Global Building Conservation Conference 2026

We are delighted to announce that this year’s Global building conservation conference will take place online on 24 September 2026. Our 2026 theme will explore adapting yesterday’s buildings to today’s world, examining how heritage assets can respond to contemporary challenges.

The Global building conservation conference brings together international experts to discuss the assessment, maintenance and adaptation of historic buildings. This year’s programme examines how changing definitions of heritage, evolving regulation and increasing environmental pressures are reshaping conservation.

The programme will explore the impact of modern demands, like climate change, energy efficiency, and defects on historic buildings. There will be a particular focus on retrofitting and how interventions intended to improve performance can sometimes introduce new problems if not approached carefully. It will also examine ventilation and moisture in traditional buildings, and the practical challenges of managing internal conditions, to support occupant comfort and health.

Beyond traditional construction, attention turns to later 19th and 20th century buildings, where materials like concrete present complex and often unresolved conservation questions. The conference also investigates how previously disregarded old buildings are being adapted for community use. Ultimately, the conference reflects on how professionals can respond to emerging pressures with clear judgement, adapting yesterday’s buildings to modern challenges while retaining their heritage value.

 Programme to be published soon!

To find out more about sponsorship opportunities in the upcoming Global building conservation conference 2026, please contact: partnerships@rics.org.

Register your interest for the Global Building Conservation Conference 2026

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