2009 Yearbook

14 Y e a r b o o k 2 0 0 9 BUILDING · CONSERVATION INSTITUTE · OF · HISTORIC · national conferences and seminars. Our media visibility has also been increased, including two slots on Radio 4’s You and Yours programme. In undertaking these activities, we have been keen to place heritage in the widest social, economic and environmental contexts, emphasising the role the historic environment plays in delivering sustainable economic development and positive outcomes for local communities. I firmly believe that gaining a higher priority and increased resources for heritage requires us to demonstrate, through robust empirical evidence, the contribution made by our heritage to a range of social and economic outcomes. That heritage also has much to offer in the context of adapting to a low carbon-use society. For these reasons, we have been a partner on a research project with the Architectural Heritage Fund and others, looking at the social contribution made by heritage. We hope to follow this with a continuing programme of socially-focused research. One thing that has been particularly apparent over the past twelve months is that we live in a A sign at the Guildhall, Guildford, venue of the IHBC Annual School 2008 (Photo: Roy Lewis) rapidly changing world. Many of us were surprised to observe a run on a modern British bank. We were even more surprised when this was followed by actual bank failures in various countries and the near collapse of the banking system, necessitating nationalisation and other state intervention. The credit crunch has shaken the economic foundations of the western world. We have seen recessions before, but this one is different. Being based on the sub-prime crisis, it has led to reluctance by banks to lend money. The result has been the dramatic collapse of the housing market. This clearly has implications for the heritage sector, especially for those dealing with buildings at risk, area grant schemes and other regeneration and enhancement projects. It remains to be seen what the recession means in terms of public finances. There will clearly be less income to the government from taxation. However, the government is advocating a return to Keynesian economics, attempting to reinvigorate the economy through public expenditure projects. Climate change remains a primary concern for all environmental professions. The IHBC has promoted the message that conservation is an inherently sustainable practice. Against this context, we have been concerned over the narrow focus within the heritage sector on energy use in buildings, which is important, but only one of many factors in considering what makes sustainable places. We would like to see just as much emphasis being placed on urban design considerations, community factors, mix of uses, and living and travel patterns. Increasingly, the IHBC is seen as an authoritative and constructive voice within the wider environment sector. The institute’s multi- disciplinary nature remains its unique strength. Traditional single-discipline professional bodies are clearly important. But by bringing different professions together and focusing on the delivery of professional services, we have a unique perspective which breaks out of professional silos. We also have members working across the private, public and third sectors. In a complex and ever more rapidly changing world, the most effective solutions often require cross-discipline and cross-sector working. This is something that comes very naturally to our members, who continue to deliver enormous benefits to local places and communities across the UK. It is clear that heritage provides many solutions to the problems of the 21st century. It is far less clear that this is widely appreciated by the major political parties. This is our challenge in moving forward. It is not merely coincidence that the areas that have most improved their competitiveness are the ones that place the greatest value on design and heritage. This is a key message for the IHBC to promote. Dave Chetwyn, chair@ihbc.org.uk Outgoing president David Lovie (right) was thanked by IHBC Chair Dave Chetwyn at a meeting of IHBC Council in December 2008 to mark the end of his six-year presidency. (Photo: Charles Strang)