FOOTPRINT+ podcasts

Reimagining the future of stone as a utilitarian material; this talk will put stone centre stage and consider the concept that a brick can be a stone - and visa versa - and a stone can be an ashlar, with all of them a humble piece of rubble walling for the next century.  As ideas of circular economy and materials reuse become established in the lexicon of architectural language, the ancient practice of Spolia is rightly back in the spotlight. Reusing components from existing, soon-to-be-demolished, or already deconstructed structures significantly reduces the need for manufacturing new components, in turn reducing the carbon cost of the building. Shifting the status quo is vital to building more sustainably. The UK produces around 2 billion bricks a year which require high temperature kiln firing, considerably adding to CO2 emissions. Bricks are a familiar part of the UK landscape and often the go-to response by planners keen on replicating ‘context’ but a straightforward switch to natural stone bricks could be a game-changer for the future of sustainable construction. Chairperson Claire Dunne, Business Development Manager - Johnston Quarry Group Speakers Marcus Paine, Managing Director - Hutton Stone Robert Greer, Director - PAYE Stonework and Restoration Ltd

Join Workplace Futures Group (WFG) as we delve into the transformative journey towards sustainability and social responsibility, anchored by the principles of B Corp certification. This engaging session will feature actionable insights and real-world case studies that highlight the challenges, triumphs, and innovative approaches driving meaningful change in workplace design and operations. Matt will explore the group’s sustainability strategy and its ripple effect on creating impactful, future-ready workplaces. Juliet and Tim will share insights from award-winning projects such as The Waterman and Alchemy Asset Management—illustrating how recycling, refurbishment, and collaborative funding platforms like Action Funder and Q Flow can reshape our impact on the environment. Learn how B Corp certification serves as a catalyst for aligning purpose with profit through initiatives like Correx Recycling, and partnerships with charities such as London Air Ambulance, and leave inspired and equipped to take your first or next step toward sustainable leadership in your own organisation. Chairperson Iain McIlwee, CEO - Finishes and interiors Sector Speakers Tim White, Chief Operating Officer - Workplace Futures Group Juliet Price, Project Director - Modus Matt Robinson, Head of Sustainability - Ambit

Hear from heritage and design experts as they share the story of the Brighton Dome Corn Exchange, a Grade I listed building transformed into a vibrant, sustainable cultural hub. Recognised with a prestigious 2024 Structural Award from the IStructE, this remarkable project showcases how innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to sustainability can add holistic value to historic buildings. Learn how the team navigated the complexities of modernising a 200-year-old venue while preserving its heritage, delivering a socially impactful and environmentally conscious space that sets a benchmark for future projects. Chairperson Jane Entwistle, Technical Director - Thomasons UK Speakers Emily Duncombe, Associate - ARUP Peter Clegg, Founding Partner - Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios Leslie Fair, Partner - Jackson Coles LLP

How can the much-heralded UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard be used as a tool to transform your existing buildings and retrofit schemes? This panel features technical team members behind the Standard, as well as industry leaders applying it to real-world retrofit projects during its pilot phase. Discover practical insights, challenges, and successes as we prepare for the Standard’s Version 1 launch in late 2025, and inspire your journey toward net-zero retrofits. Chairperson Will Arnold, Head of Climate Action - IStructE Speakers Jess Hrivnak, Technical Adviser on Sustainability - RIBA Amrita Dasgupta Shekhar, Head of ESG and Net Zero - Greengage Environmental Malcolm Hanna, Senior Sustainability Manager - L&G

GPE’s 30 Duke Street St James’s (formerly 180 Piccadilly) raises the bar for circular economy applications as London’s largest steel reuse project. The project is a striking eight-storey development where the majority of the structural frame is repurposed from another donor building. But it’s not just about steel. The project embraces material reuse beyond the frame, with its façade partially constructed from existing Portland stone, further reducing embodied carbon. 30 Duke Street St James’s is targeting BREEAM ‘Outstanding’, WELL Platinum and NABERS UK 5-star. Join the project team panel discussion to explore: Unlocking the project’s opportunities and overcoming challenges Scaling steel reuse across the industry The future of low-carbon, circular construction Chairperson Louisa Treadwell, Associate - Elliott Wood Speakers Graham Longman, Architect - Make Architects Jonathan Davis, Technical Director - William Hare Group Gemima Walker, Associate Director - Elliott Wood Martin Quinn, Head of Project Delivery - GPE

SKArating is a sustainability assessment methodology that measures the environmental impact of commercial fit-outs and refurbishments. The methodology integrates good practice performance into daily project delivery, and moves the whole interior fit-out industry forward in a synchronised way. The approach provides a consistent system of measurement and benchmarking against good industry practice. SKArating was originally established in 2008, and has been undergoing a quiet metamorphosis - with new ownership, updated schemes and new offerings in the pipeline. The proposed changes are intended to reshape sustainability in the interior fit-out world to respond to an increasingly climate-aware fit-out industry with alignment to Net Zero, to be inclusive of full life-cycle thinking that delivers against client needs and to expand the sectors and countries that SKArating can be used in.  This panel discussion includes clients, designers, board members, who use SKArating for a broad, honest and honest discussion, of the need and potential for such ratings in the interior fit-out industry. Chairperson Elina Grigoriou, Design and Sustainability Director - Grigoriou Interiors Speakers Frank Blande, Senior Sustainability Lead - Great Portland Estates Brad Hickman, Operations Director - DMG Workplace Alicia Freire, Co-Founder - Twin & Earth Lee Tilbury, Department General Manager, Facilities Management Department - Sumitomo Corporation Europe Limited

