This debate series will begin with the premise that communities need community buildings. We will explore the opportunities and challenges that community organisations face when they take on management and/or ownership of a building, comparing the contexts of new builds and refurbishments. The debate will go on to consider the impact that design decisions have on the long-term sustainability of the building, the organisation(s) and activities housed within it, and the communities that they support. The Glass-House will be working in collaboration with the following partners: Community Matters  , Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC)  , Northern Architecture   Our confirmed dates and regions are: Edinburgh, 21 October 2010 Cardiff, 25 November 2010 Newcastle, 22 February 2011 London, 15 March 2011 Glass-House debates are free, but places are limited. Our online registration forms will go live in early September. If you would like to pre-register, please send an email specifying which debate you would like to attend to info@theglasshouse.org.uk or call 0207 490 4583 and we'll pre-register your place for you. A Community building in every neighbourhood In Britain there are over 600,000 community groups, citizen organisations, social movements, interest groups and forums that are the backbone of civil society. They bring incalculable value to both the neighbourhood in which they operate and the individuals that live there. They act as a binding force for people and groups within and across communities; they promote increased participation and self help and they can build a sense of belonging and pride within a neighbourhood. To operate effectively, these groups and individuals need a place to meet, to organise, to socialise and to run activities that is neutral, preferably multi-purpose and ideally controlled by the community. These buildings need to be in every neighbourhood whether advantaged or disadvantaged and the most socially inactive areas may need special measures to kick-start community action. What do we mean by a sustainable building? Sustainability in buildings goes well beyond considerations of energy efficiency. It includes lifetime costs, durability of materials, adaptability to changing demands and maintenance requirements. There is also the question of the relationship of the building to the wider built environment and to the community that it supports. The range of nearby community facilities, urban grain, connections, transport options and IT infrastructure can all affect the sustainability of a place. Design impact on sustainability Historic buildings and places often demonstrate intrinsically sustainable characteristics. Thoughtless interventions in the name of sustainable development could not only harm the character of historic places and buildings, but also lead to less sustainable outcomes. Where a new build is the preferred option, it is essential that sustainability be designed in from the outset. Whether a refurbishment or a new build is the preferred option for a community facility, the long-term success of the building, its social, economic and environmental sustainability, relies on those leading the building project being demanding and knowledgeable project leaders who are getting the most out of their consultants.