Each day of our exciting programme kickstarts with a national keynote speaker. Throughout each day, we showcase the best innovators, leaders and partners shaping the UK's green economy and sustainable future. Public, private and third sectors will come together over the three days to showcase in partnership, bringing us some interesting and provocative thoughts and content.
We had one of the highest footfalls of all Pavilions in 2022, and we are back bigger and better this year, with a larger space, networking area and a series of lunches, presentations and keynotes.
Chris Skidmore MP reveals all about his Net Zero Report.
Chris Skidmore MP is joining the Pavilion on Thursday 18 at 10.30 am to discuss his recent Net Zero Report - hear first-hand what's coming next.
The CEO of the UK Infrastructure Bank joins us on Tuesday 18 10.30-11.15, to talk about the Power of Sustainable Growth – Energy, Infrastructure and Economy. 'In conversation with' Our Chair Jason Longhurst. This is high-level session that explores w the UK should be powering regeneration and delivering sustainable infrastructure for a more inclusive economy.
Mayor Marvin Rees opens the Pavilion and sets the challenge for the 3-days 9.20
Prologis leads a panel exploring the role the property sector can play in delivering Net Zero for the UK, focusing on the decarbonisation of construction and delivering renewable energy solutions at scale, 11.30-12.15
Keyland Developments will discuss the challenges in sustainable Innovation and Clean Growth and how to understand the total value and impact of projects.
Inspired Plc will take over a session on Tuesday at 3.15 to discuss best practices in Net Zero buildings and how to make your ideas become a reality.
Sir Robert McAlpine presents the opportunities and challenges in an exemplary case study on building sustainable communities and creating value – Lessons from Springfield Village.
Bradford Council take over Thursday will be packed with why investment and culture are intrinsically linked and celebrate being City of Culture 2025 - look out for City leaders discussing big topics and challenges on sustainable communities, culture and growth, and some eye-catching and mouth-watering cultural experiences happening on Thursday afternoon. This is the place to be on Thursday.
Watch for further updates on keynotes and event sessions as we lead the next generation of growth in the UK that will shape all sectors, industries and communities.
We are also launching our Inaugural research report; The Economic Opportunity for a Sustainable Economy.
We have a specific session in the Pavilion where we will also launch it to the sector.
You can join us for lunch at this official event on [SOLD OUT]
17th May 12.15-1.30 - register Here
Follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter for updates, and use the hashtag #BeyondNetZero to search for our content and join the conversation.
We're excited about this event and have put a lot of effort into curating a fantastic programme of talks, showcases and mini-events inside the Pavilion for attendees. We're looking forward to seeing you there.
READ THE FULL THREE-DAY PROGRAMME
Thanks to our partners and sponsors: Inspired PLC Sir Robert McAlpine and KeyLand Developments Ltd with Bradford Council and Prologis, CBRE and Planning Portal.
If you are interested in becoming a Member of UKBCSD, please contact UKBCSDmember@ukbcsd.co.uk
When hosting COP26 in 2021, our policy makers led a drive to position the UK as a world leader in green technologies and the climate transition. However, whilst the UK achieving Net-Zero Carbon (NZC) by 2050 is a legally binding target, delivering on that ambition may be hampered by the reality of implementing effective climate-friendly government policies.
Much of the post-COP26 momentum was clouded by the political uncertainty of the last year, and for those of us working in the built environment, this translates to uncertainty over the future of the legislation regulating our sector. Yet, with the construction industry responsible for 25% of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), we cannot afford to let this uncertainty continue. The construction industry has a significant task ahead to play its part in achieving NZC.
An issue such as climate change – long term, and presenting challenges to us all – requires a response that overcomes existing divisions of party and political terms. Moving forward, we must collaborate to find a way to overcome the challenges GHG emissions present and work towards a better future for us all.
A cross-party initiative
Creating a sustainable society and combatting climate change will require the ability to plan and make investments for the long term. The ever-changing political cycle is not a natural fit to drive this forward: over the last year, the UK’s sustainability commitments have varied considerably and become a political battle ground, depending on the opinions of the Prime Minister and changing cabinet.
This creates an enormous amount of risk for the successful delivery of sustainable infrastructure. Without an idea of the future legislative environment and the Government’s agenda, investments could become obsolete – hardly a helpful backdrop for stakeholders to promote and implement innovations that could lead to a more carbon-friendly built environment.