The Principles for Responsible Timber Construction set out a clear, ambitious, and achievable framework to build trust, align policies, and drive investment in sustainable timber construction — for the future of both forests and cities. This framework not only advances environmental goals but also ensures that the transition to sustainable construction is equitable and inclusive, embodying core tenets of a just transition by showing how the shift to low-carbon building also promotes social equity, fair livelihoods, Indigenous rights, and long-term environmental stewardship. Since COP28, Built by Nature has collaborated with the Forest and Climate Leaders Partnership (FCLP), Bauhaus Earth, and other key partners to develop and refine these Principles. They have already been reviewed by governments, industry leaders, and NGOs, with initial feedback showing strong support. The Principles are now shaping the criteria for a new international buildings Prize. This panel will explore the Principles in more detail, examining how the industry can help apply them in real-world projects, and how broader endorsement can drive a just transition across the buildings value chain. Chairperson Anna Lisa McSweeney, UK Networks Lead - Built by Nature Speakers Joe Jack Williams, Head of Sustainability - Bywater Properties Dan Daley, Clean Construction and Just Transition - C40 Cities Heidi Kagiali, Forestry & Conservation Manager - PEFC

Data centres have seen a massive growth since Covid and in recognition of their importance to economic development have been classified as critical infrastructure by the government. Data centres are involved in almost every human activity and interaction. Located in urban settings, typically in industrial areas, they need access to good fibre networks. On most urban sites this means compact multi-storey buildings, to maximise density and make the business case for the developer client.  Data centres are also moving away from being an energy greedy neighbours and are poised to become net energy exporters to anticipated heat networks. A data centre can heat thousands of homes and their vertical forms can be a site for urban greening and the delivery of BNG.  Our expert panel will reveal the opportunities presented by data centres. As this type of building proliferates how do we develop data centres to take advantage from their integration into our cities?   Chairperson Steve McIntyre, Principal Environmental Consultant - Viritopia Speakers Alex Soto, Head of Sustainability - studio NWA Martin Wright, Chief Architect - Pure Data Centres Group Sam Grady, Director of Strategy - A Healthier Earth Jack Williamson, Associate Architect - Scott Brownrigg

The UK built environment has a high proportion of buildings on the verge of becoming stranded assets as environmental targets tighten. The scale of the challenge to upgrade buildings of this type is huge. How can a project balance both a retrofit led investment and deliver the potential for increased rental values? At 300 Gray’s Inn Road the team have embedded carbon analysis whilst interrogating different options to provide the client with detailed guidance, facilitating an accurate design-making process and a route map to an environmentally and commercially viable scheme. Jack Penford Baker, Associate - Haptic - Architects Samuel Boswell, Building LCA - One Click LCA Willien Irvia, Associate - Exigere Emma Galvin, Senior Architect - Haptic - Architects

The UK has some of the highest use of flame retardants, many of which are toxic to health, in the world. Many of these chemicals show up in building materials that you are specifying today. Some manufacturers are taking steps to design out toxic chemicals of concern, but how do you find identify and specify building materials that fundamentally protect, restore, and enhance the health of humans and highly functioning ecosystem?    Learn about projects leading this market transformation and how to create opportunities for immediate, meaningful actions as we cover:  The enormity of the problem of pervasive chemicals and the impact to human health and wellness  The programs and processes available to verify healthy materials  How to set out key intervention points in the design and construction process to optimise for health outcomes Improve your own materials palette based on the resources and case studies shared  Chairperson Colleen Large, Healthy Sustainable Materials - Brightworks Sustainability Speakers Asif Din, Sustainability Director - Perkins + Will Leila Diana Behjat, Director - Healthy Materials Lab Martijn Horsman, Sustainable Development Manager - Redevco

Reusing the construction products that arise from refurbishment or demolition offers multiple benefits, such as reduced embodied carbon through the displacement of new products and materials. It also supports self-sufficiency in a sector that imports a significant quantity of materials and products, with added advantages of reducing impacts of material extraction globally, preventing loss of biodiversity and waste emissions. However, despite there being a reuse potential for a typical building of anything from 10% - 80% (by weight), the reality for most projects is closer to less than 1%. This session will explore the evolving landscape of drivers in the UK and Europe – from new regulation, standards and planning regimes to the use of new digital technologies to drive reuse and the practical implementation of reuse onsite. It will show how collaboration, innovation and demonstration are starting to change the reuse and circularity landscape, but set a challenge to the industry to do more. Chairperson Katherine Adams, Director - Reusefully Speakers James Adams, Director - Maconda Asif Din, Sustainability Director - Perkins + Will Lora Brill, Head of Sustainability - Buildings - Ramboll

The transition to a circular economy in construction is gaining momentum, but how do we turn ambition into reality? This session explores the process behind material reuse – how it works, what data is needed, and how risk is managed. With insights from industry pioneers, we will unpack the key challenges around passporting materials, transparency, and the role of insurance in facilitating transactions. Our expert panel will discuss the barriers and opportunities in tracking and verifying materials, ensuring trust in reused products, and mitigating perceived risks. We’ll explore how new digital tools, data-driven decision-making, and innovative insurance models are helping to de-risk material exchanges and support a more circular approach. The session will also highlight real-world examples of collaboration across the supply chain – bringing together clients, contractors, and technology platforms to make reuse work at scale. Attendees will gain practical insights into the evolving circular economy landscape, hearing firsthand about the challenges faced and the solutions emerging to embed reuse as a standard practice in the built environment. Chairperson Steve Gilchrist, New Business Development - Excess Materials Exchange Speakers Nitesh Magdani, Head of UK - Excess Materials Exchange Leandra Hope, Senior Project Manager - Grosvenor Property UK Tom Seath, Sustainability Manager - John F Hunt Ltd

Building a resilient and sustainable construction supply chain is essential for the UK’s economic security and long-term infrastructure goals. However, ensuring that this resilience does not come at the expense of workers, communities, and vulnerable groups is crucial for a just and equitable transition. What are the strategies and frameworks needed to create a construction supply chain that leaves no one behind, while addressing the challenges of sustainability, skills development, and inclusivity in the industry? The session will delve into key case studies, best practices, and policy initiatives that show  how creating a resilient, fair, and future-proof construction sector can drive both economic growth and social justice. Chairperson Richard Bull, Deputy Dean - Nottingham Trent University Speakers Jenni Anderson, CEO - The Talent Foundry Giuliana Huerta-Mercado, Senior Policy and Projects Officer - GREATER LONDON AUTHORITY Chris Clarke, Strategy & Performance Director - Arc Partnership

