Innovative and sustainable initiative

A group of architects are offering free running tours of Glasgow during COP26 to highlight where the city is transitioning towards net zero.

Initiated by John Gilbert Architects, the team includes members from ink design, jmarchitects and Hoare Lea. The event is in partnership with the Glasgow Institute of Architects, Scottish Ecological Design Association and Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS).

The enthusiastic team are offering guided running tours through various parts of the city. The tours aim to show the ways in which Glasgow is changing to meet the ambitions of the COP26 Conference. Stops along the route will focus on aspects of sustainable design, ranging from retrofit to new build and will look at commercial, residential and community projects.

The run is suitable for all levels and set up to ensure everyone gets around safely. Designed to get you thinking before the working day, the runs start early with three core routes of about 10km/6miles to choose from. Each run is planned to take between 60 and 90 minutes, getting you back in time for starting your day or a second breakfast.

Part of a wider series of events run by the Glasgow Institute of Architects and partners, this is set to be a fun and relaxed event and anyone interested in joining is warmly welcome to do so. Conference visitors and participants, as well as locals, are being encouraged to take part, so you may well make some interesting contacts along the way.

Matt Bridgestock, John Gilbert Architects director, said: “Visiting another city is a rare treat at present, we hope that these events can bring delegates, visitors and locals to see our city, consider the challenges and bring new perspectives on how we meet the net zero challenge.”

Phil Zoechbauer, president of Glasgow Institute of Architects, added: “We are delighted to host these tours as part of our wider COP26 activities, opening the city up to our visitors and locals.”