Ecobuild conference puts spotlight on housing

,

Some of the most influential and outspoken names in the UK housing industry will present their visionary and powerful opinions in the housing themed sessions on Day 1 at Ecobuild. Supported by BRE, the conference covers property issues ranging from the need for high quality volume housing and commercial viability of ultra-low cost and low energy homes, to the challenges of refurb and retrofit.

The programme, being hosted by broadcaster Cathy Newman, embodies state of the art design and construction, leaving no stone unturned to establish what our future housing needs are and what can be done to deliver it. Among speakers giving their forthright, expert – and at times – provocative views include Tony Pidgley, Chairman of Berkeley Group; David Sheridan, Chief Executive of Keepmoat, and Rowan Moore, Architecture Critic for the Observer. All three will provide a unique and inspiring look at what makes good housing.

Professor Phil Jones, Chairman of Architectural Science at Cardiff University, is another of the day’s dynamic speakers. Prof Jones led the team which developed SOLCER, the UK’s first purpose-built, low-cost energy smart house which is capable of exporting more energy to the national electricity grid than it uses. The property was built for a mere £100,000. Prof Jones’ teaching and research activities cover a range of subjects in the field of energy use, environmental design and sustainability in the built environment.

With each session designed to give a glimpse at the future of housebuilding and home creation, Colin Usher, director of John McCall Architects, provides a presentation on “Living for Tomorrow”, in which he offers common sense solutions to low-energy, cost-effective future living. In 2014, John developed a house which runs on a utilities bill of just £15 per year.

/by

Ecobuild supports delivery of infrastructure revolution with new Ice partnership and Zone for 2016

A new partnership between Ecobuild, the UK’s leading event for the construction industry, and the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) has been launched today ahead of the 2016 Ecobuild conference. The partnership will focus around a major new conference and exhibition centre – The Infrastructure Revolution Hub – which will enable industry to come together and discuss ways it can maximise the opportunity for growth, following Government’s commitment to infrastructure as key economic driver.

At the heart of the Hub will be a large conference area which will debate the key issues for the infrastructure sector across the three days of Ecobuild. The Hub will also feature products and services key to this growth sector and the ICE genius networking bar, making it one of the key destinations at Ecobuild for infrastructure professionals looking to make connections with the people that matter.

The infrastructure seminars held in the Infrastructure Revolution Hub will feature the UK’s leading contractors and industry experts. With a mix of keynote speakers and panel sessions, the seminars will focus on future challenges, opportunities and global best practice. Discussions will cover three overall themes – ‘Creating the infrastructure of the future’, ‘Small cities’, and ‘Modelling climate change’, including decarbonising urban infrastructure, energy generation, unlocking private capital, bespoke planning, collaboration opportunities, modelling demand of growing populations, and flood risk management and mitigation.

The partnership between ICE and Ecobuild follows Government’s announcement of a National Infrastructure Commission – an independent body that will enable longer term, strategic decisions to be made on infrastructure. Government has also committed to investing £100 billion in new infrastructure projects in this parliament. The industry has a crucial part to play and the new Infrastructure Revolution Hub will bring the key players together to drive forward change and innovation.

Leading architect and member of the new National Infrastructure Commission, Sadie Morgan, will also be delivering a session on day two of the Ecobuild 2016 conference.

Nathan Baker, ICE’s Director of Engineering Knowledge, said: “The societal benefit of effectively procured and managed infrastructure is immense. The need for increased collaboration, innovation and managing risk has never been higher than today. To create sustainable infrastructure, it is essential that we embrace new methods of working, increase the use of technology and new materials and develop a highly skilled, diverse workforce. The new Hub will help to bring these challenges and opportunities to the fore and encourage positive action to be taken.”

Martin Hurn, Ecobuild Event Director commented: “The infrastructure sector is a key driver of construction industry growth with the Government putting a major focus on delivery of infrastructure pipeline projects, and the recent strong output figures boosted by the new Commission pointing to sustained performance. The new Hub will enable the sector to come together in 2016 and have the conversation around the shared agenda for delivery of the Infrastructure Revolution.”