Individual players and sector-wide organisations may drive forward future-thinking practices. At Sir Robert McAlpine, for example, we are members of The UK Business Council for Sustainable Development (UKBCSD). Yet without Government support these attempts can become fragmented. That is why building a cross-party consensus established to focus on climate change could help unite the private and public sector under a clear direction without the constraints of political terms or divisions. Government could design policy with a long-term view, and safely invest resources in producing the sector roadmaps to ensure NZC targets are delivered.
Bolstering ambition
At present, climate and sustainability focused policies can be seen as too simplistic, preventing them from being effective at the pace we need to meet the climate challenge.
For example, in November, the Environment Act’s Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) requirements will come into effect. Yet the BNG requirements fail to take into account regional disparities. Developers must provide at least 10% BNG for their projects, and for places with low existing biodiversity, such as some urban environments, this will be easy to achieve. For projects in rural areas, the targets present a far more significant challenge.
It's time to move past sweeping policies, where the industry is left to fill in the gaps about effective implementation. If the private sector were to join a cross-party climate coalition, all stakeholders could collaborate to develop realistic roadmaps to achieve climate targets at the necessary pace with fair, shared ownership of the risk and opportunities involved.
A sustainable industry relies on clear climate policy
In looking for directional climate policy, The UK is not wanting for precedent. For example, whilst we currently lack targets on the carbon emissions of new builds, France and the Netherlands have already implemented these policies. Its time our sector had its own policy north star – such as the Net Zero Carbon Building Standards – which could set clear and attainable goals to work towards.
Sustainability is more than just carbon emissions – it is biodiversity, the circular economy and achieving social value within the communities where our projects are based. A sustainable construction sector consists of many intersecting factors, so it is fitting that an adequate response would require we work together, a variety of perspectives from public and private sectors, to identify the most beneficial and efficient way to achieve it.
Only recently the pandemic demonstrated we are capable of extraordinary measures to handle extraordinary circumstances and solving the environmental challenges we face will be no different. It’s time to take a different approach to sustainability. Without politics in the equation, we can focus on the plans we need.
Sir Robert McAlpine is a member of UKBCSD. If you would like to become a member then please contact us.
Our lives take place within a frame our built environment forms: Homes, workplaces and communities. They are fusions of unique social, environmental and economic factors acting in constant flux with each other and our planet that is being fundamentally reshaped by climate change.
This sets a stage where construction and real estate industries influence the course of humanity, from ensuring buildings can withstand changing climate, use less resources and co-exist with the changing natural environment.
Like any construction project, this needs to happen within a credible, mutually agreed framework that operates beyond short-term gain, such as the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, an interlinked blueprint for countries to create peace and prosperity for our planet.
When examining Sustainable Development Goals together with the construction and real estate industries, a natural first focus is the multidimensional development opportunities within Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. From resilient transport systems, waste management and water sanitation, the interlinking strands of this development goal bring the collective power of individual targets together.
However, the influence of construction and real estate industries extend beyond the first glance. These industries require vast natural and human resources. The power of these requirements is realised when decisions are made on how they are used.
Choices of materials, reducing the embodied energy in building materials and the energy consumption of the building, protecting natural habitats during and after the construction phase are just examples of decisions that affect the impact an individual project has on the community surrounding it.
New skills, solutions and versatility are needed in the face of our changing built environment. Old buildings must be altered to reflect current standards and the environmental impacts of existing buildings must be reduced.
All this creates a need for a diverse and specially trained workforce, whether young people at the beginning of their career or those whose careers are being transformed by the changing landscapes within their specialities.
Again, the influence goes beyond first glance. Every decision, whether about materials, hiring staff or associating with a partner, is connected to a wider supply chain which can reach the other side of the world: Countries that are all interconnected by a shared ambition to meet the Sustainable Development Goals.
Furthermore, these industries create opportunities for fulfilling work where human rights are respected while contributing to economic growth, innovation and inclusive industrialisation. Human life continues to take place around the built environment, and the industries that contribute towards them play a crucial role in creating a more sustainable world for us all.
To be ahead of the challenges on our and future generations’ ability to meet their needs, all industries must collaborate. Just one example of this is that every building must be heated and powered sustainably.
As a leading utilities and sustainability consultancy, Inspired PLC wants to act as an agent of this necessary societal change. We support organisations of every size and sector on their unique decarbonisation journeys, whether this means finding ways for their estate to become more energy-efficient, mapping out their carbon footprint or reducing their emissions across their entire supply chain. Think of a critical friend, who wants you to make informed decisions.
This is not all we are, however. Inspired wants to contribute towards the global drive to reach Sustainable Development Goals across the environments where our lives take place, our homes, schools and workplaces.
That’s why we have created SDGMe, an app which allows you to track how you contribute towards the Sustainable Development Goals every day in these environments.
