Net-zero pioneer Futurebuild returns for 2022

Futurebuild, the event that’s championed a sustainable built environment for the past 16 years, has opened registrations. Taking place from March 1 to 3, 2022, the event will connect architects, specifiers, decision makers and disruptors with major brands and start-ups from across the built environment.

In the aftermath of the COP26 conference, Futurebuild, previously Ecobuild, will be perfectly timed to focus on the key issues and actions needed to work towards net zero. The focus is no longer about ambition — it is about delivery. As the only event to attract 20,000+ senior professionals from right across the built environment, Futurebuild is the perfect opportunity for the industry to meet and collaborate, to achieve the transformational change needed if the built environment is going to reach net zero by 2050.

As the home of innovation, Futurebuild 2022 will be organised into six sections — Buildings, Offsite, Interiors, Resourceful Materials, Energy and Critical Infrastructure. By switching to greener materials in construction and improving efficiency, lifetime emissions for buildings can be slashed by 44 per cent by 2050. The Energy section, for example, will unite all professionals engaged in designing, specifying, supplying and installing services and products involving energy production and use. Visitors will be able to discover the latest technologies which will decarbonise the built environment by delivering a smart and flexible energy system.

Conference programme

Sponsored by Construction Innovation Hub, Futurebuild 2022’s conference programme will explore some of the key questions and issues around closing the gap between net zero ambition and delivery. It invites panels of industry experts to share their experiences on a range of topics, from embodied carbon to investing in education, skills and diversity.

The first day of the conference programme will focus on ambitions beyond COP26 and will include a panel discussion about resource efficiency in a circular, post-Brexit economy. The circular economy needs to be at the heart of all decisions in the built environment to use fewer of the planet’s finite and depleting resources. This session, chaired by Professor David Greenfield, Managing Director, Soenecs and RAEng Visiting Professor of Circular Economy, University of Brighton, explores three key areas where thinking circular, especially during the design phase, can have a significant impact: water, materials and waste.

Spotlights

The event will also feature six spotlights, Digital Impact sponsored by Glider, Whole House Retrofit in partnership with the Retrofit Academy, Circular Materials in partnership with 540 World, District Energy in partnership with UKDEA, Future Installer in partnership with MCS and Intelligent Buildings in partnership with KNX. These spotlights will include a mixture of presentations, discussions and practical demonstrations that will cover the fundamental issues facing architects in the built environment.

District energy and in particular low carbon heat networks are now recognised as one of the cornerstones of delivering decarbonisation of heat, which is a critical step in the built environment’s journey towards net zero. The District Energy spotlight will provide visitors will essential knowledge and access to the latest solutions for the decarbonisation of heat.

Collaboration is key

The curated event will showcase over 250 leading brands, the companies who are developing the most innovative technologies, products and solutions. Visitors can participate in the innovation trail, which highlights the event’s innovation partners. The winners of the Big Innovation Pitch, a competition that celebrates new approaches to the biggest challenges facing the industry, will also be announced during the event.

By bringing together individuals and companies from all areas of the built environment, especially architects, we can accelerate innovation and provide everyone with access to the products and processes needed to deliver change.

“Now it is more important than ever to meet in person and do business face to face because our exhibitors and attendees are all working towards a common goal — achieving net zero” explains Martin Hurn, event director at Futurebuild. “To ensure we can deliver a sustainable future we’ve curated an event that cultivates cross-sector collaboration, addresses key industry issues and inspires transformational change.”

If you’re interested in visiting Futurebuild 2022 and exploring the most innovative products and solutions in the built environment, register for your place here.

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