Futurebuild 2025 promises to be a pivotal event for architects eager to embrace sustainable design and innovation. Taking place at London Excel from 4-6 March, the 20th edition of Futurebuild will spotlight transformative solutions that address pressing environmental challenges and redefine architectural practices.
Take a sneak peek
The Futurebuild Arena, sponsored by Mitsubishi Electric, will be hosting a series of informative and thought-provoking sessions. Day one will emphasise circularity and reuse, topics essential for architects committed to reducing environmental impact. The session “Design for Reuse for Resource Resilience and a Circular Economy,” chaired by Dan Cooke of CIWM, will explore regenerative design strategies to minimise construction waste. Architects Kat Scott from Hackney Council and Rachel Sayers of FCB Studios will share practical approaches to adaptive reuse and material efficiency.
Architect Duncan Baker-Brown will lead “The Futurebuild Conversation,” offering insights into circular design with real-world applications. His discussion on integrating reclaimed materials and designing for disassembly will provide architects with actionable strategies for sustainable project delivery.
Sustainability, social justice & the built environment
Day two will delve into the intersection of sustainability and social justice. The panel “Tackling the Polycrisis: Can We Fix Housing, Climate, Nature, and Health?” chaired by Richard Simmons, will examine how housing solutions can simultaneously address environmental and societal challenges.
The session “10 Years On: Progress on the UN Sustainable Development Goals” will reflect on the construction industry’s alignment with global sustainability objectives. Speakers Will Arnold from the Institution of Structural Engineers and Cressida Curtis from Wates Group will share insights on how architects can champion equitable and sustainable design practices.
Net zero & innovative building standards
Day three will feature critical discussions on achieving net-zero goals. The session “Implementing the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard (UKNZCBS),” chaired by David Partridge of NZCBS, will outline compliance strategies and highlight pilot projects demonstrating the standard’s practical application.
Additionally, “Lessons in Carbon: The UKNZCBS” will present case studies on effective carbon reduction in building design. Julie Godefroy from CIBSE will offer guidance on how architects can seamlessly integrate these standards into their workflows.
Materials & modular
The Materials Impact Stage will present sessions crucial for material-conscious architects. “Building a Modular Circular Economy,” led by Richard Hipkiss of MPBA, will showcase how modular construction can support circular economy principles by reducing waste and enhancing flexibility. The session “Fire-safe Mass Timber for the UK” will explore innovative and safe applications of timber in sustainable architecture, with insights from Built by Nature and BE-ST representatives.
Biophilic & nature-inclusive
Architects interested in enhancing urban environments will find inspiration in the “Biophilic Urban Design” session. Chaired by Dr. Vanessa Champion, this panel – featuring Andrew Waugh of Waugh Thistleton Architects – will explore how integrating natural systems into urban projects can boost well-being and biodiversity.
Architects: working as agents of change
Futurebuild 2025 offers architects an unmissable opportunity to engage with cutting-edge sustainability practices and design innovations. From circular economy principles to net-zero standards, the event provides a roadmap for embedding environmental responsibility into architectural practice. As the built environment faces growing climate challenges, the sessions and insights at Futurebuild 2025 will empower architects to lead with purpose and design for impactful change.
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Article supplied by Futurebuild