When living our everyday lives, it’s easy to think that progress towards sustainable development happens out of an individual’s reach.
However, every action has an impact. When we take a moment to reflect and retrace our steps, we can see that our every decision made today echoes to tomorrow.
I turned off the tap while brushing my teeth. I turned off the lights when leaving the room. I picked up litter on my way home. Even though small actions, all of them contribute towards Sustainable Development Goals.
Once we realise the impact these actions carry, the decision about taking them becomes an informed one.
As individuals we are more powerful than we think. When these efforts come together to form a community, we are even stronger.
As proud members of the UK Business Council for Sustainable Development, we showcased SDGme in the Beyond Net Zero Pavilion at UKREIIF 2023.
Also see Jason's comment covered in stories in: Property week and edie.net
“This is Britain's second review into Net Zero in eighteen months. Britain is already a leading player and has the potential to be a world leader in sustainability, critically creating significant export market for our expertise. To do this we need to unlock public and private sectors to move forward in partnership with clear goals and a clear shared strategy. It is now time to commit to driving and enabling a new sustainable growth sector on the global stage led by the innovation and potential already driving this agenda in the U.K.
“Government needs to be the enabler to drive and unlock this potential, ensuring key areas around our skills base take advantage of the opportunities on offer, and operate as a global leader. In property and construction alone, this report notes that we will need an extra 350,000 skilled workers by 2028 to deliver the improvements we need to make to existing buildings to reduce energy demand both commercial and residential development.
“It is crucial that the green economy works for people and creates good quality new jobs, in sustainable developments, if we are to bring people with us, and make this a genuine joint venture between government, the private sector, and the public as a whole.
“The challenge is significant, but so are the potential rewards - and there is no real alternative. With the vast majority of the world's nations committed to achieving net zero the choice is not whether to do this or not. Our choice is whether to do it well to create opportunities for businesses and British workers or to do it badly and to miss a world of opportunity.”
Read more on the review.
Contact us about becoming a member.
About Jason
Chair of UKBCSD, Jason is also a NED advising Clean Growth and Sustainable Development SME innovation companies shaping Net-Zero and Green Economy in the UK. He held a number of Director/Board positions in both public and private sector organisations including regional development agency, county and unitary bodies, driving leading growth, investment and sustainable development projects.
Jason is also currently UK Head of Sustainable Investment & Partnerships at Prologis UK, supporting the company’s plans to strengthen its position and commitment to drive sustainable growth opportunities whilst maintaining its leadership as one of the world’s most sustainable corporations.
Connect with Jason on LinkedIn
Follow UKBCSD on LinkedIn
"The world is moving faster on sustainability than anyone thought would be possible years ago. However, it needs to move much faster and further over the coming years."
A key point made by John Gummer, Rt Hon The Lord Deben at the dinner and one of the many pertinent points mentioned by speakers throughout our day event held last week in London.
There were many key themes throughout, including the use of language and how this needs to be more joined up; investors vs developers and the built environment.
That we have made progress; sustainability is no longer on the streets. It's in the business psyche, and there is huge pressure now on businesses Richard Threlfall claims, citing a recent KPMG report.
Ashley Dunseath MCMI ChMC and Catherine Westoby discussed clean growth. Ashley talked about; leaders, followers and the confused when it comes to Clean Growth. Catherine had a challenge from the floor and discussed with the audience the government's position on Net Zero in the context of UK business.
Our fascinating investment panel surfaced some interesting points around what makes a sustainable investable project.
Lauren Burnhill said gender and social inclusion are two biggest areas for (private) investors.
Alice Gaskell challenged the room to think wider, and the SDG s are helpful in thinking holistically as focussing on one thing like technology or net zero is too narrow for a plc investor, for example.
Sally Ronald from DIT adds that often there are often financial incentives for sustainable attributes.
Following a short keynote from Metro Dynamics from Ilina Sen on the economics of place; Transition or Transformation and explaining their work following the devolution of Manchester;
Our final keynote of the day was on the Big Energy Debate and Georgina 'G' Penfold covered; The intricacies of the energy challenge; access to consumer technology; and solutions, such as renewables.
She said that the language we are using across sectors is inconsistent and we need to align the language across investment and design/build/construction to enable success.
You can find photos of the event here.
Thanks to our sponsors WSP in the UK and Inspired PLC
Chair Jason Longhurst reflects on his panel discussion last month at the Reset Connect event saying; "Cities are one of the great achievements of human civilisation: logistical miracles where thousands - or even millions - of us come together to live, work and play."
