The Sustainable Growth Pavilion, previously Beyond Net Zero, is a cornerstone of The UK’s Real Estate Investment & Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) 2024, and is back for its third consecutive year. This pivotal event, slated to take place in Leeds, brings together industry leaders, sustainability advocates, and innovative companies to propel positive change within the property and construction sectors.
Partnership Driving Progress
The Sustainable Growth Pavilion is honored to welcome headline partners Sir Robert McAlpine and Sir Robert McAlpine Capital Ventures for the second consecutive year, alongside Prologis UK, fostering a collaborative approach to tackle sustainability challenges across sectors. Their continued support underscores a shared commitment to building a sustainable future.
A Nexus of Innovation and Collaboration
Set against the backdrop of UKREiiF, the Pavilion promises three days of immersive content, serving as the epicenter for exploring best practices and innovations in sustainable growth across finance, construction, property, energy, and real estate. Attendees can expect thought-provoking sessions, dynamic panel discussions, and invaluable networking opportunities, fostering knowledge sharing and partnership cultivation.
Jason Longhurst, Chair of UKBCSD, expressed his enthusiasm for the event, highlighting its role in fostering a more sustainable and inclusive industry.
“In its third year, the Pavilion remains a catalyst for meaningful conversations and collaborative efforts,” Longhurst stated. “We eagerly anticipate engaging with businesses and organisations seeking expertise on their sustainable development journey.”
Diverse Perspectives, Shared Vision
The event is expected to draw prominent figures from industry and politics, including keynote speakers such as Sir Andrew McAlpine, Chris Walker MP, and influential mayors. Their participation underscores the importance of collective action in driving sustainability agendas forward.
Industry Voices
Grant Findlay, Executive Managing Director Buildings at Sir Robert McAlpine, emphasized the value of partnerships in addressing pressing issues.
“We believe UKREiiF is the perfect environment to forge meaningful partnerships that drive solutions and innovation for a better future,” Findlay remarked.
Paul Weston, Regional Head at Prologis UK, echoed this sentiment, stating,
"As a leading voice in sustainability, UKBCSD is a natural partner for Prologis UK. We look forward to participating in a wide range of sessions within the Pavilion."
Paving the Way Forward
Equans UK and Ireland and Puma Property Finance, as session partners, will contribute their expertise to the Pavilion, further amplifying its commitment to collaboration and innovation within the built environment.
Opportunities for Engagement
For those interested in partnering with the Pavilion or becoming a UKBCSD member contact us.
Building a Sustainable Future Together
Organised by Built Environment Networking, UKREiiF 2024 promises to attract significant investment, drive economic growth, and foster a culture of sustainability and inclusivity. To stay updated on the Sustainable Growth Pavilion and UKREiiF 2024, visit here.
As the Sustainable Growth Pavilion prepares to take centre stage, it serves as a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation in driving positive change within the property and construction sectors. Together, we can build a more sustainable future for generations to come.
Are you planning to attend UKREiiF in May 2024? If so we invite you to join us as a partner in the Sustainable Growth Pavilion. We have a limited number of opportunities remaining, so read on.
As a partner in the Sustainable Growth Pavilion, you'll enjoy an unparalleled profile and exposure in a high footfall area. The pavilion location is strategically positioned to attract the right audience for your business. Plus, you'll benefit from promotional activities as part of the pavilion, increasing your visibility and potential reach as well as networking with the other partners.
You can read more here about what is included in each of our packages and look at the programme structure over the 3 days 21-23 May 2024.
Sustainable Growth Pavilion Partner
£40K only one remaining - limited to three
There is one remaining opportunity to join Sir Robert McAlpine, Sir Robert McAlpine Capital Ventures, and Prologis for this high-profile experience.
Session Partner / Tier One Sponsor
£20k – Only 4 available *ONLY 2 LEFT*
Panel partner (Tier Two Sponsor)
£10k – Only 2 available
Networking partner breakfast / afternoon drinks (Tier Two Plus)
£15k - Subject to availability Tues/Weds - refreshments included
If you're interested and want to learn more about these exciting partnership opportunities, please don't hesitate to reach out us to have a conversation about suitability and provide you with all the necessary details.
