects on how confidence, creativity and collaboration are preparing students to contribute to a more sustainable built environment.

In this episode of the Accelerate to Zero podcast, Gavin Johnson is joined by Charlie Forshaw from Rainmaking and Douglas Morrison from BE-ST to explore the partnership behind the Thames Freeport Sustainable Construction Lab.The conversation looks at how collaboration, AI planning tools, new financial models and industrialised construction approaches could help unlock greener, faster and more affordable housing delivery. The episode also explores the role of innovation ecosystems in driving meaningful change across the built environment.

In this episode of the Accelerate to Zero podcast, Gavin Johnson is joined by Allan Smith from Morrison Construction and Catriona Jordan from Built Environment - Smarter Transformation (BE-ST).They explore how a long running collaboration has supported the delivery of low energy buildings through testing, shared learning and supply chain engagement. From early Passive House training to full scale innovation rigs, the conversation highlights how practical research and open collaboration are shaping real projects across Scotland.The episode also covers the Low Carbon Passport and the importance of embedding skills into education and practice, alongside the launch of the Delivering Quality publication.

In this final Accelerate to Zero episode from BE-ST Fest 2025, Hannah Lloyd speaks with Roddy Yarr, Director of Sustainability at the University of Glasgow, about turning net zero ambition into action.From decarbonising a complex estate to navigating cost, infrastructure, and live operational challenges, Roddy shares how the university is moving into delivery and why collaboration at a regional scale is key.A practical and optimistic conversation on scaling what works, working together, and building a more sustainable future.