Recent climate change demonstrations and government declarations make one thing clear; we must all come together to take action against the climate change challenges we are facing. Put simply, without collaboration, we will fail.
Against this backdrop, Futurebuild 2020 (3–5 March, ExCeL London) will inspire visitors to join fellow industry leaders and innovators to be the catalyst for change that is so urgently needed to help deliver a more sustainable built environment.
Setting the agenda
Futurebuild’s highly-regarded Arena programme is returning for 2020, bigger and better than ever before. Following a three-day progression, the Arena will host a number of sessions focusing on solving the current climate and ecological crisis. These will be led by politicians, academics and industry shapers.
Sessions which are set to be unmissable include: ‘The future is regenerative’ on day one (3 March). Led by Peter Murray, Chair of New London Architecture, this is guaranteed to spark debate and encourage new ways of thinking by asking the question: ‘How do we make our cities fit for purpose, our buildings net zero and champion green retrofit?’. On day two (4 March) a panel, including London Mayoral Candidate Rory Stewart, will discuss ‘Carbon neutral cities of the future’, exploring the pathway to healthier, more resilient cities.
While discussions in the Arena will focus on the biggest issues facing the built environment at a macro level, six Keynote Stages located across the event will look at the specific challenges impacting Buildings, Offsite, Energy, Interiors, Resourceful Materials and Critical Infrastructure. This programme of solution-driven sessions will 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.
On day one (3 March) on the Buildings stage Dr Richard Miller, Founder of Killer-Klein Associates will explore ‘Building a safer future – what steps are being taken towards fundamental reform?’. The panel will discuss the Government’s 2019 consultation which was built on recommendations from an inquiry led by Dame Judith Hackitt following the Grenfell fire.
Beyond the stages
Around each Keynote Stage will be an exhibition of innovative brands, offering unique solutions to the challenges discussed in the companion knowledge programme. It will 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.
Of particular interest will be the Buildings section, featuring key exhibitors including Build Test Solutions, Forterra Building Products, briq.works, SIGA AG, and ASI Group. This section is expanding for 2020 to include two new showcase areas; the Whole House Retrofit Zone, in partnership with the Retrofit Academy and Osmosis, and the Digital Impact Zone, sponsored by Sir Robert McAlpine and UK Connect.
Brands and organisations that are leading the charge when it comes to innovation will be recognised through a dedicated Innovation Trail across the event. A guided route will take visitors on a journey enabling them to learn more about the latest thinking from Futurebuild’s Innovation Partners, including Aereco, Ventilation Limited, The Concrete Centre, CEMEX, Steico and Hadley Group.
The game changers are back
Championing innovation is the central purpose of Futurebuild and the 2020 event will see the return of the Big Innovation Pitch. Hosted across the event, in conjunction with BRE as technical partner, the competition is industry’s largest call-out for innovation to date and will identify and celebrate novel new approaches to tackle of the biggest challenges facing us all.
Some of the shortlisted companies include The C.H.E.E.S.E Project’s unique method of low-cost thermal imaging surveying (Energy Tracing™) which empowers householders to take affordable action by cutting bills and taking positive action in response to the climate emergency and fuel poverty. Another entry in the Buildings section of the competition is Future Proofed Homes. The company uses a unique visualisation tool that uses virtual reality and augmented reality to inspire, educate and support home improvers and key professionals across the home improvement supply chain to future proof their homes.
Shortlisted entrants will present their ground-breaking ideas on each of the six Keynote Stages on day one, before going head-to-head in the Arena on day two. A panel of renowned 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, said: “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.
“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
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