Keltbray and Travis Perkins chiefs to lead debate on how industry can reach net zero
The Construction Leadership Council (CLC) has announced the line-up for its event at the COP26 climate conference next month.
Keltbray group chief executive Darren James and Travis Perkins chief executive Nick Roberts will be among industry leaders on a panel on 11 November discussing what commitments firms in the sector must make to reach net zero.
Also taking part in a series of debates will be Atkins UK and Europe chief executive Richard Robinson, Saint-Gobain UK and Ireland chief executive Mike Chaldecott and former RIBA president Stephen Hodder, director of architect Hodder and Partners.
The session, which will be co-chaired by Cundall sustainability engineer Sarah Linnell, will be one of the key construction events at the global conference.
The CLC will also release a film called “Building a Greener Britain”, which showcases some of the sustainability work being carried out by construction firms in the UK.
The group said: “As the world prepares for COP26, the time for action and concrete agreement to reduce carbon emissions and invest in our future is now.
>> Read more countdown to COP26 coverage
“Government and industry have a crucial opportunity to agree tangible commitments, benefitting future generations across the world.”
CLC co-chair Andy Mitchell said the “world will be watching”, adding that he hopes the panel of experts can “lead change not just in the UK but promote better outcomes for construction worldwide”.
Mace chief of staff Hannah Vickers, who also leads the CLC’s net zero initiative C02nstructZero, said the conference has the potential to be a “landmark moment for the planet”.
She added: “Its outcome will have a great impact on the construction sector in the UK. The Construction Leadership Council has a huge role to play as our sector transforms itself over the coming years.
“I would encourage everyone in the industry to get involved in any way you can – our industry is changing quickly, and we must work together with current and future leaders to ensure success”.
Half of the tickets for the event have been given to young professionals, who the CLC said are “fundamental” to delivering net zero.
The session will be free to attend and will be streamed live on the COP26 Youtube channel.
Building Talks: Net zero podcast series
Building is launching a podcast series called Building Talks, and is dedicating the entire first series to the net zero carbon challenges confronting built environment professionals. The series will help you navigate through the complex issues and high-stakes debates as we talk to people at the forefront of finding solutions to the climate emergency.
The scale of the task ahead is daunting, but our guests will present positive ideas that could, if adopted swiftly and at scale, affect real change.
Listen to the trailer in the player below, and subscribe to Building podcasts today on iTunes, Apple Podcast, Stitcher, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. The series starts on Monday 25 October.
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