What are the options for commercial buildings not captured in heat networks? Changing the source of heat can be an extremely challenging process for businesses. In this session we explore the opportunities for some of the biggest emitters to overcome the barriers: Market readiness: How the supply chain is developing  How to move businesses over to heatpumps How government is supporting businesses to enable change What’s the state of play in skills for installation and maintenance   Chairperson Johanna Jarvinen, Snr Sustainability Consultant for Business Development - Symetri Europe Speakers Rosie Sullivan, Head of Commercial Building Clean Heat Policy - Dept for Energy Security & Net Zero Bronwyn Enright, Buildings Decarbonisation Skills Strategy - Dept for Energy Security & Net Zero Joanna Priest, Senior Building Surveyor - GPE

Thirty High sets an example for the retrofit of office buildings found in city centre locations across the UK and further afield. By retaining the primary structure and core and refurbishing the existing facades, the team have sought to maximise the building's energy efficiency, achieving a target operational energy use that is comparable to that of modern commercial buildings Targeting WELL Core Platinum, Thirty High will provide the amenity space desired by modern office occupiers. The design team have aimed at achieving maximum performance improvement with minimum embodied energy emissions by retaining and upgrading the facade and improving airtightness with the project on track to achieve  BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ and NABERS 5*. This 60-year old building demonstrates that revitalising an existing asset can deliver top-quality space at a fraction of the carbon emissions of new build. Chairperson Ross Boulton, Sustainability Lead - Buro Happold Speakers Gregor Haran, Sustainability Manager - Landsec Kirsty Bruce, Sustainability & Physics Engineer - Buro Happold Adrian Lindsay, Associate - Buckley Gray Yeoman

The growth of the UK's research and innovation sector continues to be a key contributor to the economy. Increased investment in life sciences real estate has led to a growing pipeline of speculative laboratories under construction in cities like London, Cambridge, and Oxford. As these projects come to market, the ability to attract occupiers by achieving the right fit for the space becomes crucial. One avenue for meaningful differentiation is understanding what decarbonisation efforts in laboratories mean for the lab occupier and users' operations.  In this panel, Oxford Properties, The Institute of Cancer Research, 3PM and GXN will debate how science occupiers move towards net zero. You will hear directly from scientists about how building owners can support behaviours that contribute to credible decarbonisation pathways. The panel is part of the Transforming To Zero initiative, which has engaged with key players in the UK science ecosystem through interviews, workshops, and ongoing conversations since 2022.  Chairperson James Buckley Walker, Partner - 3PM Speakers Emma Downey, Director - Oxford Properties Kåre Stokholm Poulsgaard, Partner - GXN Lisa O'Fee, Sustainability Advisor - The Institute of Cancer Research

There are many innovative low-carbon concretes in development but, even when they are proven in laboratory or small-scale trials, the investment to develop the supply chain remains complex and uncertain. The Advance Market Commitment (AMC) for low-carbon concrete and cement products intends to overcome these barriers by being explicit about the quantity and price of the next generation of low-carbon concretes that the property and construction sectors would be willing to procure over a number of years. This demand-side commitment can be used to seek investment to rapidly scale the development and production of innovative concretes to meet the demand.  In this session we hear from Innovate UK and the companies working together to develop the AMC and how this might help unlock investment to accelerate decarbonisation of construction.  Chairperson Katie Whipp, Chief Business Officer - Re:sustain Speakers Paul Astle, Decarbonisation Lead - Ramboll Buildings Pippa Horton, Investment Technology Specialist - L&G Asset Management Ceire Kenny, Sustainable Futures Manager - Lendlease Sarah Tennison, Head of Clean Growth Strategy & impact - Innovate UK

There are a growing number of low and lower carbon concretes available on the market, with the potential for cutting the embodied carbon of new development. This session explores new product development and initiatives to help facilitate their specification and use at scale. An expert panel from across the design, construction and supply chain will present discuss examples, projects, technologies and experiences including: Collaboration and trials to study and share performance for placing the concrete, striking times and finishes of in situ, post-tensioned and precast concrete structure. Use of remote digital sensors for real time data collection on site. Expanding the availability of local low carbon resources for manufacture through new labs and testing facilities SISK’s Demonstrator Project at Wembley Park Development aiming to accelerate the commercial viability of low carbon cement Chairperson Emily Halliwell, Senior Structural Engineer - MPA The Concrete Centre Speakers Maria Estrada, Project Manager - SISK Cassandre Legalliard, Product Manager - Holcim UK David Hughes, Chief Scientific Officer - Material Evolution

Meaningful participation involves engaging local communities, workers, and stakeholders in decision-making processes, ensuring their voices are heard in shaping policies and investments. This participatory approach enhances social equity and strengthens the long-term sustainability plans by aligning them with local priorities.  Place-based impact investing directs financial resources towards local initiatives that foster sustainable development, create jobs, and support community resilience. By investing in purposeful projects that are rooted in the unique needs and potential of specific regions, this approach ensures that the communities are empowered to fully participate in change.  What are the ingredients for success that will future proof your investments? Chairperson Louise Townsend, Social Value and Just Transition Mentor - Wood Knowledge Wales Speakers Mark Hall, Senior Programme Manager - Impact Investing Institute Melissa Lockett, Senior Investment Manager - Legal & General Capital

Timber-framed housing: Growing sector Large housebuilders are partnering with or investing in timber frame manufacturing capacity to develop their own supply chain. With larger numbers of timber-framed houses being built in England than ever before our expert panel will explore what we can expect to see in the sector: How quickly can we expect the proportion of timber-framed houses in England to increase? What parts of the supply chain will need to grow and develop to keep up with the pace? What are the technical drivers for the growth in timber-framed houses? How quickly are we seeing the technology and specification developing? Chairperson Paul Newman, Technical Director - Structural Timber Association Speakers Lewis Taylor, Principal Technical Specialist - NHBC Robin Dodyk, Head of MMC - CALA Anna Slatcher, Senior Sustainability Manager - Barratt Redrow