Don't wait too long, as these opportunities are filling up quickly!
Planning Portal is welcomed into the UK Business Council for Sustainable Development membership.
We are committed to attracting members from across value chains in the built environment, and the Planning Portal is providing us with a critical link to Planning and Planning data through this partnership.
Sarah Chilcott, Managing Director, says:
'We are thrilled to be a part of this esteemed group of leaders and innovators from the built environment sector who all share a common goal of creating a more sustainable future for all."
The UK planning process is crucial in supporting a more sustainable future for the built environment. Planning decisions can influence the type, location and design of new developments, which, in turn, can impact energy efficiency, carbon emissions and local wildlife habitats.
Our Chair Jason Longhurst comments,
"Planning Portal's involvement in UKREiiF, as part of their membership offer, provided a link to the wider components needed to create a more sustainable future, and make sure that we are seeing the whole picture when coming up with solutions."
By ensuring that sustainable principles are incorporated into planning policy and decisions, the UK can pave the way for a more environmentally-friendly and resilient built environment. Including these important planning considerations can lead to benefits such as improved air quality, increased biodiversity and reduced carbon footprint.
We are delighted to have Planning Portal on board. Read more on their website.
Sustainability superpower: UK can unlock more than £70bn of economic benefits and export £17bn of renewable energy a year
The race to net zero presents the UK with a once-in-a-generation economic opportunity, unseen since the discovery of oil and gas reserves in the North Sea in the 1970s, according to our latest research report.
We've uncovered that the UK could unlock more than £70 billion of economic benefits a year if it adopts a bold strategy of going “beyond net zero” to become a world leader in clean energy.
And becoming a “sustainability superpower” would create an additional 279,000 British jobs (and support a total of 654,000 British jobs) across clean energy industries.
Just as the UK became a major exporter of North Sea oil and gas during the 1980s and 1990s, Britain’s potential to generate huge amounts of clean energy would turn the UK from a net importer of energy to one exporting “vast amounts” of clean power, worth £17bn a year, to mainland Europe.
Thanks to its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and competitive advantages in offshore wind generation the report found the UK can fulfil the Government’s ambition of becoming a “clean energy superpower” if it can turn its barriers to growth into enablers.
These barriers to growth, which could become enablers, include:
The report was written by former government economist Chris Walker for UKBCSD, in partnership with Prologis UK and Inspired Plc.
It highlights the potential rewards of sustained, aggressive strategy aimed at maximising the UK’s competitive advantages in generating clean energy.
The report analysed two competing scenarios facing the UK as it heads towards its current target of decarbonising all sectors of the economy by 2050.
It says: “Because we are in a global race with critical tipping points, one version of 2050 sees the UK becoming a world leader in the energy transition by attracting trillions of pounds of global private investment, innovating in key technologies and deploying them at an international scale to become a clean energy superpower. This is the ‘beyond net zero’ scenario.
“In another version of 2050, the UK lapses into clean energy mediocrity and stumbles along. This is the ‘near net zero’ scenario.”
In the “beyond net zero” scenario, the UK achieves economic benefits of £70.3bn a year by 2050 - not including the social value of reduced greenhouse gas emissions and averted climate change.
This includes an additional £36.4bn of Gross Valued Added (GVA) delivered by clean energy generation and a £17.0bn boost to the UK’s trade balance.
There would be a further £2.2bn of agglomeration benefits, while disposable incomes would see a £14.7bn bump as a result of lower energy prices.
The report finds the economic benefits of the “beyond net zero” scenario to be more than twice the £35.0bn benefits of pursuing the “near net zero” path.
The report says: “The UK’s strong competitive advantages in clean energy generation mean it is uniquely well positioned in the race to net zero which can deliver significant and sustained economic growth, raised productivity and increased exports.
“Other advanced economies will undertake similar journeys to the UK at the same time. For the UK to cement its leadership in tackling this challenge, crucial public policy decisions need to be taken, backed up by investment from private sector organisations to ensure that the UK makes and captures the necessary investment to capitalise on its strengths.”
The report includes a number of potential policy options to help fully exploit the UK’s clean growth potential.
