The concept of the circular economy has started to permeate all industries, including the built environment. It has the potential to be the lasting paradigm for a restorative industrial economy and invites us to rethink the future of our industry. It enables a dialogue on more integrated ways of working, a focus on the sustainability of the supply chain, and a shift towards a lifecycle-driven approach to city planning, building design and asset operation.
This event invites leading policy makers, designers, engineers and economists to share their views and expertise on the circular economy, and what the concept could mean for the future of the built environment. Industry experts will explore how we should change the way we develop, procure, design, construct, operate, maintain and repurpose our cities, infrastructure, buildings and services.
The first part of the afternoon will explore the economic case for the circular economy, looking at ‘why’ this concept has the potential to transform our industry. This will include a conversation on government policy, financial models and the business case. The second part of the afternoon will focus on the ‘how’; exploring current best practice and emerging approaches for applying the circular economy within the context of architecture, design and engineering practice.
Speakers include:
- Duncan Baker-Brown, director and owner of BBM Sustainable Design
- Cecile Faraud, circular economy lead at Peterborough City Council
- Gregory Hodkinson, chairman at Arup
- Nitesh Magdani, director of sustainability at BAM Construct UK
- Andrew Richmond, policy and programme manager at Greater London Authority
- Stuart Smith, director at Arup
- Ken Webster, head of innovation at Ellen MacArthur Foundation
We currently do not know what a circular future will look like, but this conference will provide an opportunity for dialogue, learning and discussion, so that we can collaboratively develop a tangible approach for the circular economy in the built environment.
The conference will begin at 3.30pm - 6.30pm. Registration will be from 3.00pm. The conference will be followed by a drinks reception and the official opening of the Circular Living exhibition and Circular Building with talks from the curators.
Cost: £35 + VAT
The exhibition and conference is a collaboration between Arup, The Built Environment Trust, and The Building Centre.
