Decarbonising the built environment is essential, but not sufficient by itself to create a truly sustainable build environment. This session will explore how, working in partnership with local communities, innovative developers have implemented a holistic view of sustainable placemaking by delivering infrastructure solutions that support healthy, resilient, and nature-rich communities. Chair: Sue Riddlestone OBE, Chief

Discussion of ongoing challenges and opportunities for developing green jobs and skills in the UK, including updates from members of the government’s Green Jobs Delivery Group. The session will explore: What are the key blockers and enablers for creating more green jobs in the UK? What more can be done to embed green skills in

The combination of green roofs with solar panels – a biosolar roof – is a great way of making the best use of valuable space. Collaboration across disciplines and technologies is vital to avoid wasting time and resources, and we will look at the challenges and successes of this multifunctional solution. Chair: Maggie Fennell Wells,

Soil is one of our most precious non-renewable resources and its health and the many ecosystem services it currently provides are under significant threat. Long term protection of soils and support for enhancing their function is vital for climate mitigation and adaptation, and stemming biodiversity loss. The construction industry has a leading role to play

Along with air and soil, water is one of the critical elements needed for life. Floods make us feel that water is limitless, droughts demonstrate that this may not be the case. It is predicted that urban populations will increase significantly over the next 8 years and this will create a number of specific challenges

Realising the best designs depends on effective delivery on the ground during the construction and maintenance periods. Too often, failures in delivery or effective maintenance strategies is the cause of failure for the scheme. Creating enduring landscapes is a complex matter with so many elements to be taken into account.  This workshop led by a

With our political leadership stuck in a loop of short-term growth and technology, our industry must act and take a stand for the very long term. It is time to ‘leave behind childish things’ and bravely take on a WHOLE new system mindset of circular and spherical ways of thriving justly within our shared ecosystem.

The expansion of innovation districts across the UK in the past two years has significantly contributed to increased economic growth, putting in evidence the importance of R&Ds in creating businesses and driving innovation across multiple sectors. New London Architecture’s recently published report presents a current overview of established and emerging innovation clusters that are considering

The session will seek to explain the emerging Vision and Validate (and other synonymous titles) approach to transport planning for development; that seeks to emphasise sustainable and active travel outcomes for sites – also facilitating sites that are self contained, have internalised peak hour trips; and which operate sustainably into the future – towards better

How do we build infrastructure in order to help the brain make better decisions for everybody, to improve their wellbeing and their sense of quality of life? In this seminar Prof Nick Tyler will talk about his research relating to Infrastructure and the wellbeing of people in their environment and the research conducted at the

The panel will discuss the current building regulations, technical requirements and current fire performance guidelines for green roofs covering their background, and looking at progress with important future developments in guidance and testing. Chair: Mark Harris, Head of Technical Operations, Radmat Building Panel: Nigel Blacklock ICIOB FIoR, Technical Director, Bauder Matthew Sexton, Director of Systems

This session will focus on how a race to Net Zero will require a wider and deeper understanding about what role nature-based solutions can play in creating low-carbon, healthy and nature-positive approaches to placemaking to ensure our communities are sustainable, equitable and fit for the challenges of the next 10-20 years. In order to meet

What does the circular economy mean for the infrastructure sector and engineers? What does good practice look like on projects and how is it being applied? What does a resource-focused approach to infrastructure mean for the priorities of engineers and the understanding of value? Chair: Mark Edwards, Head of Sustainability, Gatwick Airport Speakers: Jo Guy,

The link between nature and human wellbeing is becoming increasingly more tangible.  Now the implementation of Biodiversity Net Gain is becoming increasingly important on new site developments with a plan to make it a mandatory requirement. This will be beneficial for both humans and biodiversity. But how do we measure this and ensure that society

Despite all the talk about encouraging sustainable development, the average walking time from major new housing development to the mix of amenities necessary for normal life, such as schools, employment centres, shops, and GP’s surgeries is 43 minutes. This compares with an average of just 15 minutes by car.   (RTPI study Location of Development

‘Trees’ seem to be the solution to many of the physical placemaking and health challenges in our urban environments. The NPPF calls for all new streets to be ‘tree-lined’; trees can help to reduce increased summer temperatures and, combined with SuDS, the impact of the increasing heavy rain events; people are more inclined to walk

Electric vehicles (EVs) form a critical part of the pathway to net zero – no viable alternative exists for decarbonising the transport sector more quickly or effectively in a way that sustains the economic and social fabric of the UK. The construction of EVs and the raw materials involved raises complex issues and current models

The climate is changing, and our urban areas must be prepared for more frequent heavy rainfall events and hotter summers. Summer 2022 showed us how hot weather can cause infrastructure networks to fail, and cause homes, offices, and care settings to overheat. Winter flooding events have shown the vulnerability of built environment to heavy duration

Our panel will explore the benefits of different types of blue-green roofs and look at how they might evolve with technology and connected SUDS systems. Chair: Tom Young, Chair, TEP Speakers: Johnny Phillips, United Utilities Louise Walker, CIRIA John Roberts, Pluviam Environmental