These include:
Jason Longhurst, Chair of the UK Business Council for Sustainable Development, said: “It is now almost four years since Britain effectively fired the starting pistol on the global race to net zero by becoming the first major economy to set a net zero emissions target in law.
“Today, more than 90% of global GDP is covered by some form of net zero target.
“We commissioned this report to find out more about the opportunities which net zero can bring to Britain.
"The findings are clear. The UK can unlock more than £70 billion of economic benefits a year if we become a world leader in the race to net zero.
"We have the potential to generate huge amounts of clean energy which would turn the UK from a net importer of energy to a nation exporting vast amounts of clean power, worth £17bn a year, to mainland Europe.
"We believe this paper delivers an evidence base to enable our government to drive new incentives to transition, leverage in further private sector investment and position the UK as one of the world’s most investable markets for companies tackling the challenges created by climate change.
"Having fired the starting pistol on the race to net zero it’s now time for the public and private sector to work together to put Britain at the front of the field again."
Mark Dickinson, CEO of Inspired PLC said:
“Working with over 3,500 businesses on a day-to-day basis to manage their defence against the energy crisis and facilitate their journey to net-zero, we see first-hand the desire within the corporate businesses of UK PLC to make a difference, but also the need for governmental support and incentives, to unleash this potential.
This report makes clear the economic benefits that are available for the country if the combination of the private and public investment can be enabled to realise the opportunity to become a global leader in sustainable development.”
Paul Weston, Regional Head of Prologis UK, said: “This landmark report makes plain the scale of the opportunity that the UK has – alongside the relatively small window that we have to act.
“It is vital that we seize the opportunity, not only for the economic gains - and potential new jobs - but because being a global leader in clean energy will also bring huge societal and environmental benefits.
“We need to make many steps on this journey, but some are relatively small - such as providing a supportive environment for large-scale rooftop solar arrays.”
You can download the report HERE
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 Beyond Net Zero Pavilion is back, bigger and with a packed showcase programme featuring some of the leading thinkers and companies from across the development sector. UKBCSD is partnering with members Bradford Council, supported by Sir Robert McAlpine, Inspired PLC and Keyland Developments to bring a packed three-day programme in Leeds this year.
Following a successful first year, UKBCSD and Bradford Council will host the Beyond Net Zero Pavilion for a second year at the event set to take place between 16-18 May in Leeds.
For more than 22 years, UKBCSD has represented exceptional thought leaders, business trailblazers, innovators and disruptors coming together to attain a more sustainable world.
UKBCSD believe in going beyond net zero by shaping and delivering against the UN Sustainable Development Goals, guiding others and encouraging others to benchmark.
UKBCSD will use UKREiiF as a platform to deliver its message and showcase its members and practice to a group of over 6,000 investors, developers, local authorities, occupiers and more.
Jason Longhurst, chair of UKBCSD, said: “The World Business Council for Sustainable Development is a global network of more than 400 businesses with a combined annual revenue of more than $8.5 trillion.
“The council exists to put forward solutions to tackle the climate emergency, nature loss and mounting inequality.
“The UK Business Council has operated for over two decades and includes major house builders, property developers, consultants and contractors committed to decarbonisation among its members.
“Last year, we were one of the first organisations to commit to UKREiiF. We look forward to meeting and networking with more businesses and organisations at UKREiiF looking for help and expertise with their sustainable development journey.”
UKREiiF, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, added: “There is an urgent need to transform the construction and property sector – it is one of the main contributors to global emissions and therefore action needs to be taken. It’s why the net zero agenda is one of our key pillars and areas of conversation at UKREiiF – and we’re delighted to, once again, have the UK Business Council for Sustainable Development sponsor our Net Zero Pavilion. They are a shining light within the industry and are driving the change, and it’s a pleasure to have their support in getting the key messages across to the industry.”
Led by the UK’s leading property events company, Built Environment Networking, and supported by some of the most prominent UK Property and infrastructure companies, the second annual UKREiiF event will be held in Leeds on 16-18 May 2023. The forum will attract inward investment, generate economic growth and drive a more sustainable and inclusive culture within the property and construction industries.