Ecobuild 2016 takes place at ExCeL, London from 8th to 10th March 2016. For further information about Ecobuild 2016 please visit www.ecobuild.co.uk.

/by

Ecobuild’s big innovation pitch launches call for entries to find the next big sustainable product

Ecobuild, the leading international event for the construction and energy sectors, is again teaming up with Marks and Spencer to provide a platform for companies to pitch innovative building products and solutions in the hope of becoming a potential supplier to the retailer.

Ecobuild’s Big Innovation Pitch is open to any company operating in the UK sustainable built environment market and has been created to unearth innovation across the design, construction and energy sectors. The collaboration supports M&S in discovering the latest innovations that will help its properties perform better and be more sustainable. These goals form part of M&S’ Plan A sustainability strategy, under which M&S aims to source responsibly, reduce waste and help communities, with the ultimate goal of becoming the world’s most sustainable major retailer.

Ecobuild’s Big Innovation Pitch presents two prime opportunities for entries to be seen at the event. The 15 shortlisted entries will be displayed at Ecobuild’s new central social hub the DISCOVER bar alongside the shortlists for all 13 categories of the Architect of the Year Awards. Then five selected finalists will make their final pitch to the judges, including Chris Marney, Head of Engineering and Energy at M&S, in a special conference session hosted by Rachel Riley from the Gadget Show and Countdown on day three of the conference, which has the theme of Next Generation.

The Big Innovation Pitch is a key initiative providing a platform for growth, helping businesses fast track their penetration into a wide range of markets. The hugely successful debut at Ecobuild 2015 saw the winning firm Endo Enterprises triumphing over 40 other products entered. A packed arena witnessed the company pitch the benefits of the energy-saving central heating additive it invented, developed and manufactured, to M&S. The retailer was so impressed by the product’s proven ability to save 15% on heating bills using a simple organic solution that it is now trialing it across 18 stores. The competition gives entrants an unrivalled opportunity to receive feedback on their product and the way in which they present it. It also helps M&S remain at the forefront of innovation in this space.

Ben Sallon, Managing Director, Endo Enterprises Ltd, commented that the exposure provided by the event has been very valuable to the firm, in addition to the ability to work with M&S: “winning the Big Innovation Pitch has certainly raised our profile and was a wholly positive experience.”

Munish Datta, Head of Plan A and FM Property at M&S, commented: “as part of our Plan A sustainability programme we are always looking for innovations that will improve efficiency in our energy consumption, water usage and waste management. Partnering with Ecobuild on the Big Innovation Pitch is a great way for the Plan A property team to see innovations and new supply chain partners which have the potential to make a real difference.”

Martin Hurn, Event Director, Ecobuild, commented: “The Big Innovation Pitch is a fantastic opportunity for forward-thinking bright SMEs offering solutions for increasing efficiency and sustainability to get in front of one of the UK’s biggest companies. Companies who want to have a chance take their businesses to the next level are encouraged to take advantage of this rare chance to become a sustainability star of the future at Ecobuild 2016.”

The Big Innovation Pitch is open to any UK company offering innovative solutions, and any firms wishing to enter can find information at www.ecobuild.co.uk/Biginnovationpitch

For further information about Ecobuild 2016 please visit www.ecobuild.co.uk.

/by

Ecobuild focuses on facilitating export growth with UKTI partnership for 2016 event

,

Driving its focus on enabling growth for the UK construction and energy sectors, Ecobuild has announced a partnership with UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) to facilitate global export opportunities as part of an exciting range of initiatives at the 2016 event.

Having this week led the launch of the government’s Exporting is GREAT campaign which aims to inspire 100,000 additional UK exporters by 2020, UKTI is partnering with Ecobuild 2016, bringing its Export hub to the event. The Export hub, a mobile event space that is travelling the length and breadth of the UK for a year, will give face-to-face assistance at Ecobuild to businesses looking to start or grow their exporting, whilst also using the latest technology to connect these businesses with live export opportunities.

