Energy and Climate Change Minister to keynote Ecobuild 2015

Ecobuild has unveiled its full conference programme with a host of big name industry and Westminster speakers:

• 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.
• Alistair Campbell, former British PM spokesman.

Other names on the line-up at the world’s leading sustainable design, construction and energy event 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.

Extreme weather events are increasing in frequency and severity, leading to widespread flooding and damage. Prescott will tackle 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. Prescott will ask - what should this look like and can the money be made available?

Biophilic designer Oliver Heath 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.

Housed within two impressive arenas in the heart of the event, sponsored by Skanska and Lend Lease, the conference will include a future gazing first for the event: cross-party political discussion around the future of the sustainable built environment. The full Ecobuild politician line-up will be publicised nearer the event.

Key sessions include:

• Does a ‘no’ vote for European membership mean the end of UK sustainability 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?

Lend Lease will be putting people at the centre of its vision for sustainability. Dr Jon Kirkpatrick, Head of Sustainability – Europe, Lend Lease said: “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.”

We recognise that we need to learn from other people and don’t have all the answers; being at Ecobuild enables us to learn from both like-minded individuals and those doing things a bit differently. Our industry has so much to learn and we’re not going to do that on our own!”

Sponsor Skanska’s forward-thinking approach to sustainability is expressed through its Journey to Deep Green™, where their ultimate aim is for projects to have near-zero impact on the environment. Jennifer Clark, Director of Environment, Skanska UK, said: As a leading green major contractor, we’re proud to be supporting Ecobuild, which showcases collaboration, innovation and achievements in sustainable construction. 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.”

For further information about Ecobuild’s conference programme and to book your complimentary ticket to the three-day event, please visit www.ecobuild.co.uk.

Adapted from press release by Katherine Guenioui

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/europe-cis/28012015/energy-and-climate-change-minister-to-keynote-ecobuild-2015-221/