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thebefs.bsky.social
Built Environment Forum Scotland
@thebefs.bsky.social
250 followers 43 following 170 posts
BEFS informs, debates & advocates on opportunities & challenges facing Scotland's built environment. Historic Environment Scotland supported. 🔗 https://www.befs.org.uk
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thebefs.bsky.social
Built Environment Forum Scotland @thebefs.bsky.social · Apr 9
Hello Bluesky! Built Environment Forum Scotland (BEFS) is Scotland’s umbrella body for the built environment—historic & contemporary. We draw on expert voices to inform debate & advocate on strategic issues, challenges & opportunities. Supported by HES. Learn more: www.befs.org.uk/
thebefs.bsky.social
BEFS attended the Heritage Alliance’s 2025 Heritage Debate, Closer to Home, examining how local governance and community engagement could shape heritage management and delivery. Participants also contributed Placemaking Postcards case studies.

Learn more: www.theheritageallia...

#Heritage
Heritage Debate 2025 - The Heritage Alliance
Sell tickets online with Ticket TailorNow in its 16th year, Heritage Debate brings sector leaders, professionals and volunteers together to share cross-sector insights, make connections and find solutions to the key challenges facing heritage today. This year, Heritage Debate will tackle one of the most significant shifts in governance affecting our sector in a generation.
www.theheritagealliance.org.uk
November 25, 2025 at 4:00 PM
thebefs.bsky.social
Europa Nostra has published its Heritage Manifesto, urging action on seven priorities and endorsing the EU’s Culture Compass.
Heritage Manifesto: www.europanostra.org...
Culture Compass: https:/culture.ec.europa.eu...
Europa Nostra issues Brussels Manifesto “Heritage Matters for Europe - Europe Matters for Heritage” - Europa Nostra
Read the full Brussels Manifesto (PDF) The Brussels Manifesto calls for Europe’s cultural and natural heritage to stand at the very heart of European strategies, budgets,…
www.europanostra.org
November 25, 2025 at 2:00 PM
thebefs.bsky.social
A key policy ask in the 2026 BEFS Manifesto is greater reuse of construction materials. The EU-funded CirCoFin project could support this, with Scotland selected as a pilot location for a Circular Construction Hub led by Zero Waste Scotland.

Learn more: https://circofin.eu/

#CircularEconomy
November 25, 2025 at 10:00 AM
thebefs.bsky.social
The Climate Change Plan evidence session also covered the Heat in Buildings Bill. The Scottish Government has now published the draft Bill and confirmed it will not be introduced this term. A new timeline will follow the May 2026 elections.

Learn more: www.gov.scot/publica...

#HeatInBuildings
Heat in buildings: future plans
Draft Buildings (Heating and Energy Performance) and Heat Networks (Scotland) Bill published to provide a statement of intent to industry and stakeholders.
www.gov.scot
November 24, 2025 at 4:00 PM
thebefs.bsky.social
RTPI Scotland has published its Planifesto for the 2026 Holyrood elections, outlining key priorities for a fully resourced planning system, infrastructure-led development, diverse housing, thriving rural communities and resilient places.
Read the Planifesto:
RTPI Scotland Planifesto | Championing the power of planning
RTPI Scotland's Planifesto. A Vision for Scotland for the next Scottish Government.
www.rtpi.org.uk
November 24, 2025 at 11:00 AM
thebefs.bsky.social
Scotland’s Climate Change Plan 2026–2040 has been published. Yesterday, BEFS Head of Policy & Strategy Derek Rankine shared views with the Local Government, Housing & Planning Committee.

Watch: www.scottishparliame...
Read the Plan: www.gov.scot/publica...
BEFS response: www.befs.org.uk/wp-c...