Trade Advisors from UKTI’s international network will be on hand to discuss demand for UK products and services in specific markets and give practical export advice. Representatives from India, South Africa, Sweden, United Arab Emirates, Mexico, India, Portugal and New Zealand are already confirmed to take part at Ecobuild 2016. Interested companies will be able to pre-book meetings at Ecobuild with expert trade advisors from UKTI as well as meetings with international buyers at www.ecobuild.co.uk

Jason Castelino, Programme Manager at UKTI’s Construction, Environment & Water and Transport Sector Team commented: “The Exporting is GREAT campaign will give UK companies the chance to discover not only their potential to export their products & services, but how to go about it. Our closer relationship with Ecobuild in 2016 offers a great opportunity to talk to a wide range of companies in one place, offer them expert advice on the first stage of their journey and help them meet representatives from overseas markets.”

Martin Hurn, Event Director, Ecobuild commented: “As the world becomes ever more globalised and digital, the potential for companies to reach out to new lucrative markets has never been greater. Our close alliance with UKTI, for the 2016 event ties in closely with Ecobuild’s strong agenda to foster and support UK construction growth. The partnership allows us to offer growing companies the chance to learn about how to export from Government and international trade experts, meet buyers and explore real business opportunities.”

For further information about Ecobuild 2016 which takes place from 8th to 10th March at London’s ExCeL, please visit www.ecobuild.co.uk.

/by

Ecobuild announces call for papers

,

Last night saw the launch of the most wide-ranging review of the impact of digital construction ever seen in the UK construction industry, to be undertaken by Ecobuild in partnership with Building magazine and Building Design (BD), with a call for papers from professionals across the sector.

At the offices of Ecobuild organiser UBM in central London, a high level construction industry audience heard Martin Hurn, Ecobuild Event Director, explain the scope of the review, which will be published in the run-up to Ecobuild 2016 and distributed to pre-registered attendees. The review will gather views from companies, associations and individuals on how digital construction methods – one of the key drivers for change in the industry – including BIM, procurement, on site technologies and smart building systems are impacting on their businesses, and their predictions for the future.

UBM266_xlargeOver 100 leading contractors, developers, architects, industry bodies and consultants – including representatives from Wates Group, Laing O’Rourke, UK-GBC, Barratt Homes, HTA Architects, Education Funding Agency, Turner & Townsend and Ryder Architecture – also had a sneak preview of some exciting new features that are being introduced at Ecobuild 2016. Those in attendance were also given a snapshot of the major industry speakers confirmed and an explanation of how the event has evolved for 2016.

Martin outlined the event’s key focus on infrastructure, digital construction and off-site, three themed conference days covering the growth sectors of Homes, Architecture and Next Generation, and the new exhibition feature areas including SMART focusing on smart technology and DISCOVER featuring innovative construction materials.

Tom Lane, Editor, Building Design, told the assembled audience how the profile of the magazine’s highly respected BD Architect of the Year Awards will be raised further in 2016 when it moves to London’s ExCeL to become a key highlight of Ecobuild 2016’s day two focus on architecture. He also described further enhancements to the awards and outlined the key topics that Building Design will be covering during its seminar slots at Ecobuild 2016.

Martin Hurn commented:

“The Leaders Reception was a crucial opportunity to bring our high calibre audience of industry leaders together to not only tell them about this ground-breaking review of digital construction methods, but also to give them an enticing glimpse of what we have planned for Ecobuild 2016.”

“The attendees responded warmly to the fact we have initiated a major piece of cross-industry research which will be captured in a comprehensive State of the Nation report,” he added. “There was also strong approval for the themes and features we have developed for Ecobuild’s evolved proposition for 2016.”

For further information about the digital construction review, please visit www.ecobuild.co.uk/digitalconstruction

For more information about Ecobuild 2016 which takes place from 8th to 10th March at London’s ExCeL, please visit www.ecobuild.co.uk.