Register for the UKREiiF annual event UKBCSD Members please check your email for a discount code!
Jason Longhurst, Chair of the UK Business Council for Sustainable Development (UKBCSD), has been appointed UK Head of Sustainable Investment & Development at Prologis.
The global logistics company has created the new role as part of plans to strengthen its position as one of the world’s most sustainable corporations.
Jason joins Prologis from his role as Strategic Director of Place at the Bradford City Council, where he developed Bradford position as the UK’s leading Clean Growth city district and delivered the UK’s largest clean growth emerging testbed at Esholt a site which will be home to 150 new eco-friendly homes and more than one million square feet of prime workspace, earmarked for biotech, cleantech and agritech firms.
Jason is one of the UK’s foremost pioneers in sustainable development. As Director of Development at North East Lincolnshire Council Jason pioneered the creation of Hornsea 2, the world's largest windfarm, which unlocked the Humber Energy B, thousands of high-quality jobs in the supply chain and delivered power to more than 1.4 million UK homes with low-cost, clean and secure renewable energy.
Jason also sits on the UK Business Group Alliance for Net Zero and the SME Net Zero Working Group for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS).
While Jason moves into the private sector after 27 years in the public sector he will continue in his roles as Chair of UKBCSD and Chair of the South East Consortium Climate Change Solutions Board.
The World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) is a global network of more than 400 businesses with a combined annual revenue of more than $8.5 trillion. The council exists to put forward solutions to tackle the climate emergency, nature loss and mounting inequality.
UKBCSD has operated for more than two decades and includes among its members major housebuilders, property developers and operators, consultants and contractors committed to decarbonisation.
At Prologis, Jason will be lead on public, private and trade sector engagement on wide-ranging agenda areas including innovation, market disruption and sustainable economic growth as well as a positively increasing the company’s profile as a world leader in industrial & logistics real estate.
UKBCSD chair, Jason Longhurst, said: “I’ve dedicated my career to pioneering and mainstreaming tangible sustainable economic growth that drives innovation and opportunities from the climate challenges ahead.
“I’m proud to be joining Prologis - a company which has been leading on sustainable development for as long as I have.
“I remain committed to UKBCSD and our mission of mainstreaming sustainable development as we continue to grow our network and share best practice about how to successfully deliver the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.”
Prologis has a long-standing history of excellence in ESG, dating back as far as 2003.
In 2018, Prologis was the first logistics real estate company with an approved Science-Based Target (SBT) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and a plan to drive greater operational efficiency by decarbonisation.
The company has bold ambitions to become net zero in emissions from its operations by 2030 and to be net zero across its value chain by 2040 and by deploying 1 GW of solar, supported by energy storage, by 2025.
Prologis is also one of only 45 companies to be recognised by HRH The Prince of Wales – Sustainable Markets Initiative Terra Carta Seal.
Culture and Clean Growth aren’t two different things: they are both about people, and the need to make their lives better
Jason Longhurst, chair of the UK Business Council for Sustainable Development and Strategic Director of Place at Bradford Council, said: “As part of Bradford’s successful bid to be named UK City of Culture 2025 we put a giant sign outside our magnificent city hall. It reads in capital letters: PEOPLE MAKE BRADFORD.
“People make Bradford great. People were at the centre of our City of Culture bid, just as they are at the centre of our plans for Clean Growth, which is why we were so confident our bid would succeed.
“We do not see culture as separate from Clean Growth, but an integral part of it: an economic and social opportunity, through which we can harness the youth and vibrancy of this great city and create sustainable jobs and skills for all our communities. Precisely because of our people, culture can be an important vehicle for driving inclusive, environmentally-sound growth.
“At UKBCSD we take exactly the same approach. Sustainability isn’t simply about net-zero targets, important though they may be. It is also about creating better places - better jobs, better homes, better communities - for everyone.
“We can and must achieve a net zero future. That is a given. But precisely what that future looks like will determine whether we have succeeded or failed in a wider sense.
“Can we deliver a sustainable future? Can we deliver a functioning economy which works for people? What jobs are people doing? Where - and how - do they live? Are our communities thriving and happy? And all of them - or just some?