Designed by Sir Denys Lasdun and completed in 1983, the IBM Building is a bold presence in the buzzing cultural playground of the South Bank. Developer Stanhope is sensitively refurbishing and extending this Grade II listed Brutalist treasure to update it for contemporary office occupiers and give it a longterm,  energy-efficient future. Retaining 80% of the original structure’s concrete has minimised the CO2 emissions generated by the retrofit works. Fabric improvements and improvements to services will reduce operational energy consumption by 50%. Targeting BREEAM outstanding, EPC A rating and a NABERS 5 star rating will bring the building right up to date without compromising its status as a key Listed building in the historic Southbank composition. Speakers Nick Jarman, Senior Development Director - Stanhope PLC Ella Smith, Building Performance Analyst - Allford Hall Monaghan Morris Cameron McGeoch, Sustainability Engineer - Multiplex Andrew Middlebrook, Associate Director - Heyne Tillett Steel

Circular Economy in practice is about sequentially looking at what to retain, reuse on site, reuse within a portfolio or reuse elsewhere through trade partners, together with close collaboration between deconstruction and construction contractor and clients. Circularity requires a collaborative, can-do attitude supported by technology built around the industry’s workflows.  General Demolition have been pioneering reuse at many sites, and using the Material Index platform have facilitated precise deconstruction and efficient storage methods, helping clients to meet their reuse targets. The team have also conducted deconstruction time trials, providing valuable cost-benefit insights to support informed decision-making. British Land has been working with technology providers and sustainability focussed contractors such as Cast, implementing end-to-end reuse practices spanning from audits and material passports, to transferring material both internally and to the wider reclaim industry.  Join our expert panel who will take you step-by-step through the process and show how digitisation allows parties to manage the process of deconstruction and onward material management leading to much higher levels of reuse. Chairperson Rob Smith, Managing Director - Material Index Speakers Roseanna Hart, Group ESG Lead - Cast Group Emily Samoluk, Senior Sustainability Manager - British Land George Stainton, Managing Director - General Demolition

The UK’s non-domestic building stock is responsible for 23% of operational carbon emissions, posing a significant challenge to net zero targets. Energy efficiency in commercial buildings is essential, with optimisation being a key step before broader retrofits. To support the industry, UKGBC has collaborated with leading experts to share their insights, to encourage and support optimisation actions across the industry.  The program has reviewed strategies such as data collection & analysis, understandings set points, stakeholder behaviour and engagement, technology solutions and many more. By examining and discussing learnings, this session will present real insights into sustainable building operations, reducing energy use, and driving positive impact. Chairperson Ranjeet Bhalerao, Co-Founder - MapMortar Speakers Alex Benstead, Senior Advisor - UKGBC Laurie McKelvie, Head of ICL Operations - IES Ltd. John Pirouet, Associate Director - Hoare Lea

Pierre Bidaud of the Stonemasonry Company will discuss how new ways of thinking aligned to new technologies are changing the way we build in stone. From augmented stone, to using stone structurally, stone is set to play an increasingly important part in building a low carbon future.  Amin Taha’s Groupwork have designed a 10-storey block of flats in Finchley Road, north London, built with load-bearing larvikite stone from Lundhs quarry in Norway. Taha describes the project as 'the first 10-storey, loadbearing self-finished stone structure without steel reinforcement/secondary structure since the last stone cathedrals'. The Norwegian larvikite stone requires significantly less extraction, transportation, and on-site erection compared to typical concrete construction methods, resulting in reduced costs and lower embodied carbon. Chairperson Vanessa Norwood, Consultant for the built environment - Vanessa Norwood Speakers Pierre Bidaud, Creative Director - The Stonemasonry Company Amin Taha, Architect & Chairman - GROUPWORK Benjamin Ayling, UK Business Development Manager - Lundhs Eleonora Regni, Associate - Webb Yates

The integration of a just transition into public procurement is a crucial step toward achieving both environmental sustainability and social equity. This session will present how Newham Council is embedding just transition principles into its procurement processes, with insights from Dan Hill of Dark Matter Labs on the role of design and innovation in this transformation. Newham Council has made significant strides in aligning its procurement policies with these principles, prioritising social value, equity, and sustainability in its purchasing decisions. How is the council is using procurement to drive positive outcomes, creating green jobs and supporting local businesses? How can evolving systems help public authorities to rethink procurement, addressing environmental targets but also social justice? What are the challenges and opportunities in embedding a just transition into public procurement? What are the actionable insights for local authorities and organisations committed to making a fairer, green economy? Chairperson Chris Clarke, Strategy & Performance Director - Arc Partnership Speakers Jacob Heitland, Director of Climate Action - London Bourough of Newham Dan Hill - Dark Matter Labs Rebecca Chan, Senior Climate Consultant - ARUP

When we’re thinking about emissions in the construction sector, it’s important to address not just what you build, but also how you build it. The drive towards emission-free sites is delivering operational efficiency across the industry, while simultaneously reducing air and noise pollution on construction sites. At 25 Baker Street, a mixed-use development for Derwent London, a combination of diesel elimination, lower carbon plant and smart site management reduced site emissions by >80% versus baseline. The client, plant and construction team will discuss key technologies such as: Flybrid flywheels – used on tower cranes, this innovative technology is adapted from F1, using a flywheel to store energy during “low” periods to use later, reducing fuel use by up to 50%. Electric plant was used on site, eliminating the risk of fuel spills, reducing noise and air pollution. The potential for electric tools and innovative battery storage to reduce fuel use. The use of hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) in place of diesel, delivering >90% reduction in emissions. The panel will discuss the benefits as well as the challenges, and go on to consider how this market may evolve further. Speakers Rossella Nicolin, Head of Sustainability– Europe - Laing O’Rourke Samantha Carlsson, Senior Sustainability Manager - Derwent London Steve Bradby, Technical and Engineering Leader - Select Plant Hire

Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards are intended to require incremental improvements to building fabric and services installations in leased accommodation. In preparing revised proposals the team at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero have taken a wide variety of views into consideration. In this session the team will present a review of the objectives of MEES and what they are intended to achieve feedback on the findings of the consultation and how stakeholders continue to shape the proposals what will take place next to enable the regulation to be determined Niall Gibson, Head of Sales – EMEA Region - IES Speakers Nicolas Perin, Head of Decarbonisation, Commercial Buildings - Dept for Energy Security & Net Zero Antoni Michael, Non-domestic Energy Efficiency Policy - Dept for Energy Security & Net Zero

Flexible workspace is an effective solution for growing businesses as their needs evolve, but frequent tenant turnover can lead to increased construction waste. The koba @ 100 Barbirolli Square team tackled this challenge directly by pioneering sustainable, circular materials, ensuring business growth aligns with environmental priorities. Circularity was embedded at every stage, from establishing the organisation's strategy through to completion. This approach has resulted in a high-quality space showcasing circular solutions, all documented in a material passport. Consultants Drees & Sommer will explain why circularity was viewed as a crucial component of the business proposition. Cast Interiors will describe how they delivered the circularity objectives outlined in the brief, while circularity platform Madaster will demonstrate how materials passports can both evidence the circularity of selected products and help achieve embodied carbon KPIs. Chairperson Andrea Charlson, Managing Director - Madaster UK Speakers Marc Klus, Managing Director - CAST CONTRACTS Simon Joe Portal, Head of Engineering & Sustainability – UK - Drees & Sommer Paul Nellist, Managing Director - Koba

Join us for an insightful panel discussion where experts will explore how they are translating net zero carbon and retrofit ambitions into actionable roadmaps--and linking these to green economic growth opportunities. This event will review exciting recent cases in regional efforts to upscale the pace of delivery of retrofit, net zero and local green skills investments. Building partnerships, funding and momentum: Our panellists will share valuable recent experience on building and keeping momentum for net zero, discussing partnerships and working across stakeholder groups, addressing the funding gap, and articulating local economic opportunities of net zero delivery. Chairperson Mike Bentham, Associate Sustainability Consultant - Rider Levett Bucknall Speakers Peter Hayakawa, Associate Sustainability Consultant - RLB Bevan Jones, Director - Bevan Jones Richard Winter, Climate Change Officer - Bolsover District Council Maria Dutton, Consumer Finance Lead - Green Finance Institute

CLT buildings up to 18m offer many benefits to developers and end users with extremely low embodied carbon. What factors affect successful outcomes so developers and occupiers to take advantage of these opportunities. This expert panel includes manufacturer, insurer, fire engineer and client and explores: early engagement with contractor addressing information exchange with the insurance broker factors which will allow a more straightforward approach to fire design protection from moisture ingress Helen Sears, Development Associate - Simten Developments James Walker, Innovation Director - Milner Associates Scott Tucker, Senior Vice President - Marsh Giulia Faggionato, Design Director - KLH UK Patrick Usborne, Founding Director - Perpendicular Architecture

Holborn Viaduct is a 14-storey, cutting edge workspace development currently under construction for Royal London Asset Management . An open approach between the entire steel supply chain resulted in new solutions, with some aspects already being used on other projects. Multiplex and BHC, Heyne Tillett Steel worked collaboratively on the column designs to suit steel grade S460, which is 30% stronger than grade S355, enabling a reduction in the size and weight of the sections. With designs for columns at both S355 and S460, HTS and BHC engaged with EMR stocklists to match 87 tonnes of reclaimed steels to columns within the superstructure frame.   The specification of ArcelorMittal electric arc furnace (EAF) over blast furnace steel plus the reclaimed sections have been used within the new frame, along with Xcarb Kingspan decking and fibre reinforcement in place of traditional mesh reinforcement where possible for the composite concrete floor slabs. This combination of innovative solutions has resulted in a reduction from 16,000 to 6,000tCO2. Together with cement replacement options for the basement box and superstructure slab construction the combination of innovative steel procurement methods has resulted in an overall reduction of 143kgCO2e/m2. Chairperson Marion Charlier, Advanced Building Solutions & Sustainability Lead - Arcelor Mittal Speakers Giedre Snarskyte, Head of Energy and Sustainability - BHC Ltd Kye Taylor, Head of Engineering and Preconstruction - Multiplex James Mumford, Associate Director - Heyne Tillett Steel Dave Chapman, UK Sustainability Lead - ArcelorMittal

The concept of a "just transition" in the UK Built Environment is crucial to ensuring that the shift towards sustainability and net-zero carbon emissions is equitable, inclusive, and fair. As the UK government accelerates its efforts to address climate change, the built environment—comprising housing, infrastructure, and commercial properties—must undergo significant transformations to reduce energy consumption, carbon emissions, and waste. However, this transition presents both opportunities and challenges. While green technologies, sustainable design, and energy-efficient practices are critical to achieving climate goals, the workforce and communities involved in these sectors must be supported to ensure that no one is left behind. Our expert panel asks what does this mean for the divers stakeholders in the property industry? Chairperson Haydn Keen, Business Development Director - RSK Speakers Simon Griffiths, Director - Ethos-Chain Giulio Ferrini, Head of Built Environment - IHRB Carolin Gohler, President-Elect - Landscape Institute

