Back to the Futurebuild – on the path to net zero

Futurebuild is doubling down on its sustainability goals with a promise to bring inspiring ideas on how the industry can reach net zero, with “innovative solutions and knowledge sharing” at London’s ExCel on March 7-9

Now in its 17th year, Futurebuild (previously known as Ecobuild) has kept sustainability at its core – and this year’s theme sees the event taking a stand for a better built environment. Futurebuild aims to build a better future and show its commitment to playing its part in our net zero outcomes. Having launched the ‘Take a Stand’ campaign this summer, Futurebuild is also urging companies and professionals throughout the construction supply chain to act now and take a similar step; all pledges will be displayed at the event in March.

The organisers say Futurebuild will bring together specifiers, decision-makers and “disruptive thinkers” in one place to “exchange know-how, discover game-changing new products and technologies, and forge new business connections as we accelerate our journey to net zero.”

More than 15,000 professionals from across the entire supply chain including architects, housebuilders, developers, consultants, contractors and manufacturers will come together to discover these solutions and find new ways of delivering quality buildings more sustainably, while meeting and exceeding regulatory and compliance requirements.

Leading the way

Futurebuild is looking to “continue to be the industry platform for innovation and elevate further,” with opportunities to showcase the most innovative technology, products and services. With over 400 brands, start-ups and industry leaders in attendance, this year’s show “will cover every aspect of the built environment,” say the event’s organisers.

At the core of achieving this is the FutureX Innovation section of Futurebuild (in partnership with BEIS) which will focus on start-ups and SMEs who will share their experience of taking “innovations” from an initial idea, through development to realisation. The spotlight will also include an Innovation Stage that will host the new Big Ideas Pitch giving companies another way to get involved and share, what could be, “the next revolutionary idea.”

Visitors can find further inspiration through the return of the Innovation Trail, providing a showcase for 20 leading specifiers and decision-makers the opportunity to explore “revolutionary products, solutions and materials and meet the leading thinkers behind these innovations.” The event’s Big Innovation Pitch will again offer exhibiting companies the chance of being crowned winner in 2023. Last year’s competition received over 90 submissions, with finalists pitching live in the conference arena.

Show features & conference

Futurebuild will be curated into eight show sections including Buildings, Digital, Energy, Interiors, Materials, Offsite, and Sustainable Infrastructure. The newly expanded Retrofit section, in partnership with The Retrofit Academy CIC and Osmosis, will be showcasing solutions, technologies and services that “can unite and strengthen the delivery of whole house retrofit at scale,” say the organisers. The event will also feature three new spotlights, Lighting in partnership with KNX UK, District Energy in partnership with UKDEA, and FutureX Innovation in partnership with BEIS.

The conference, sponsored by SNRG and Hub Brussels, will explore the roles the whole of the UK needs to play to meet net zero targets, and will feature “world-class” speakers sharing their experiences and debating the most critical issues. Day one focuses on ‘Looking Forward’ and why the industry needs to develop the foresight necessary to break out of its current mindset. Day two will explore ‘Changing,’ and in particular, ‘Behaviour Change.’ Day three will move on to ‘Taking Action’, hearing from practitioners across the sector, and exploring approaches that
can take society and the construction industry forward.

The seminar programme has been expanded for 2023, with content across eight stages, delivering “practical learning and guidance.” The sessions in this year’s programme are being curated by over 90 partners and associations including CIAT, The Good Homes Alliance, BRE, Passivhaus Trust, Built by Nature, IOM World, RIBA and UKDEA (District Energy Association).

“Sustainability has been at the heart of Futurebuild for 16 years and we are more committed than ever to ensure our built environment remains on track to achieving our net-zero goals” explains Martin Hurn, event director at Futurebuild.

Everyone in the supply chain has a solution that can make a positive change. Futurebuild says the 2023 edition will provide “the ultimate stage to showcase that commitment to the creation of a better building industry and achieving net zero.” The organisers conclude: “By looking at the bigger picture, we can learn from each other’s journey to sustainability and what we need to do to achieve net zero.”

For more details and exhibitor enquiries, visit futurebuild.co.uk 

Don’t miss out on next year’s event. Visitor registration is now open.