“If we cannot deliver clean growth and deliver a sustainable economy which creates jobs for people then we will have failed.
“No society will embark on sustainability and reaching net zero unless we can create jobs and a functioning economy for people.
“As we now look forward to delivering the best and most sustainable city of culture ever a few things are upmost in our minds:
“Our team in Bradford have done an exceptional job to win the competition to become UK City of Culture. Now it’s time to go again.
“We cannot wait to welcome the UK and the rest of the world to Bradford to show them our plans for culture and clean growth.”
Jane Findlay, president of the Landscape Institute, was speaking in the Beyond Net Zero pavilion at UKREiiF in Leeds. She told the audience on day three that green jobs must be put at the heart of the levelling up agenda,
Adding that better environmental design was critical to creating places where everyone could thrive, as well as mitigating against climate change.
"An investment in environmental resilience is an investment in our economic resilience as well," she said. "We need to move quickly to close the green skills gap. Government must put green jobs at the heart of their levelling up agenda.”
Ms Findlay said the built environment sector suffered from "a tremendous lack of diversity", adding: "We must do better.”
She said the sector needed to change "...perceptions, policies and power dynamics. The Sustainable Development Goals are the benchmarks to achieve this change" she added.
The Beyond Net Zero pavilion - sponsored by the UK Business Council for Sustainable Development in partnership with City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council, supported by UKBCSD members Sir Robert McAlpine and Keyland Developments - has been looking at ways of encouraging clean, sustainable growth beyond simple, albeit important, environmental targets.
In another morning session, the audience heard how one of our UKBCSD members, Bradford Council, is moving to create rapid economic growth in an inclusive and responsible way. The city is aiming to become the UK's leading Clean Growth testbed.
Simon Dew, development director at Muse Developments, said Bradford presented "fantastic opportunities" to investors.
Muse is the company behind One City Park, a BREEAM excellent office building in the heart of Bradford due to open in summer 2023.
He said Bradford had been a city at an economic "tipping point" set for rapid growth, with a number of schemes coming on-line at once.
"So many things were happening and we felt as a developer that the city presented some fantastic opportunities," he said.
Mr Dew said Muse had been attracted by the pool of talent in Bradford, and the fact the city had the youngest population in the country.
It wasn't just in the Beyond Net Zero pavilion where Bradford was the talk of UKREiiF.
Shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves, who gave a keynote speech on levelling up, told delegates she shared Bradford's "frustration" that Northern Powerhouse Rail - a high-speed cross Pennine link that would have included a station in the city - had been downgraded by the government.
"Bradford has so much going for it, but unlocking that potential does require good transport links," she said. "To be able to fire on all cylinders, it needs connectivity."
In the Beyond Net Zero pavilion, the afternoon kicked off with a session on “How might we shape a flourishing economy for 2050?” chaired by the chair of The Bradford Economic Partnership Manoj Joshi.
Mark Dickinson, CEO of Inspired Energy, warned delegates not to confuse consumer will with consumer behaviour.
He said consumer behaviour was affected by personal finances and poverty - and that often people in poverty had got more immediate problems to deal with than environmental sustainability.
Mr Dickinson said access to capital drove behaviour and restricting that capital could drive different behaviour - as governments are doing with climate-related financial disclosures.
In the final session of the day, led by the Landscape Institute, Ludo Pittie, Head of Landscape at UKBCSD member WSP, said: “As long as we see nature as something we can just take and we never put a price on it then we’re neve going to value it.”
He said economic modelling had valued nature’s worth in excess of $125trillion and said people needed to start putting nature first when looking at development. Helen Griffiths, Chief Executive of Fields in Trust, said her organisation had launched a Green space index which found that only four out of the 12 regions of the UK met the standards of provision for green space.
Deborah Nagan, head of place and nature at the Future Homes Hub said that much of what has happened to nature could be explained by the fact that nature has no voice and no CEO.
In the morning’s keynote at the Beyond Net Zero Pavilion at the UK REiiF event Mike Emmerich, founding director of Metro Dynamics, set the tone for the day by highlighting the price that the world’s population will pay in terms of increased energy and food costs from the war in Ukraine, as the country was a leading provider of wheat, fertiliser and steel.