When awarding the PACER initiative funding the UKRI declared that ’the majority of the UK’s national emissions budget will be used in the Built Environment’. Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) are increasingly the only gatekeepers to lower whole life carbon in the built environment with the ability to set targets and decide which projects are permitted. PACER is a software tool designed to be operated by LPAs to assess the carbon documentation submitted with applications and to guide officers in the analysis of those proposals. Aiming to make the decision-making transparent and democratically sound, PACER has been tested since its launch early 2025 during the assessment of a range of proposed projects. The panel will discuss how it works, the characteristics of the submission requirements and early outcomes found by its development partner Westminster City Council. In aiming to implement Retrofit First policies, how have the planning authority explored these digital tools and could this be a mechanism adopted by authorities around the UK? The panel will feature Hrabrina Nikolova, Principal Sustainability Officer at Westminster City Council, alongside representatives from Preoptima and developers who have taken part in the pilot applications, who will discuss PACER’s potential as a nationwide mechanism for carbon assessment. Chairperson Tom Sweet, Associate - Eric Parry Architects Speakers Hrabrina Nikolova, Principal Sustainability Officer - Westminster City Council Geoff Barraclough, Councillor, Cabinet Member for Planning & Economic Development - City of Westminster Raheela Khan-FitzGerald, Head of Business Development and Partnerships - Preoptima Frank Blande, Senior Sustainability Lead - Great Portland Estates

With the goal to achieve carbon neutrality across their UK portfolio of projects by 2045, Skanska have developed practical data driven tools that allow for timely interventions both in construction projects and within their facilities management activities. The carbon impact of a building from design to operation relies heavily on the plant and equipment installed and maintained as part of a project.  Recognising the urgency to provide comprehensive carbon and energy information for achieving sustainability aspirations and future-proofing assets, Skanska is leveraging digital technology using their own smart building platform and advanced carbon calculation methods for plant and equipment. An expert panel will discuss: how to facilitate scrutiny and discussions with all stakeholders about carbon and operational energy performance throughout a building's lifecycle how digital tools and services can be used to assess a building's carbon impact from design through to operation how to achieve improved efficiencies through data-driven maintenance    Chairperson Sharon Maynard, Head of Sustainability - Skanska Speaker Meghan McGuire, Environmental Sustainability Manager - Skanska Craig Ridout, Senior Preconstruction Manager - Skanska Steve Parr, Smart Buildings Project Manager - Skanska  

The reuse focused strip out has been successfully delivered by KpH, which by the time of conference will have been followed by comprehensive deconstruction and enabling works phase with the main works commencing this summer. Utilising Orms’ materials passports research, the team have developed a reuse methodology for the development which has led to immense success in recovering materials for reuse and high-grade recycling. This includes recovery of 15,000 ceiling tiles, 72t stone and over 8,500 lights, every element of the building has been considered for reuse. Building on the learnings from earlier projects has enable and created: an onsite reuse warehouse onward use with other developments onsite refurbishment of existing windows deconstruction and reuse of stone manufacturer takeback schemes Working closely with City of London Council and participating in the ROMULUS research project, the project has so far facilitated reuse of 702t of materials removed from the original building. This is a true retrofit led building. Chairperson Rosie Bard, Associate Director - Orms Speakers Lyndsey West, Director of Operation - KpH Group Kerstin Kane, Principal Planning Officer - City of London Colin McColl, Director - Orms Architects

District East is an ambitious, nature-led life sciences development in Cambridge. The mission is to attract world-class innovation by designing a masterplan that inspires researchers and entrepreneurs, while ensuring that it remains open to the surrounding community. This contaminated brownfield site will be healed using regenerative landscapes designed as places for human interaction. The vision is to allow science to be seen and celebrated and to inspire and benefit local communities. With no formal edges, all of the buildings – from labs to cafes – will be placed in a landscape that respects existing neighbourhood routes.  The team will describe key goals of the project which include: how to bring a contaminated, brownfield site back into use within the city  delivering a unique workplace offer for the life-sciences industry in Cambridge working with potential occupiers on the balance between operational energy demand and efficiency goals refining the range of potential performance, dependent on use, management regime and tenancy Chairperson Nick Gaskell, Partner, Workplace Sector Lead - Hawkins\Brown Speakers Stewart Kain, Development Director - Mission Street Michael Hamid, Project Director - 3PM Daniel Rea, Director - Periscope Julia Galves, Senior Sustainability Designer - Hawkins Brown

Developed as a platform for experimentation and industry collaboration, Hilson Moran's Living Lab in Hays Galleria has been testing new innovations in the industry for nearly a year, one of which is the Artus AR75 unit.  Find the balance between carbon efficiency and performance in this interactive discussion based on test results and real experiences in a live environment.    The expert panel share insights into the operational performance and user experience of:  Tried and tested low carbon heating and cooling innovations   Exciting new ways Hilson Moran are using data for decision making and impact  Chairperson Rebecca Stewart, CEO - Artus Air Ltd Speakers Roger Olsen, Chief Technical Officer - Artus Air Davor Stojnic, Associate Technical Consultant - Hilson Moran

Implementing material reuse requires the construction industry to learn new ways of collaborating, pushing boundaries of the traditional project structures. Effective collaboration, following practical steps, is essential to identify and implement reuse opportunities. Resolving onsite reuse strategies should be the first objective for project teams, but when reuse on-site isn’t feasible, how do we work across projects to enable the circular economy? Can competitors become collaborators to deliver greater value for all and improve efficiencies beyond the project scope? Chairperson Joanna Wilson, Sustainability Lead - Fletcher Priest Architects Speakers Alexia Laird, Sustainability Director - Landsec Daniel Sweeney, Head of Sustainability - John F Hunt Group Darcy Arnold-Jones, Architect and Circular Economy Lead - Marks Barfield Lorraine Chan, Architectural Designer - Fletcher Priest Architects  

