Futurebuild 2020 is heading to the London Excel in March this year, aiming to unite construction professionals across the sector to create real change
From recent demonstrations to Government declarations, according to the event organisers at Futurebuild 2020, the message is clear – the industry needs to work together if it is to succeed against the climate change challenges we all face.
Against this backdrop, Futurebuild 2020 (3–5 March, ExCeL London) aims to inspire housing professionals to join fellow industry leaders and innovators to be the catalyst for change, and deliver a more sustainable built environment.
Setting the agenda
The Futurebuild conference returns, and will follow a three-day progression for 2020. With a central theme of responding to the climate and ecological crisis, the Arena will host debate and discussion led by politicians, academics and industry shapers.
Some of the organisers’ highlighted sessions include: ‘The future is regenerative’ chaired by Peter Murray, Chair of New London Architecture (3 March), which will explore how design and construction needs a circular rethink. On day two (4 March), London Mayoral Candidate Rory Stewart will sit on a panel looking at ‘Carbon neutral cities of the future,’ and examine the pathway to healthier, more resilient cities.
While conference discussions will focus on the biggest issues facing the built environment at a macro level, the six Keynote Stages will look at the specific challenges impacting Buildings, Offsite, Energy, Interiors, Resourceful Materials and Critical Infrastructure. This programme of solution-driven sessions hopes to share the latest thinking and research, to educate, inform and inspire visitors to make a positive change.
Each day, the six stages will host a focused keynote presentation by a recognised expert in their field. This and other sessions will look at tangible solutions and approaches which will make a real difference to practice and performance.
The Buildings Keynote stage will focus on the latest thinking and initiatives in building quality and performance, key sessions include ‘The Future Homes Standard 2025 – when, what, how?’ The session taking place on the third day (5 March) will be chaired by Lynne Sullivan, co-founding partner of sustainableBYdesign.
Beyond the stages
Around each Keynote Stage will be an exhibition of brands offering solutions to the challenges discussed in the companion knowledge programme. It will reportedly feature some of the largest headline brands in the sector, alongside SMEs and start-up organisations, creating a dedicated platform to connect these companies with forward-thinking specifiers and buyers.
Brands and organisations that are leading the charge when it comes to innovation will be recognised through a dedicated Innovation Trail. A guided route is structured to enable visitors to learn more about the latest thinking from Futurebuild’s Innovation Partners, including ACO Technologies, Smart Systems, CEMEX, Steico and Hadley Group.
The Buildings section has also been expanded to include two new showcases. The Whole House Retrofit Zone and the Digital Impact Zone will host industry-leading brands.
The game changers are back
Futurebuild 2020 will see the return of the Big Innovation Pitch. Hosted in conjunction with technical partner BRE, the competition will identify and celebrate novel new approaches to some of the biggest challenges facing us all.
Entrants will present their ideas on each of the six Keynote Stages on day one, before shortlisted entries go head-to-head in the Arena on day two. A panel of judges will determine the overall winning idea, which will be incorporated into BRE Academy Training and showcased in the BRE Innovation Park.
Martin Hurn, event director of Futurebuild, commented: “The responsibility for tackling the climate emergency lies in all of our hands and we must collaborate in order to find solutions to secure our future. Futurebuild 2020 provides the perfect platform for forward-thinking decision makers across the built environment to come together and play a key part in driving positive change.
“We understand that taking time out of work to attend events can be a challenge, which is why we will make sure that visitors can really get involved across a number of levels, from the world class knowledge programme in the Arena and on the Keynote Stages, to the showcase of the latest innovations across the exhibition. Innovation to us is more than just futuristic concepts, it’s about sharing the latest thinking and ideas, processes and solutions, products and materials. All of these things coming together under one roof at Futurebuild 2020 will inspire people to do things differently and create real change.”
For more information about Futurebuild 2020, the home of innovation, visit www.futurebuild.co.uk