The Regenerative Twin was a 9-month research and development study exploring the social, environmental, and economic impacts of prioritising renewable materials. The study re-ran the concept design phase of a Welsh school project built in 2021. By applying an interdisciplinary approach based on the original Circular Twin concept—enhanced by deep supply chain engagement—the study demonstrated a strong correlation between increased use of renewable materials and socio-economic benefits. It also revealed that much greater environmental gains are possible than previously thought.
The original Circular Twin process, launched in 2022, uncovered significant potential to reduce whole life carbon emissions within standard budgetary constraints by shifting procurement priorities and adapting design team behaviors. We successfully applied these strategies to a new set of client goals, highlighting the transformative impact of behavior change in unlocking better value in built environment procurement.
On the 24th October We were joined by the experts involved in the Regenerative Twin project, followed by a discussion and Q&A, as we delved deeper into the project’s insights and the principles of regenerative design.
Speakers
- Harriet Fisher MRICS, Sustainability Analyst, Morgan Sindall
- Christianne Lellig, Specialist Advisor – Regenerative Systems Change, Woodknowledge Wales
Recording
Webinar summary
The regenerative twin, aproject led by Morgan Sindall, was a nine-month R&D study on social, environmental, and economic impacts of favoring renewable materials. Key findings included a 84% reduction in whole-life carbon, a 66% reduction in upfront carbon, and a 45% decrease in annual energy consumption. Challenges included calculating economic value from novel materials and achieving zero carbon over the building’s life cycle. The project emphasized behavioral change, early supply chain engagement, and the importance of local supply chains. The discussion also touched on the broader definition of regenerative design, emphasizing co-evolution with living systems and community engagement.
Introduction to the webinar and participants (00:00-02:51)
- Simon Corbey, Director, ASBP introduces the webinar, focusing on the regenerative twin project led by Morgan Sindall and the broader discussion on regenerative architecture and design.
Overview of Morgan Sindall and Wood Knowledge Wales (02:51-05:37)
- Simon provides background on Morgan Sindall, highlighting their role as Patron Members of the Alliance for Sustainable Building Products.
- Christiana Lellig from WoodknowledgeWales is introduced as a specialist in policy and behavioural change, with a focus on wood knowledge and policy influence.
- The organisation aims to share learning through events, lead on research projects, and foster collaboration to influence policy.
Introduction to Hattie Fisher and the Regenerative Twin Project (05:38-10:56)
- Hattie Fisher introduces herself as a sustainability analyst at Morgan Sindel, focusing on the regenerative twin project.
- The regenerative twin project is described as a nine-month R&D study into the social, environmental, and economic impacts of favouring renewable materials and regenerative practices.
- The project involved multiple workshops with architects, structural engineers, M&E consultants, and supply chain members, focusing on a theoretically remodelled school in Wales.
- The project was self-funded by Morgan Sinda;l and involved significant engagement with the Welsh supply chain and legislation, such as the Well-being of Future Generations Act Wales and the Woodland Wales Strategy.
Methodology and Findings of the Regenerative Twin Project (10:57-16:49)
- Hattie explains the methodology, including the creation of a behavioural charter and a project transition plan to record metrics and logic.
- The project aimed to reduce whole-life carbon, upfront carbon, annual energy consumption, and water consumption from material manufacturing.
- Key findings included a 84% reduction in whole-life carbon, a 66% reduction in upfront carbon, a 45% reduction in annual energy consumption, and a 90% reduction in water consumption from material manufacturing.
- Challenges included calculating the economic value of novel materials, achieving zero carbon over the building’s life cycle, and quantifying natural capital and social outcomes.
Insurance Implications and Socio-Economic Impact (16:50-26:49)
- Hattie discusses the insurance implications identified as the top risk, including insurance implications from using novel materials, increased temperatures and heat waves, flooding, and mass migration.
- Mitigation strategies included multiple occupancy for the building and building in a layered design to facilitate easier removal of components.
- The socio-economic impact of the project was investigated by the Connectives, highlighting potential benefits such as increased local employment, community access to nature, and promotion of green skills.
- Positive impacts included improved air quality, enhanced local biodiversity, and increased community engagement through multi-use facilities.
Q&A and Discussion on Regenerative Design (26:50-57:15)
- Christiana Lellig from WoodknowledgeWales discusses the concept of regenerative design, emphasizing the importance of living systems theory and the nestedness of projects within their broader context.
- Participants are invited to share their definitions of regenerative design in the chat, with contributions including increasing capacity and capability of living systems, restoring life support systems, and co-creating conditions for life to flourish.
- Hattie and Christiana discuss the challenges of measuring the impact on nature and the importance of developing regenerative capacity within communities and supply chains.
- The conversation highlights the need for a paradigm shift in design to focus on the wider context and the inherent potential of the places we inhabit and intervene in.
Conclusion and Next Steps (57:16-1:00:29)
- Simon summarises the key points of the discussion and thanks the speakers and participants.
- The importance of further events and collaboration to explore regenerative design and practice is emphasized, with plans for future webinars and events.