November 24, 2025 at 9:00 AM
thebefs.bsky.social
BEFS Director Hazel Johnson spoke at the Scottish Parliament on the Building Safety Levy.
Read more: www.befs.org.uk/wp-c...
Earlier response: www.befs.org.uk/wp-c...
Watch: www.scottishparliame...
November 21, 2025 at 4:00 PM
thebefs.bsky.social
📢 BEFS Bulletin 386 is out now: Cultivating Resilience: Building Safety, Climate Change Plan & Circularity.

Includes BEFS evidence to Parliament, circular construction hubs, key consultations, events, training & vacancies from across the sector.

Read & subscribe:
BEFS Bulletin 386: Cultivating Resilience - Building Safety, Climate Change Plan and Circularity
Get The Latest Built Environment News, Policy Developments, Publications & Consultations
www.befs.org.uk
November 21, 2025 at 12:47 PM
thebefs.bsky.social
For every £1 in Scotland's historic environment, £5.24 returns to our economy! Yet, a national grant fund dropped £10m since 1994. Our #BEFSManifesto2026 demands investment in climate, housing, and communities! ow.ly/BWLT50XtlLx 🏛️

November 18, 2025 at 10:05 AM
thebefs.bsky.social
The Conservation Officers Group (COG) raised key concerns on proposed PDR changes:
⚠️ Not suitable for listed buildings, conservation areas or town centres
🛠️ Practical issues & risks to heritage integrity
🔗 Full response: www.befs.org.uk/wp-c...

#ScotlandPlanning #PDR #HeritagePlanning
November 7, 2025 at 10:00 AM
thebefs.bsky.social
BEFS urges caution on expanding Permitted Development Rights to address housing. Planning scrutiny remains vital, especially in historic & rural contexts.
📄 www.befs.org.uk/wp-c...
November 7, 2025 at 9:00 AM
thebefs.bsky.social
📣 The latest BEFS Bulletin is out now.
Insights from #BESTFest25, new consultations, sector news, and more.
Start with the Building Connections conference: challenges, calls to collaborate, and sector-spanning solutions.
🔗
BEFS Bulletin 385: Building connections, consultations and more
Get The Latest Built Environment News, Policy Developments, Publications & Consultations
www.befs.org.uk
November 6, 2025 at 3:48 PM
thebefs.bsky.social
Scotland's compulsory purchase system is being reformed with aims to make it simpler, more streamlined & fairer for all parties 📋
The Scottish Government consultation on CPO reform is open until 19 December.
Questions? [email protected]
Have your say: www.gov.scot/publica...

#Planning #Scotland
Compulsory purchase reform in Scotland: consultation
We are seeking views on how to make the compulsory purchase system simpler, more streamlined, and fairer for all, to help deliver development and new homes. This consultation also includes questions on the possible benefits of introducing compulsory sale orders and compulsory lease orders.
www.gov.scot
November 4, 2025 at 11:00 AM
thebefs.bsky.social
BEFS 2026 Manifesto is here!
Building Foundations for a Better Scotland sets out 15 practical policy recommendations to unlock Scotland's built heritage potential—delivering warmer homes, local jobs & thriving town centres.Co-created with our members.
Read➡️ www.befs.org.uk/late...

November 3, 2025 at 4:00 PM
thebefs.bsky.social
Good news for owners of pre-1919 buildings: the latest EPC assessment system better recognises energy-saving features like shutters, draught-proofing & secondary glazing 🏛️
Dr Moses Jenkins at Historic Environment Scotland explains the RdSAP 10.2 changes:
How energy performance certificates are calculated - Engine Shed
The way Energy performance certificates (EPCs) are generated has changed. Find out what this means for traditional buildings in Scotland.
blog.engineshed.scot
November 3, 2025 at 12:00 PM
thebefs.bsky.social
🏛️ Edinburgh's historic tenements hold lessons for climate resilience—thick stone walls for insulation, shared walls reducing heat loss, compact streets enabling 20-minute neighbourhoods.
The past can guide us towards a greener future.
@CockburnEdin explores. www.cockburnassociat...

