As the global conversation around climate change intensifies, Futurebuild 2026 is turning shared ambition into tangible action. Returning to London’s Excel from 3-5 March 2026, it remains the UK’s only built environment event wholly dedicated to driving sustainable construction.
Under the theme ‘Connect’, the show reflects its role as a platform for purposeful collaboration – uniting people, projects and proven solutions to move the industry from ideas to impact.
“We’ve long prided ourselves on establishing a business environment that connects people and ideas to create value and long-lasting impact,” says Martin Hurn, Futurebuild event director.
“For 2026, we’re amplifying that with a renewed focus on the economic and environmental opportunities that come from collective action. Every aspect of the event aims to make those connections more meaningful and effective.”
New blueprint for collaboration
The refreshed floorplan is built around enabling interaction – from new networking zones to dedicated feature areas.
Among the most anticipated additions is the Zero Waste area, highlighting the reuse and recycling momentum reshaping the sector. Facilitated by Futurebuild partners including the Circular Economy Task Force, The Engineers Reuse Collective, ACAN!, the Circular Economy Institute, Architects Declare and CIWM, the area will host keynotes and showcase practical examples of closed-loop innovation in action.
Another major development for 2026 is the Local Authority Collaboration Hub, integrated within the National Retrofit Conference. A space for local authority representatives, housing associations, contractors and built environment professionals, it will focus on delivering healthier, more energy efficient homes.
Futurebuild has also partnered with Innovate UK to launch a new ‘Meet the Buyer’ area, to drive direct engagement between innovators and those shaping procurement decisions.
Knowledge, innovation & real impact
Fresh thinking is shaping Futurebuild’s Knowledge Programme. While the two conference stages will continue to be a prominent draw, the Buildings, Energy, Materials and Placemaking stages will see a shake up. Several industry bodies are hosting ‘takeovers’ to elevate the discussion around the role of innovation, supported by daily ‘FutureX’ sessions exploring AI, circularity and the digital future of construction and the new Zero Waste programme.
“We always put a lot of effort into bringing the right people together to curate high calibre content that fuels conversations and sparks connections,” adds Martin Hurn. “Looking at resilience through the lens of reuse and regeneration, we’ve got an inspirational line-up coming together with partners such as UKGBC and The Sustainable Development Foundation,”
he continues.
“As ever, innovation is at the heart of everything but we’ll be flipping the script slightly to explore how we can better use existing knowledge and the need for social transformation, rather than solely exploring novel technical solutions.”
Complementing the programme, The Big Retrofit Challenge and The Big Innovation Pitch return for 2026, celebrating pioneering approaches to decarbonisation and healthy living.
To register for your ticket, please scan the QR Code.
Article supplied by Futurebuild
