Futurebuild 2025: Driving Change in Housing

January 30, 2025

Futurebuild 2025 is set to challenge the built environment sector to take decisive action on climate change and social justice as it marks two decades of driving sustainable innovation. Under the theme of “impact”, the Futurebuild Arena Programme will pose critical questions: Where are we today? Are we making the progress we need? What must we now do?

A Platform for Transformational Change
Curated by The Edge and sponsored by Mitsubishi Electric, the CPD-accredited Futurebuild Arena sessions will offer practical insights on achieving net zero and fostering a circular economy within planetary boundaries. Industry leaders will explore solutions to social justice issues and resource fairness, pushing for actionable strategies rather than further delays.

Day 1: Embedding Circularity in the Built Environment
The conference opens with a focus on circularity and reuse in construction. Key speakers include:

Tina Paillet, Past President of RICS and Co-founder of Circotrade, leading a debate on implementing a circular economy.

Sophie Thomas, Founding Partner, etsaW Venture, sharing insights on material reuse innovations.

Duncan Baker-Brown, Architect and environmental activist, discussing how designers can embed circularity into practice.

Rachel Sayers, Partner at FCB Studios, addressing real-world challenges in sustainable development.

Day 2: Sustainability, Social Justice, and the Transition
A reflection on global commitments and national responsibilities, featuring:

Baroness Young of Old Scone, leading a debate on the need for a UK land use framework.

Cressida Curtis (Wates), Saul Humphrey (CIOB), and Will Arnold (IStructE), evaluating progress towards the 2030 UN Sustainable Development Goals.

A keynote by Housing Minister Baroness Taylor, followed by a discussion on tackling the “polycrisis”—integrating housing, climate, nature, and health solutions.

Day 3: Implementing Net Zero Strategies
The final day will focus on translating knowledge into action:

David Partridge (NZCBS) and Jess Hrivnak (RIBA) will chair sessions on the Net Zero Carbon Building Standard.

Lord Matthew Taylor, Hugh Ellis (TCPA), and other leading voices will discuss the New Towns Taskforce and its role in delivering sustainable development.

Experts from UKGBC, Mace, Arcadis, and the Climate Change Committee will reflect on industry progress and future challenges.

Industry Leaders Call for Urgent Action
Rachel Lekman of Mitsubishi Electric UK emphasised the company’s commitment to sustainability: “The built environment has a crucial role in addressing climate change and social justice. Futurebuild 2025 will empower us to take bold, actionable steps towards a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future.”

Martin Hurn, Event Director at Futurebuild, reinforced the urgency: “With just five years until 2030, the time for decisive action is now. This year’s sessions will challenge us all to drive real, tangible impact.”

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