#ClimateWeek
Edinburgh’s Past Holds Lessons for a Greener Future
Heritage offers timeless lessons for a climate-resilient Edinburgh
www.cockburnassociation.org.uk
November 3, 2025 at 9:00 AM
thebefs.bsky.social
🏛️ In case you missed it: Edinburgh Futures Institute is a finalist for @RTPI's Excellence in Planning for Heritage and Culture award!
Congrats to all finalists! 🎉
Excellence in Planning for Heritage and Culture Finalists | Championing the power of planning
Awards for Planning Excellence 2025 - Excellence in Planning for Heritage and Culture Finalists
www.rtpi.org.uk
October 31, 2025 at 3:00 PM
thebefs.bsky.social
Reminder: Don't miss out on events and training in Scotland's built environment sector! Check the BEFS Calendar for upcoming opportunities: www.befs.org.uk/events/
Stay updated - subscribe to BEFS Bulletin: befs.us10.list-manag...

#BuiltEnvironment #ScotlandEvents
October 31, 2025 at 12:00 PM
thebefs.bsky.social
🏛️ Scottish museums awarded the Repair and Adaptation Fund to upgrade facilities, make essential repairs & boost sustainability.
From solar panels to roof replacements—17 projects strengthening Scotland's cultural heritage.
Round 2 open until 5 Nov: www.museumsgalleries...

#ScottishMuseums
Scottish museums share £862k through the Repair and Adaptation Fund - Museums Galleries Scotland
Museums Galleries Scotland has awarded £862,488 to 17 museum organisations across Scotland through the Repair and Adaptation Fund.
www.museumsgalleriesscotland.org.uk
October 31, 2025 at 9:00 AM
thebefs.bsky.social
🏗️ The Building Connections Conference at Stirling's Engine Shed tackled construction challenges. Scott McGibbon shared key paradoxes: we crave innovation but punish risk. Thanks to @HistEnvScot, @theCIOB, @RIASmembership & @RICSnews for partnering! 🔨
October 30, 2025 at 4:00 PM
thebefs.bsky.social
♻️ Scotland's draft Circular Economy Strategy is out for consultation—moving from "take, make, dispose" to keeping materials in use for as long as possible.
What role does Construction have to play in a Circular Economy?
Share your views by 13 Jan 2026:
Draft Circular Economy Strategy - Scottish Government consultations - Citizen Space
Find and participate in consultations run by The Scottish Government
consult.gov.scot
October 30, 2025 at 3:46 PM
Reposted by Built Environment Forum Scotland
be-stbuild.bsky.social
Can new financial models unlock retrofit at scale?

Tara Schmidt, Transition Finance Scotland, will be joining other industry leaders at this year’s International Retrofit Conference to explore how retrofit can move beyond isolated pilots to become financeable, scalable programmes. ➡️ buff.ly/IthS4Ia
October 30, 2025 at 11:49 AM
Reposted by Built Environment Forum Scotland
riasbookshop.bsky.social
This week's book is 'Embodied Carbon for Sustainable Building Conservation' edited by Oriel Prizeman for @routledgebooks.bsky.social

Featuring multi-disciplinary perspectives on treating embodied carbon in the conservation of historic environments, it provides the latest research and guidance.
October 29, 2025 at 2:28 PM
Reposted by Built Environment Forum Scotland
scotfundcouncil.bsky.social
The next phase of the national College Infrastructure Investment Plan was marked last week by an event in Stirling.

Our latest blog reflects back on the event and looks forward to the next steps tinyurl.com/3axxz889
Milestone for infrastructure planning - Scottish Funding Council
Scotland’s first national plan for strategic investment in college campuses recently moved into its next phase, SFC’s Cliff Barraclough explains more.
tinyurl.com
October 29, 2025 at 2:46 PM
Reposted by Built Environment Forum Scotland
thecockburn.bsky.social
In the news, October 27-29
open.substack.com/pub/buildedi...
In the news, October 27-29
In today’s edition:
open.substack.com
October 29, 2025 at 2:54 PM