Her talk, Route to Net Zero – How can we feasibly achieve?, will delve into the complex realities facing the construction industry as it strives to meet ambitious decarbonisation targets, particularly for Scotland’s extensive existing building stock.

Peterson describes the current situation as a “mixed bag”. While Scotland aims for net zero by 2045, five years ahead of the UK, she highlights a concerning lack of “key pieces of legislation”, especially for the 80% of Scottish buildings already in use. The recent delay of the Heat in Buildings Bill is a particular point of concern, creating “market uncertainty” and reducing the already limited timeframe for action. Any legislative ambiguity, Peterson notes, can deter investment and stall projects, as developers grapple with unclear end-requirements.

Addressing the often-cited barriers of funding and technical complexity, Peterson suggests that many necessary solutions are not “overly technical”. The challenge, she argues, often lies more in the “significant capital investment” required. Peterson advocates a pragmatic, phased approach: “Find out how your buildings are operating just now and do your quick wins and then start to phase an investment programme to move to, say, a heat pump or an alternative low and zero carbon technology. Make your energy savings first.”

This involves understanding current energy use, optimising existing systems, and then strategically planning larger investments, often integrated with planned plant replacement cycles.

A significant hurdle Peterson will explore is the industry-wide skills shortage, impacting roles from engineering and installation to maintenance. The transition to new technologies, such as heat pumps, necessitates a shift in expertise – for example, from traditional gas boiler installers to electricians. “How can we support contractors so that they can deliver these projects?” she posits, stressing the urgent need to attract, train, and crucially, retain talent within the sector.

Peterson also points to inconsistencies in approach, not just between UK nations but even among Scottish local authorities. She calls for “consistency across the piece” and greater strategic collaboration, potentially government-led, to ensure a more unified and effective national effort.

Delegates at the Scottish Construction Summit can expect Sarah Peterson to illuminate not only the challenges but also the achievable pathways towards net zero, encouraging a collective, sensible approach to decarbonisation and tackling the critical skills deficit.

• Sarah Peterson is the director at Horizon M&E Services Design LTD. She is also chair of ACE Scotland, and vice chair CIBSE Scotland. Tickets for the Scottish Construction Summit, delivered by Scottish Construction Now, are available here.