Archetech Issue 34 2018 | Page 80

ECOBUILD 2018 THE EVENT SHAPED BY THE INDUSTRY ecobuild is returning to the ExCeL London in March 2018 and under the new ownership of Futurebuild Events Ltd, things are set to be very different. The event is being designed and built around the industry, bringing to life the latest technology, freshest thinking and most innovative materials to keep architects at the forefront of the built environment. It is not only being shaped through comprehensive industry feedback, but also with direct input from leading industry influencers. These include Lynne Sullivan, Bill Dunster, Robin Nicholson and Peter Murray, who are all members of the ecobuild Steering Group which is helping to set the agenda for the event and will be speaking during the conference. This year’s conference takes its lead from global environmental targets, with sessions formulating practical recommendations for action. It also tackles the big UK challenges, ranging from the housing crisis to the construction industry’s own future. Martin Hurn, Managing Director of Futurebuild Events, explains: “New, independent ownership offers a unique opportunity to completely overhaul the event. We believe that to be as relevant and valuable as possible, we need to understand and act on what built environment professionals want to see at ecobuild. We see our role as to facilitate the agenda, rather than dictate it.” ecobuild Sustainability Showcases Surrounding the conference arena will be the ecobuild sustainability showcases, home to the some of the most innovative solutions to the issues facing the built environment. The showcases will truly put sustainability at the heart of the event and allow architects to touch, feel and experience the exhibits. They include a full-scale demountable Passive Pod House from the Building Research in Architecture group and the Sustainable Product Showcase, where The Passivhaus Trust and the Alliance for Sustainable Building Products will present top innovations.