Throughout history, but especially since the Industrial Revolution, they have been the engines of global growth. And they are thriving: by 2080, it is estimated, 80 per cent of the world will live in cities.
But just as cities have been disproportionately responsible for growth, so too have they been disproportionately responsible for pollution, and climate change. If we are to achieve Clean Growth in the future, what happens in our cities will be key.
As I spoke alongside fellow leaders of cities and infrastructure at the Reset Connect event to mark London Climate Week, I was struck by how much distance we still have to travel.
Most cities - and city leaders - are by now highly conscious of the need to achieve net zero, and uncomfortably soon. But there is less clarity around how that urgent demand should be weaved into a broader strategy that also targets sustainable growth - growth that provides better opportunities, skills and neighbourhoods for all our communities.
Susan Aitken, leader of Glasgow council, made the point that only a handful of UK cities - including Bristol and my own district of Bradford - have clearly defined plans in this regard. I think this is true.
In Bradford, we call our strategy Clean Growth, and it now informs every decision we make, and everything we do.
It isn’t just a matter of having a Clean Growth strategy for transport, or energy, or housing: to be truly effective it also needs to cover issues like education and culture.
Take the latter. Most people know that Bradford was recently named UK City of Culture for 2025, which is a huge honour and a unique opportunity to drive investment.
Fewer people understand that Clean Growth was a major part of our successful bid.
We see culture very much as an economic and social driver, creating new skills, jobs and facilities with a low environmental impact in a way which engages and empowers some of our most disadvantaged communities.
Education is key, too.
One of my fellow panellists at Reset Connect was Sophie Andersen, mayor of Copenhagen.
The Danish capital has well-publicised plans to be net carbon-neutral by 2025, and has already reduced emissions by nearly half since 2005.
Yet it has managed this while achieving 25 per cent economic growth.
This is partly because Copenhagen - like Bradford, Bristol or Glasgow - has committed fully to making carbon neutrality a part of every decision it makes, and thinking through what that looks like in terms of key sites, investment and infrastructure.
But it is also testament to the unity with which people who live and work in Copenhagen have embraced radical change. Why? It can be summarised in just a few words: clarity of vision, and education.
Make sure people know exactly what you want to do, and why you want to do it. Not just as an exercise in communications, but because you want to inspire people to participate in the journey, make better decisions of their own, and become leaders in their own right.
This is a pivotal moment for our cities. They must rise to the challenge.
This will require strong and visionary local leadership, but can only be done in partnership with the private sector and national government.
Our cities have to be flexible, creative and collaborative in thinking about new funding models. They also need to provide the market with genuinely investable opportunities, as John Flint, CEO of the UK Infrastructure Bank, to the audience at Reset Connect. These opportunities need to defined and clear.
National governments, meanwhile, need to show a long-term commitment to places which are leading the way, and which offer the greatest scope for transformational change.
By leading by example - by showing what can be done - great cities have changed the world before. It is time to do so again.
Dr Manoj Joshi DL is the new Chair of the Bradford District Economic Partnership.
Dr Joshi will be championing the economic potential of the district, leading on clean growth, and working with partners to develop a new economic strategy. He brings extensive experience across a broad range of leadership roles and has been the Board Director of Bradford Breakthrough. He has held many high-profile local roles in the civic affairs, business, faith and charity sectors. These followed a 27-year career in pharmaceuticals and health care, including as a Business Development Manager for AstraZeneca. Read more here
The UN Sustainable Development Goals have become a touchpoint for those in the sector that are working to create nature-based solutions as a means to tackle the climate and biodiversity emergencies.
In order to achieve this, the built environment sector needs green skills in the right places. The Landscape Institute’s aim, through the work of its members, is to protect, conserve, and enhance the natural and built environment for the public benefit. Green skills will play a central role in this greener recovery and shift towards a nature-based economy, and the landscape sector already holds many of the skills that are needed.Read more here
The construction industry exists to give humanity an environment in which to thrive, and there is no doubt that we have risen to that challenge. Unfortunately, typically there is no action without consequence and what is abundantly clear is that in pursuit of our goal the buildings and infrastructure that we have delivered have had a significant impact on our natural environment.
This needs to be addressed, otherwise the advances we have made will soon be reversed.Read more here
In early 2021 South East Consortium (SEC) began their first programme of research projects with the aim of tackling three challenging topics impacting the housing sector.
SEC launched the final guidance document from their Climate Challenge working group in March 2022. The Sustainable Homes Matrix sets out a sustainable approach to delivering homes that are fit for the future with residents in mind, beyond Net Zero. Read more here
