More than 40,000 built environment professionals gathered last week at Ecobuild 2015 in London. Over 800 leading companies across the sustainable design, construction and energy sectors showcased thousands of innovative products and solutions, signifying that the sector is once again experiencing vibrant growth.
More importantly, Ecobuild 2015 served as the forum for UK political leaders to pledge investment for growth across the sector. For example, Climate Change Secretary Edward Davey MP pledged a £300million cash injection as part of a new Fuel Poverty Strategy. Davey made the pledge as the Lib Deems made a manifesto pledge to spend more than £2bn a year on a “green homes revolution.” Likewise, keynote speaker Lord John Prescott called for cross-party and global unification to tackle the issue of Britain’s extreme weather.
“Sustainability is the new industrialisation and the ‘big key’ to a better type of economy that doesn’t poison the world,” Prescott stated. He joined the debate to deliberate whether there is a need for a national environmental resilience plan. “Three leaders agreeing [on climate change strategy] give us a good chance,” he added.
Acting as a catalyst for change to sustainability policy and practice ahead of the general election, Ecobuild also hosted a cross-party political debate, as Davey joined Green Party leader Natalie Bennett to tackle the future for low-carbon electricity.
Other highlights
Ecobuild also hosted a new feature in partnership with retail giant M&S. The Big Innovation Pitch saw 40 companies whittled down to just a few who pitched to M&S and its expert judging panel live in the Ecobuild Arena. Winners Endo Enterprises, creators of Endothermic; a central heating additive independently proven to save 15% on heating bills, will now explore with M&S the possibility of applying its solution to the retailer’s estate.
“Ecobuild acts as a true barometer for the sustainable built environment sector,” said Alison Jackson, group director of sustainability & construction, Ecobuild. “Hosting more architects, contractors, specifiers than any other event, we believe Ecobuild 2015 has firmly cemented the event’s position as the sustainable design and energy marketplace for new build, refer, commercial and domestic buildings. This year’s Ecobuild was the most vibrant to date, borne out by significantly higher rebooking levels than last year”.
For further information about Ecobuild please visit the web site at www.ecobuild.co.uk.