He highlighted the opportunity that Britain can grasp if the Government can use clean growth as a mechanism to deliver levelling up.
He said the UK’s challenge was to create more streets around the country with more money flowing into them as has been delivered in Manchester, Leeds, Newcastle and Sheffield. Adding that we needed a stronger central government and more engaged private sector if we’re going to deliver levelling up and clean growth.
Joining Mr Emmerich on stage our UKBCSD chair Jason Longhurst said that the Government needs to work with the private sector, local authorities and education providers to put in place the pipeline of funding and skills to deliver levelling up.
The rest of the day did not disappoint with a variety of challenging and interesting debates including some UKBCSD members and non-members including;
Liz Barber, recently-retired chief executive of site owners Yorkshire Water, told the UKREiiF conference in Leeds during a panel session that the site would include housing that may use surplus heat from the treatment works, environmentally-sound office space for clean growth industries, a vertical farm using nutrients from the wastewater, and a new academy which will teach skills to apprentices across the region.
UKBCSD’s first clean growth testbed project at Esholt in Bradford has been hailed as a key example of building a better future at the UK's flagship inward investment conference.
The 500-acre site - a depreciated wastewater works set in natural woodland - has been billed as the UK's largest clean growth testbed.
Ms Barber revealed that the development was taking a proactive approach to delivering a circular economy, with aggregate from the site's remediation being used to construct a new station at nearby Apperley Bridge.
She said Esholt was an example of partnership working - and reflected the public's increasing demand for sustainability to be built in to new developments.
"Esholt is a fantastic site," she said. "It got sign off in a way it might not have if it had just been another office development.”
Ms Barber was speaking in a session about unlocking positive change for all, at an event in the Beyond Net Zero pavilion sponsored by the UK Business Council for Sustainable Development in partnership with City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council and supported by UKBCSD members, Sir Robert McAlpine and Keyland Developments. She also spoke of the need for developers - including those who were aware of their environmental responsibilities - to also rise to the challenge of inclusivity.
Being reflective of their communities was "the least we should expect", she said.
UKBCSD member Simon Richards, sustainability director at Sir Robert McAlpine, also on the panel added that net zero was increasingly becoming an economic as well as environmental imperative for developers.
He recalled an investor telling him that if a development didn't include net zero then "I have not got an asset - I have got a liability”.
Tina Paillet, co-founder of Circotrade - a company that seeks to help constructors do more to reuse materials - warned there was still a long way for the industry to travel on sustainability.
Tina warned about the dangers of producing more carbon through property development and highlighted that cities consume 78% of the world’s resources and that globally a new city the size of Paris is being built every week.
She explained that new laws have been passed in France which state that all new buildings built in 2031 must have a 52% reduction in embodied carbon emissions over today's standards. Circotrade aims to help businesses bridge this gap by providing re-used construction materials.
In an afternoon session on education, equality and gender, the pavilion heard how education was vital in securing "a world that worked for everybody".
The panel included Neil Pinder, founder of HomeGrown Plus, Nicola Jones, the national Chair of the Association of Women in Property, and Charlotte Bonner, national head of education and sustainable development at the Education and Training Foundation. The session was chaired by Susan Hinchcliffe, Leader of UKBCSD member Bradford Council.
The afternoon concluded with a challenge session on Accelerating the Clean Growth City District.
In the session another UKBCSD Board member Ashley Dunseath, Director and Head of Masterplanning, Advisory and Economics at WSP, said: “Cities have the largest carbon impact. If we’re going to decarbonise it should be city centric, but decabonising isn’t just about a new way of working it has to be about generating economic growth.”
Dr Kat Ibbotson, a fellow Director of Advisory at WSP, and Net Zero Lead said it’s the assumption that net zero is costly upfront but we need to look at the whole life of costs when making decisions and thinking more broadly than just the cost upfront.
Our Chair Jason Longhurst concluded: “This is the first time in the public sector’s history that we’re investing at such a scale without a common metric.”
He called for the creation of a common metric so that the public and private sector can become more transparent on how they are delivering sustainable development which goes beyond net zero to embody the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