/by

Ecobuild Evolution given the seal of approval by construction industry

,

Ecobuild has reinforced its position as the leading UK exhibition and conference for the construction and energy market, with a record number of visitors pre-registering to attend following the launch of the event’s evolved proposition.

Passing the 10,000 pre-registrations mark with six months to go to until the 2016 event reflects the success of Ecobuild’s strategy of refreshing the event to focus on growth and market priorities and align with its audience’s key topics. Held annually at ExCeL, Ecobuild is the construction industry’s number one meeting place, and the only UK construction and energy event that attracts over 40,000 professionals annually from across the built environment supply chain.

Ecobuild has identified key growth areas for the industry including wellness, housing, energy efficiency, infrastructure and technology and tailored the conference programme and exhibition around them. The conference’s three themed days cover Homes, Architecture and Next Generation – which will look at a broad range of future challenges for construction.

A high profile speaker lineup on the first housing-dedicated day includes Tony Pidgley, Chairman of leading housebuilder Berkeley Group and Richard Sheridan, Chief Executive of developer Keepmoat. Highlights of day two include Design Panel chair of HS2 Sadie Morgan, and outspoken architect and broadcaster, Jonathan Meades. The final day will include key sessions looking at future design approaches from architects Alex Smith of [Y/N] Studio and Sam Martin, director of Exterior Architecture, and social entrepreneur Anna Hill, founder of Space Synapse.

Over the years leaders across the industry have become reliant on Ecobuild, each have their own reasons why Ecobuild has a vital place in their business. 5 Days, 5 Voices is a series of video stories from key leaders in the industry talk about their future and what the event means to them. The first is sustainability leader Julie Hirigoyen, Chief Executive of the UK Green Building Council, giving a strong endorsement of the event and describing its importance for UK-GBC.

Also already thinking ahead to next year’s event are Kevin Bohea, Commercial Director at Recticel, and Alison Furness, Marketing, Sustainability and CSR Manager at AkzoNobel. Giving the construction marketeer’s perspective on the show’s direction is Simon Trott, Managing Director at construction specialist PR Consultancy Shaw & Underwood.

Ecobuild’s exhibition features two major new features for 2016 to engage visitors. SMART showcasing intelligent building technology and DISCOVER featuring cutting edge products, materials and construction methods both bring fresh approaches to enabling visitors to interact with and experience innovations at the show.

In 2015, 96% of the top UK architectural practices attended Ecobuild, as well as 84%% of the top 25 UK contractors and housebuilders. As well as a networking opportunity for visitors and a chance to see the latest technical and product innovations in the market first hand, the exhibition is a crucial chance for companies to meet decision makers, with 65% of visitors authorising or specifying products, and 71% at managerial level or above.

Martin Hurn, Director, Ecobuild commented: “It’s fantastic that the industry has responded so positively to the proposition that we have driven forward for Ecobuild focusing on key growth areas and future drivers, while retaining sustainability at its heart. The record numbers of registrations tells us that we are on the right track in making sure Ecobuild gives industry suppliers and buyers what they need.”

To view the videos, please click here.

/by

Ecobuild taps into Intelligent Building Technology

,

With the global market for smart building technologies forecast to triple to £14billion by 2019, Ecobuild, the largest and longest running sustainable design and construction event, has announced a new show feature that will focus on this growing industry trend.

SMART will be the centrepiece of the Energy section of the exhibition, with live room sets demonstrating how smart technology including controls, metering, intelligent lighting and connected appliances can work together to bring greater efficiency in real world settings. As well as a domestic living room, visitors will be able to explore a retail environment, office, garage and bathroom to see what the latest intelligent building technology can deliver.

The development of the feature is a direct result of demand from show visitors. At the centre of the building industry for over a decade, Ecobuild was attended by over 40,000 industry professionals last year. “In a survey of Ecobuild visitors, 72% want to learn about new services & technologies. Our new SMART feature will bring this to life and fulfill that need,” commented Martin Hurn, Ecobuild Event Director.