Developers face numerous uphill challenges when faced with retrofit. In order to create the conditions that encourage the reuse of buildings, rather than demolish and build new, it needs to be simpler and more profitable. The reuse of existing buildings has the potential to stimulate economic growth, meet our housing targets, create jobs, improve public health, reduce waste, all whilst working towards a net zero property industry. There are currently numerous disincentives to retrofit such as VAT, lack of regulation of embodied carbon and/or tax on carbon emissions through. What mechanisms should be employed to remove these obstacles, and whose job is it to do so? How can we have a profitable net zero property industry? Chairperson Richard Nelson, Founder & Managing Director - ABYSS Global Speakers Leanne Tritton, Chair - The London Society Becci Taylor, Director - ARUP Will Hurst, Managing Editor - Architects Journal Ben Cross, Co-Founder - MORE

Urbanest Battersea is the largest student living building designed to Passivhaus standards in Europe, the largest Passivhaus building in the UK and the eight largest in the world. Providing high-quality, energy efficient accommodation for 853 students it represents a significant achievement for client, design team and contractor. Passivhaus principles promise lower operational costs despite slightly higher capital cost and improved comfort for the students. For building operators in PBSA and BTR these costs can very quickly be offset. Having received certification this February the building has yet to be in operation a full year but there have been significant learnings to share: how to reduce heating and cooling demand through the design of the building how the scheme is reliant on the behaviours of occupants and how urbanest is working to educate its customers what the team have learnt through the process of mobilising and operating the building that wasn’t anticipated Chairperson Angus Kearin, Head of Development - Urbanest Speakers Thomas Henriksen, Founder & Director - Henriksen Studio Ken Edwards, Project Director - Mace Flora Genel, Associate Director - AHMM

Learn how the team behind Britain’s first skyscraper lab is working towards achieving ambitious embodied carbon budgets. Currently under construction, One North Quay is 76,500m2 , >130m tower, which is set to become Europe’s largest commercial laboratory. Join the Client and the Design Team as they reflect on the project’s embodied carbon sustainability ambitions; how they have been realised to date; and the lessons learnt from this process that can be applied to future projects. The Team will explore how they worked with the brief and the massing on site to embed sustainable principles from the early days of the project. They will deep dive into the systematic carbon reduction procedure used throughout the project's design stages, resulting in the structural upfront embodied carbon (A1-A5) being reduced by nearly 50%, achieving a SCORS rating of C, beating the project targets for a typical low-carbon lab and saving ~20,000 tCO2e. And they will share their innovative approach to the construction stages of the project, implementing technologies such as turning demolished concrete from site into recycled aggregate and bathing it in liquid CO2 to sequester carbon into the slabs. Chairperson Lora Brill, Head of Sustainability - Buildings - Ramboll Speakers Shawn Duffy, Principal - KPF Jonathan Ly, Director - Structures - Canary Wharf Group Steve Brown, Principal Engineer - Ramboll

Explore how the Building Safety Act offers an unparalleled opportunity to deliver value and enhance social housing, particularly across the country’s 12,500 higher-risk buildings. Our expert speakers will delve into leveraging the Act to ensure best-practice fire and structural, while in parallel retrofitting to enable sustainable living standards that meet modern housing needs. Attendees will gain insights into adapting existing buildings for housing while aligning with sustainability goals and long-term maintenance strategies. Chairperson Patrick Hayes, Technical Director - IStructE Speakers Noel Pells, Director - PRP Gavin McLachlan, Associate - Conisbee

For communities to embrace net zero, they need to feel the direct benefits, and trust that the transition will have a positive impact on the places they live, work and play. UKGBC’s new Regenerative Places programme takes a place-based approach that explores how local stakeholders can co-create their own retrofit strategies, delivering broad 'regenerative' benefits to communities, strengthening climate resilience and improving people's health & wellbeing. The LARA initiative is a collaboration where 4 pilot local authorities are working towards Local Retrofit Action Plans setting a blueprint for bespoke retrofit strategies that address the unique challenges and opportunities of each region. Hear from UKGBC, MCS Foundation and CIVIC SQUARE as they explore: What “regenerative places” are How these principles can be implemented within our communities to decarbonise homes, public spaces and lifestyles The important role that individual stakeholder groups play How local networks can develop their own capacity and local supply chains to respond to the challenges, building on existing strengths and knowledge Chairperso Bryan Patrick Ross, Senior Advisor - Modescore Speakers Anna Hollyman, Co-Head of Regenerative Places - UKGBC Imandeep Kaur, Co - Founder & Director - CIVIC SQUARE Alastair Mumford, Programme Director - MCS Foundation

The new headquarter for Unusual Rigging achieves a remarkable fusion of deep sustainability and employee wellbeing. Built to rigorous Passivhaus energy standards, the design goes further by using timber and bio-based materials to drastically cut embodied carbon while reducing running costs. Expanded solar power generation on-site means the building has an exceptionally low whole-life carbon footprint. This project embodies circular economy principles by being designed explicitly for durability, future disassembly, and material repurposing, departing from the linear 'take-make-dispose' model. Unlike schemes relying on existing structures, it rigorously addressed embodied carbon in a new build context, prioritising sustainable, biogenic (carbon-storing) materials throughout to ensure a low-impact building designed for a long life and eventual reuse. Join the client and design team to hear firsthand how this healthy, adaptable workspace supports the business's growth, champions staff wellbeing, and provides a blueprint for truly sustainable development. Sabine Hogenhout, Design Director - KLH Sustainability Jonny Plant, Director - Corstophine & Wright Tom Harper, Managing Director - Unusual Rigging Tom Robinson, CEO/Founder - Adaptavate

