Ecobuild, billed by organizers as the “world'’ leading sustainable design, construction and energy event, promises to offer the full spate of programming, including informative educational sessions, roundtable discussions, product showcase and exhibition, as well as a few special networking events. More than 44,000 sustainable built environment professionals representing the sustainable design, construction and energy marketplace for new build, refurb, commercial and domestic buildings are expected.
Following is a sampling of what’s in store:
Marking 100 days until the election, Ecobuild unveils its full conference programme with a host of big name industry and Westminster speakers with support from global sustainable construction leaders Skanska and Lend Lease. Among the notable presenters set to speak at the event: Ed Davey, Secretary of State for Energy & Climate Change; Natalie Bennett, Head of the Green Party; Lord John Prescott, former Deputy Prime Minister and UK negotiator for the Kyoto Protocol on climate change; and Alistair Campbell, former British PM spokesman.
Other names on the line-up at Ecobuild 2015 are: RIBA Stirling Prize-winning architect Steve Tompkins of Haworth Tompkins; Sir John Armitt, former chairman of the Olympic Delivery Authority; and Lord Deben, chairman of the Committee on Climate Change.
Key sessions include:
- Does a 'no' vote for European membership mean the end of UK sustainabiliy policy?
- The mainstream zero carbon home: Will it ever happen?
- Greening the grid - is low-carbon electricity a vote loser?
- Are smart cities a positive sustainability benefit or an unwelcome invasion of privacy?
- Happiness by design: How the built environment drives feeling and behaviour
- Innovation and new materials: Could they revolutionise sustainable construction?
In his presentation, Lord John Prescott will delve into the subject of extreme weather events. Specifically, he will discuss how these events are increasing in frequency and severity, leading to widespread flooding and damage. Prescott plans to spur a lively debate at Ecobuild, asking the big question: Is it time for a national environmental resilience plan? The discussion will focus upon climate change mitigation strategies which require a long-term national infrastructure plan backed with sufficient funding.
For fans of the BBC's Home Front and Changing Rooms series, attendees may recognise famous biophilic designer Oliver Heath, who is set to cover how incorporating nature creates value and improves wellbeing in buildings. Heath will talk about maximising natural light, providing views out onto nature and incorporating natural objects, materials and textures within buildings.
Other highlights include a future gazing first for the event — a cross-party political discussion around the future of the sustainable built environment, sponsored by Skanska and Lend Lease.To that end, Lend Lease will be putting people at the centre of its vision for sustainability. “People are the most valuable asset to every company, so health and wellbeing, social engagement and community investment all play a critical role in the delivery of sustainable buildings,” said Dr Jon Kirkpatrick, head of sustainability - Europe, Lend Lease.
Likewise, Skanska's forward-thinking approach to sustainability will be expressed through its Journey to Deep Green(TM), where their ultimate aim is for projects to have near-zero impact on the environment. “As a leading green major contractor, we're proud to be supporting Ecobuild, which showcases collaboration, innovation and achievements in sustainable construction,” said Jennifer Clark, director of environment, Skanska UK. “The show is also a great opportunity to meet students who are looking for a career in construction, and inspire the next generation of professionals joining our industry.”
Lend Lease’s Kirkpatrick added: “As a leader in sustainable development, particularly urban regeneration, our philosophies are very much aligned with Ecobuild, and we urge professionals from across the sustainable built environment to come along and witness the innovation taking place in our sector.”
All aboard the ‘Energy Zone’
One key standout of the upcoming Ecobuild 2015 show is the ‘The Energy Zone.’ In this specially designated area — which occupies around 50% of the show floor — and attendees will find the latest innovations in renewable energy and microgeneration, two highly relevant seminar theatres and dozens of interactive features including visitor favorite Practical Installer.
In keeping with the focus on microgeneration, Ecobuild has announced a new partnership with Microgeneration Certification Scheme, an official supporter of Ecobuild. The partnership will help renewables installers and product manufacturers understand the latest legislation and policy updates, as well as compliance with technical standards.
Microgeneration Certification Scheme will also run its ever popular presentations on stand throughout the event. Topics set to be covered include updates to the scheme and standards, updates on the domestic RHI, and consumer issues such as contract work.
For installers keen to tap into the lucrative domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI), Microgeneration Certification Scheme certification opens the vital funding doors to this initiative. Supported by the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC), Microgeneration Certification Scheme is a leading body for the renewables industry, working tirelessly to represent the installer industry at government level, and ensuring there are robust standards and practices in place to support a developing industry.
“Ecobuild provides an exciting opportunity for our experts to connect with all types of stakeholders, from the consumer who wants to get an installation carried out with quality products and competent installers; seasoned MCS-accredited renewables installer, to those aspiring to break into this market,” said Gideon Richards, interim CEO and chair of the MCS Steering Group. “Ecobuild is one of the critical elements of our ongoing work to connect with our current audiences and enable MCS to consistently provide consumers with a quality assured, high standard of installation work.”
Alison Jackson, group director of sustainability & construction for Ecobuild, stressed the importance of working with Microgeneration Certification Scheme. “With the official support of MCS, we are set to deliver the highest quality training, technical expertise and technological innovation to enable installers at every level to profit from renewables and future-proof their businesses.”
Ecobuild 2015 takes place at London’s ExCeL from 3-5 March. Visit ecobuild.co.uk for more information.