“This exciting new feature will not only provide a wide variety of ways for visitors to see and interact with intelligent building technology in live settings,  it will also see exhibitors collaborating to show their products working together to provide maximum efficiencies. This is how the full benefits of this technology are realised and SMART will be a unique platform to showcase it to the industry.”

Located around the central cluster of live room sets will be 12 Hubs of Excellence, showcasing exhibitors who are bringing innovative smart technology to a wide range of end users and commercial clients.

SMART has been designed with architects, housebuilders, specifiers, developers, energy assessors and sustainability specialists in mind. It will allow them to learn how smart building technology can revolutionise how their buildings are controlled. In addition, the feature is being created for installers attending Ecobuild 2016, showing them how integrating smart building technology can provide cost savings and carbon reductions for clients as well as maximum convenience and added value to their businesses.

Ecobuild 2016 takes place from 8th to 10th March 2016 at London’s ExCeL, and is the industry’s meeting place to debate, discover products and share success. Ecobuild attracts over 40,000 visitors from the entire built environment supply chain. It is designed to cater for architects, consultants, local authorities, developers, contractors, housebuilders, project managers, engineers, sustainability managers, facility managers, energy assessors, BIM professionals and installers. A total of 96% of the top UK architectural practices, and 84% of the top housebuilders and contractors, attended Ecobuild 2015.

For further information about Ecobuild 2016 please visit www.ecobuild.co.uk.

/by

ECOBUILD ANNOUNCES UK-GBC AS EXCLUSIVE LEAD PARTNER

,

The UK’s construction meeting place Ecobuild is putting sustainability at the core of the event by confirming the leading campaigning body for green construction issues the UK Green Building Council (UK-GBC) as its exclusive lead partner for 2016.

The partnership reflects the two leading organisations’ closely aligned commitment to inspire best practice and push boundaries to demonstrate the value of sustainability throughout the industry. Ecobuild and UK-GBC have worked collaboratively to advocate a focus on long-term sustainability policy to Government, as well as continuing to make a strong case for sustainability across the industry. Ecobuild is also a partner of the World Green Building Council of which the UK-GBC, itself representing over 400 member organisations, is a member.

Ecobuild UK-GBC is collaborating with Ecobuild on the development of compelling content for visitors to Ecobuild 2016, and will be hosting thought-provoking Leaders’ Debates on each of the three conference days which focus on Homes, Architecture and Next Generation respectively. In each debate Chief Executive of UK-GBC Julie Hirigoyen will pose five future challenges for the construction industry to a panel of Industry Leaders and Future Leaders, including major housebuilders, consultants, architects, main contractors and developers who will respond with practical ideas on delivery. UK-GBC will also be providing more bite-sized content in several fringe conference sessions around the main arena.

Thanks to the exclusive partnering agreement Ecobuild and UK-GBC will be able to harness their combined strengths further with a closer working relationship at the 2016 event, which will enable UK-GBC to bring its messages to an audience of over 40,000 visitors. In addition, with many of the organisation’s members exhibiting at Ecobuild, the event provides an important opportunity for UK-GBC to reconnect and communicate directly with them.

Julie Hirigoyen, Chief Executive of UK-GBC commented: “It has never been more important for the industry to lead on demonstrating the business case for implementing higher sustainability standards and to share that across the different segments of the industry. Ecobuild is the biggest platform for getting our message across and we will be using this important opportunity as lead partner at Ecobuild 2016 to disseminate key messages including the need to decouple growth from adverse environmental impact.”

Alison Jackson, Group Director, Exhibitions, UBM EMEA Built Environment commented: “We share core values with UK-GBC and having them as lead partner will enable us to promote sustainable construction even more actively in 2016. This close collaboration is one way we are ensuring that sustainability remains at the heart of Ecobuild.”

For further information about Ecobuild 2016 please visit www.ecobuild.co.uk.

/by