Brutalist buildings should be recognised for their potential. Aesthetically and structurally challenging to some, the key to unlocking this potential has common threads. Whitby Wood invite you to a breakfast briefing where we will explore the successful adaptation and revival of two distinct building typologies. Plant — the ‘hanging gardens of Basingstoke’ Formerly Mountbatten House, the original 1970s vast-stepped modernist complex comprises six levels of commercial workspace with tiered roof gardens in Basingstoke, Hampshire. Fundamental to the revamped scheme are the celebrated cascading green garden terraces. The design team sought the sensitive restoration to improve biodiversity and urban greening and maximise the potential for adaptation within the existing structural fabric. Plant is an exemplar development for the evolution of a pioneering design intent to promote wellbeing and connection. Zodiac — repurpose for social housing and community spaces This ambitious re-use project transforms a neglected 1960s concrete complex in West Croydon into 73 thoughtfully designed, low-carbon homes for emergency housing. Rather than demolish, the developer sought to repurpose the abandoned buildings. The scheme integrates local amenity, courtyards, and social spaces and reimagines the derelict forecourt as a vibrant community garden. Zodiac’s revival sets a precedent for adaptation of underused assets — and for the provision of new housing from office space. Come and hear from the teams at Zodiac and Plant, Basingstoke. Chairperson Kelly Harrison, Director of ESG & Impact - Whitby Wood Speakers Hazel Rounding, Managing Director - shedkm Steve Sanham, Founding Director - Common Projects Tuan Huynh-Quoc, Director - Whitby Wood Martin Knight, Co-Founding Director - Studio Knight Stokoe

Balancing heritage conservation with carbon reduction is a challenge; one that was met with a pragmatic and intelligent response in the retrofit of The Waterman.  One of the largest heritage retrofits in Clerkenwell, The Waterman combines four industrial warehouses over 70,000 sqft into a single, modern-day workspace with distinct character. The buildings have been extensively retrofitted, resulting in an EPC A rated, market-ready space that aligns with modern occupier expectations. In this panel the client, architect and contractor will explore the vision and execution of this complex project, and discuss the design and engineering strategies employed to create a high-quality, future-proofed workspace while enhancing the buildings' heritage identity. These include: Improving the thermal envelope Securing additional massing/floorspace within a sensitive conservation context Unlocking flexibility, efficiency and accessibility in a load-bearing masonry structure All-electric MEP installation Reusing existing materials How can we upgrade valuable historic buildings to meet workspace tenant expectations while respecting the distinct characteristics of place? Chairperson   Iain McIlwee, CEO - Finishes and interiors Sector Speakers Rebecca Thomas, Director - Fathom Architects Emma Foster, Principal - BentallGreenOak Matt Robinson, Head of Sustainability - Ambit

The UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard is seeking to define what "net zero" really means for buildings and portfolios in the UK. But what will this look like in practice for different stakeholders? This panel will explore how responsibilities for achieving net zero are likely to be shared across owners, landlords, tenants, and investors. Panelists bring a range of perspectives—from legal and capital markets to technology integration —to unpack what implementation could mean across the property lifecycle. Topics include: How the Standard might apply across different building types and uses Navigating uncertainty in early project stages What legal, financial, and technical communities can do to align and support adoption Chairperson Chris Newman, Zero Carbon Design Manager - Mitsubishi Electric Speakers David Partridge, Chair of the Governance Board - UK NZC Buildings Standard Adam Baranowski, Head of Climate Action & Investment - Better Buildings Partnership Siobhan Cross, Partner - Pinsent Masons Janey Douglas, Head of Sustainability - UK Capital Markets - JLL

The widespread adoption of green technologies, including solar energy and other renewable solutions, raises important questions about labour rights and exploitation in global supply chains. This session will address the relation between net-zero technologies and ethical labour practices, revealing the hidden realities of labour exploitation in the renewable energy sector. Adam Whitfield and Emma-Jane Allen will explore role of ESG in mitigating the risks of exploitation within supply chains, emphasising the importance of transparency, due diligence, and responsible sourcing. How can net-zero technologies can be developed and deployed without compromising human rights, holding industry players accountable? By examining real-world examples and regulatory frameworks, the speakers aim to shed light on the complexities of ensuring ethical labour practices in the race to achieve net-zero targets, offering practical guidance to those responsible for implementing in the built environment. Speakers Adam Whitfield, Head of Compliance & ESG - Achilles  

Closed loop recycling of end-of-life building glass rarely happens, with most glass manufacturers declaring less than 1% post-consumer content in their new glass. Most of this glass follows a linear process: crushed together with other building materials, put into landfills or recovered to low grade fill applications. As we consider strategies for combatting embodied emissions and creating a circular economy, this is the most important challenge for the glass industry,  By dealing directly with clients and upskilling the existing deconstruction supply chain to provide a ‘cost and time’ effective solution, the industry can guarantee that end of life glass is being recovered back into new building glass. With contributions from architects, commercial developers and the public sector, this session will cover: An update on Saint Gobain's recycling processes, capabilities, and the lessons that have been learnt The importance of closed loop recycling in relation to the decarbonisation of the glass industry and the production of lower-carbon glass Stewardship of natural resources, especially sand. How to tackle the obstacles to circularity Why early engagement and collaboration are vital to successful end of life glass recovery Chairperson David Entwistle, Director of Major Projects - Saint-Gobain Speakers Michele Young, Principal Development Coordinator - London Borough of Tower Hamlets Hugh McGilveray, Director - Eckersley Ocallaghan Michelle Sanchez Brajkovic, Sustainability Lead - RSHP Sandra Sezgin, Sustainability Manager - British Land

JLL’s new HQ at 1 Broadgate began with an ambition to radically reduce both embodied and operational carbon, while embedding circularity at the core of a major workplace project. From the outset, the team set out to push whole life thinking across procurement, urban mining, circular design, material passporting, and future reuse potential. Applying circular principles at scale revealed the scale of the challenge to make circularity the norm in the property sector including misaligned incentives, fragmented data, and complex delivery challenges. 1 Broadgate has been treated as a live testing ground to pioneer new approaches, set benchmarks, and build long-term resilience. This session offers a practical and candid reflection from the occupier client and consultant team: what’s working, what hasn’t, and where the biggest opportunities lie for others.  Chairperson Georgina Pater Bell, Director (UK Real Estate and Workplace) - JLL Speakers Adam Strudwick, Principal - Perkins & Will Areti Makantasi, Director (Sustainable Asset Solutions) - JLL James Patmore, Senior Project Manager - Overbury Andrew Williams, Director (Project Management) - JLL