Leaders Network Social Gatherings

Hosted by Arcadis

Productivity in delivering education spaces

📍 London

Arcadis recently hosted the Education Estates® Leaders Network gathering in London – a unique opportunity for senior education leaders and estate professionals to exchange insight, strengthen connections and explore sector priorities in a focused, informal setting.

The evening centred on productivity in the delivery of education spaces, drawing on insights from a panel discussion featuring voices from across the consultant and contractor landscape. With contributions from sector experts, the conversation explored how boosting productivity aligns with the Government’s wider industrial strategy.

Held at Arcadis' London office, the event combined a concise insight share with relaxed networking over drinks and light refreshments.

Hosted by Ridge and Partners LLP

Sustainability Panel Discussion: Will policy and legislative changes over the next 12 months make retrofit or new build more appealing?

📍 Manchester

Ridge and Partners LLP recently hosted a thought-provoking panel discussion as part of the Education Estates® Leaders Network gathering in Manchester.

With growing pressure on public sector estates to decarbonise and optimise resources, the interactive session explored whether upcoming policy and legislative changes are likely to tip the balance in favour of retrofit or new build in the year ahead.

Expert voices from across education, construction, design and policy came together to examine what’s changing, what it means in practice and how to stay ahead.

Designed for everyone involved in shaping or delivering school, college or university buildings – from estates and facilities leads to project sponsors, architects, consultants and contractors – the session cut through uncertainty and offered practical insight to support better decision-making.

Hosted by Barker Associates

Decarbonisation of Heat in Existing Buildings

📍 Birmingham

As the world races towards a net zero carbon future, the debate over the most effective and sustainable heating solutions continues to intensify. At the Education Estates® Leaders Network gathering, hosted by Barker Associates in Birmingham, a structured panel debate tackled this head-on, exploring the case for innovative bivalent hybrid heating systems versus an all-electric route aligned with ambitious 2035 and 2050 carbon targets.

In "Bivalent Hybrid Heating vs Full Electric Net Zero Carbon: The Ultimate Showdown for a Sustainable Future", leading consultants, specialists and client voices examined the benefits, risks and practical implications of both approaches.

Delegates heard compelling insights from sector experts who offered contrasting perspectives on how best to meet future sustainability goals while balancing feasibility, resilience and cost.