Content
BE-ST Fest '23
Breaking Barriers
The UK’s biggest festival for a zero-carbon built environment played host to transformative discussion and knowledge exchange on how we can break through barriers to accelerate our journey to zero carbon.
The festival ran from 4 September to 28 November and included 42 events, attended by 2000+ from across the sector in Scotland, UK and internationally. From Benbecula to Wicklow to Bristol, it was a rich programme encompassing all aspects of a zero-carbon built environment.
On 1 November we kicked off our two-day main event with the BE-ST Fest Summit, welcoming 500+ attendees, followed by an inaugural Accelerate to Zero Awards evening with over 180 guests.
On 2 November we held our first International Retrofit Conference with 300+ attendees.
44+ exhibitors, plus afternoon workshops and factory tours, captured the attention of the audience as the day continued to see connections being made, knowledge exchanged and solutions being explored.
BE-ST Fest '23 Summit
BE-ST Fest '23 Summit was a resounding success, from thought-provoking keynote speakers to workshops and exhibits.
![BEST FEST Emma Morton](/media/k3sc5zlx/best-fest-emma-morton.png?anchor=center&mode=crop&quality=80&rnd=133470235377270000)
![BEST FEST Rufus Grantham](/media/jzyjpykc/best-fest-rufus-grantham.png?anchor=center&mode=crop&quality=80&rnd=133470235357130000)
![BEST FEST Timber TED](/media/j2hnf353/best-fest-timber-ted.png?anchor=center&mode=crop&quality=80&rnd=133470235341330000)
The International Retrofit Conference
BE-ST and the National Retrofit Hub held the first ever conference dedicated to tackling retrofit in the UK at scale.
![BEST FEST DAY 2 Energiesprong](/media/4mlabrdy/best-fest-day-2-energiesprong.png?anchor=center&mode=crop&quality=80&rnd=133470238520200000)
![BEST FEST DAY 2 Passivhaus](/media/t5sfid1v/best-fest-day-2-passivhaus.png?anchor=center&mode=crop&quality=80&rnd=133470238513800000)
![BEST FEST DAY Caitriona](/media/3n5pbfji/best-fest-day-caitriona.png?anchor=center&mode=crop&quality=80&rnd=133470238525830000)
Accelerate to Zero Awards
Celebrating those who are making the biggest contribution to decarbonising the built environment.
Hosted by stand-up comedian and former electrician Susie McCabe, the Awards took place after the BE-ST Fest Summit and ahead of the International Retrofit Conference which takes place today.
The winners of the Awards were:
- Gamechanger Award: Loco Home Retrofit CIC
- Diversity and Inclusion Award: Women in Property
- BE Changemaker Award: Chloë Yuill
- Collaborative Partnership Award: Retrofit Balsall Heath
- Green Skills Award: Timber TED
- Green Technology Award: Integrated Environmental Solutions
- Circular Economy Award: Kenoteq
- Just Transition Award: Comann Eachdraidh Eirisgeidh
- Retrofit Award sponsored by AtkinsRéalis: John Gilbert Architects
- A to Z Hero Award: Agile City
- BE-ST Beacon Award: Emily Carr and Robert Hairstans